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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

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A cozy room with a purple sofa, wooden flooring, and a brick wall. There are books on a table, a lamp, and a fireplace. - The Observatory Hotel Christchurch (Christchurch)
A spacious attic bedroom with a large bed, a sofa, and a dining area. - The Observatory Hotel Christchurch (Christchurch)
A living room with teal walls, a blue sofa, patterned armchairs, and a flat-screen TV. - The Observatory Hotel Christchurch (Christchurch)
A gym with treadmills, an elliptical, and free weights. - The Observatory Hotel Christchurch (Christchurch)
A dining room with a wooden table and chairs, a white lamp, a television on the wall, and a window. - The Observatory Hotel Christchurch (Christchurch)
Luxury
5.0 star property
9.6

Exceptional

Arts Centre sanctuary in Christchurch

Surrounded by the historic Arts Centre, this boutique hotel offers a peaceful retreat near the botanical gardens. Luxurious rooms feature comfortable beds with premium linens and rainfall showers. Friendly staff serve complimentary cappuccinos at check-in while providing local insider tips.

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Business services

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Room options

View all photos for Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

A neatly made bed with a patterned headboard, two bedside lamps, and a framed artwork on the wall.

Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(19 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Observatory Deluxe Room

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a desk lamp, and a television.

Observatory Deluxe Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(53 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Skylight Room

A neatly made bed with a patterned headboard, bedside lamps, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.

Prestige Skylight Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Royal Skylight Room

A bedroom with a sloped ceiling, a bed, a sofa, two chairs, and a small table.

Royal Skylight Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 52 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Room

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a chair, a TV, and a window with curtains.

Prestige Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Christchurch, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is in the city center. Bealey Avenue is a notable landmark, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Riverside Market and Cashel Mall. Don't miss out on a visit to The Arts Centre. Visit our Christchurch travel guide
Map
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013

What's nearby

  • A calm river with trees and grass on both sides.
    Hagley Park
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A historic building with a clock tower, banners, and a statue in front.
    Canterbury Museum
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • A modern glass building, a street with cars, and traditional houses.
    Christchurch Art Gallery
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Riverside Market
    6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Christchurch Casino
    10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Christchurch Railway Station
    11 min drive
  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
    19 min drive

Restaurants

  • Manu Restaurant and Bar
    6 min walk
  • Quad Eatery
    2 min walk
  • The Little Fiddle
    7 min walk
  • Inati Restaurant
    5 min walk
  • Curators House
    3 min walk

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Uncovered self parking on site (NZD 30 per day)
  • Limited onsite self parking (max 1 space per unit)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: NZD 30 for adults and NZD 30 for children
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Art gallery
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Books
  • Concerts/live shows
  • Library

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 269 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Spa

  • Couples treatment rooms

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Height-adjustable showerhead
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1896
  • Communal living room
  • Renovated entire property - May 2022
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 49-inch smart TV with digital channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 percent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • JCB International
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately NZD 30 for adults and NZD 30 for children
  • Uncovered self parking fee: NZD 30 per day
  • A late check-out fee will be charged
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 percent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

We should mention

Parking height restrictions apply
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property class

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is available for NZD 30 per day. Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee.

Where is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch located?

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this luxury hotel is steps from The Arts Centre and Hagley Park. Christchurch Art Gallery and Riverside Market are also within 10 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.4

Amenities

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 334 out of 386 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 35 out of 386 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 386 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 386 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 386 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at The Observatory Hotel. Very friendly staff ,immaculate room and a wonderful experience, we will return!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a rather posh hotel on a restored old college campus. Currently, the area houses art studios, shops, music/art classes, restaurants, food trucks and a Michelin star rated wine bar. The area is very walkable and across from an incredibly beautiful park.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location was just fun…. Old college courtyard with shops, restaurants and great art! Across from the botanical gardens— pleasant, relaxing walks. Easy walking to city center for great excursions. Note well, the entrance is from the courtyard, not street side.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the place to stay in Christchurch. This is an historic building with a lot of character. The location is right across the street from the botanical garden and a short walk from the Riverside Market. The lobby has a very nice sitting area with tea and coffee available. If you cannot deal with stairs, there are different levels and you may have to see if there are rooms available that have no stairs
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing stay and location! The bed was so comfy and the complimentary teas were delightful
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautifully restored building, with a professional and friendly team of staff able to assist with all our requests. Rooms were well appointed with great design touches. A wonderful escape in the city!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ **Excellent Stay at The Observatory Hotel!** We absolutely loved our stay at The Observatory Hotel in Christchurch. The hotel is beautiful, unique, and full of character, with an amazing location in the historic Arts Centre and within walking distance of so much that Christchurch has to offer. Our room was comfortable and beautifully decorated, and the entire property had such a charming boutique feel. The staff were welcoming, friendly, and helpful throughout our stay. The combination of the historic architecture, beautiful surroundings, excellent location, and wonderful service made our stay truly memorable. We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend The Observatory to anyone visiting Christchurch!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location - near to city centre and the botanical gardens. Helpful staff and a nice 'happy hour' tasting in the evenings.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Beautiful buildings
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A beautiful unique hotel in an excellent location.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very welcoming and helpful. The accommodations were nice and clean. We would go back and stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So much character and beautifully designed in historic buildings. Incredibly convenient to walk to downtown. Beautiful room and bathrooms, all fully up to date and well appointed.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel. Staff available for late check in. Rooms are immaculate and beds are dreamy ! Highly recommend to stay when in Christchurch.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a fantastic stay. The stylish fit-out, extremely comfortable bed, and friendly, helpful staff made our visit very enjoyable. We will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice unusual hotel. Comfy bed and nice ambience. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a lovely night staying at this hotel. It's been wonderfully designed within the historic building, and such a short walk to the city & gardens and everything that Christchurch has to offer.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, quiet room
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Food and cafe/wine bar within the complex. No breakfast or bar in the actual hotel itself. However, the surroundings are BEAUTIFUL! Well worth a walk around. Excellent accommodation. Highly recommend. Check in advance to see when the observatory tower is open.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely, unique hotel in convenient location. The service was excellent and we enjoyed the nice coffee/tea and wine service in the library. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff, excellent amenities close to everything
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Interesting historic building, clean and well-sized rooms, friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Place is located conveniently, a great renovation of an old college.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gear location and the room was lovely. Check in was easy and the staff was very accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location, amazing rooms, friendly and helpful staff, great breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This hotel was a highlight, absolutely beautiful, interesting, central, super clean, loved it. The rooms and staff were amazing and certainly made a Christchurch stay worth it.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025