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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5.0 star property
Victorian hotel with a 24-hour fitness center and a 24-hour front desk

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Photo gallery for The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Reception
Self parking (NZD 30 per day)
Royal Skylight Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar
Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar
Royal Skylight Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Housekeeping

Room options

View all photos for Observatory Deluxe Room

Observatory Deluxe Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Observatory Deluxe Room

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
Premium bedding
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
Premium bedding
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Room

Prestige Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Prestige Room

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Skylight Room

Prestige Skylight Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Prestige Skylight Room

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Royal Skylight Room

Royal Skylight Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Royal Skylight Room

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013

What's nearby

  • Hagley Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Christchurch Public Hospital - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Riverside Market - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Christchurch Casino - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Riccarton Road - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Christchurch Railway Station - 11 min drive
  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Rockpool Bar - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Craft Embassy - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Rollickin Gelato Café - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Kaiser Brew Garden - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Black & White Coffee Cartel - ‬6 min walk

About this property

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Luxury eco-certified hotel renovated in 2022 and located near Hagley Park
Located close to The Arts Centre and Christchurch Art Gallery, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch provides a grocery/convenience store, concerts and live shows, and an art gallery on site. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a library and dry cleaning/laundry services.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Continental breakfast (surcharge), bike rentals, and self parking (surcharge)
  • Coffee/tea in the lobby, an elevator, and smoke-free premises
  • A banquet hall, 1 meeting room, and books
  • Guest reviews say great things the helpful staff, first-rate property condition, and location
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts such as premium bedding and pillow menus, in addition to perks like air conditioning and bathrobes.
More amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and free toiletries
  • 49-inch Smart TVs with Netflix, streaming services, and digital channels
  • Wardrobes/closets, electric kettles, and heating

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Languages

English, Filipino, Hindi, Korean

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 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
  • Smoke-free property
  • 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
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • 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

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

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)

National rating

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

Property is also known as

The Observatory Christchurch
Observatory Hotel Christchurch
Observatorty Hotel Christchurch
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Hotel
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Christchurch
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Hotel Christchurch

Frequently asked questions

Is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

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 Hagley Park and The Arts Centre. Christchurch Art Gallery and Riverside Market are also within 10 minutes.

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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 228 out of 250 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 250 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 250 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 250 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 250 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10

A beautiful hotel in a great location. A great coffee shop right in the former university complex, art, music, and across from the botanical gardens.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10

Nice room, kind staff, and a lovely lounge
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10

Interesting hotel. Super walkable to evwrything. Great staff too.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10

We loved this place. Right across from the Botanic Gardens and absolutely beautiful building and surroundings. Would stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10

Beautiful historical property in midst of the cultural center.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10

This is an 1800s University converted to a hotel so has a history to it. Settings are very artistic. Room was nice and spacious. Beautiful art area outside.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10

Lovely staff and service, terrific atmosphere in the arts centre
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10

Beautiful property. Lovely location with lots of dining and shopping options close by. Lots of little details. We got a lovely Easter treat. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10

Great building to have as a hotel in a really good location.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10

Beautiful historic building. Comfortable bed. Great water pressure.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10

Wonderful staff and outstanding location!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10

Beautiful location, amazing rooms, friendly and helpful staff, great breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10

Really enjoyed the hotel and surrounding areas. A bit of constructive feedback: Check in process was a bit clumsy and the breakfast area was not reflective of a top hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10

Beautiful and clean property and rooms, excellent service, prime location that is walking distance to central restaurants and shopping. We really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10

Next to a wonderful botanical garden. Close to restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10

Beautiful hotel in former university buildings that reminded us of Hogwarts!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10

Location is everything. 2nd stay and it’s our favourite in Christchurch.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10

We had a short stay but wished we could stay longer. Great staff, awesome building, and a really nice room.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10

Exceeded expectations. Great location. Arts center a great asset. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10

The building is gorgeous from the outside and the entry is very classic and historic. The room itself is rather small.

10/10

Incredible stay in Christchurch in the most beautifully designed hotel in a great location. The rooms were so comfortable and the staff was so friendly and helpful. The lounge area with coffee and tea machines was a lovely luxury to have. Hope to return to this beautiful hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10

Luxury hotel. Great room with large bathroom. Staff very friendly. Close to many dining options.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10

Beautiful building close to the centre of Christchurch. Everything in walking distance. Nicely appointed room, only downside for us was the room and bathroom were set up for people with disabilities so everything was low level.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10

Great hotel - mix of character buildings and modern rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10

Very cute rooms and lobby, so much history. Loved it.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024