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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Reception
Exterior
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Self parking (NZD 30 per day)
Lobby lounge

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013
  • Hagley Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Christchurch Public Hospital
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Christchurch Casino
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Observatory Deluxe Room

Observatory Deluxe Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Observatory Deluxe Room

  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Room

Prestige Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Prestige Room

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Skylight Room

Prestige Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Prestige Skylight Room

  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Royal Skylight Room

Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Royal Skylight Room

  • 560 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About this property

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5-star hotel in Christchurch City Centre
A 24-hour fitness center, coffee/tea in a common area, and conference space are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include self parking, concierge services, and dry cleaning.
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch offers 33 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and espresso makers. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 49-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels and Netflix. Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch features a 24-hour fitness center, a library, and tour/ticket assistance. Event facilities measuring 269 square feet (25 square meters) include conference space. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. This Victorian hotel also offers coffee/tea in a common area, concierge services, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Limited onsite parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis (surcharge). A total renovation of this property was completed in May 2022.

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is a smoke-free property.

Continental breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

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

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 225 out of 247 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 247 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 247 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 247 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 247 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

8/10 Good

Jill

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The building is gorgeous from the outside and the entry is very classic and historic. The room itself is rather small.

10/10 Excellent

Joyce

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful hotel very charming- close to restaurants
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph, Bellevue

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding, amazing, 5* service and facility!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

ivan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful historic building. Comfortable bed. Great water pressure.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

James, Northville

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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

8/10 Good

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good hotel

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 Excellent

Graham

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Costanza, toronto

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Steven

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Exceeded expectations. Great location. Arts center a great asset. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela, Kelowna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Louise

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking available however we didn’t use our car. Walkable to all areas we visited
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Traveled with partner
We had to book a last-minute reservation at a hotel in Christchurch due to airline issues and chose The Observatory. We ended up being so glad we had the airline mishap, because of this lovely hotel. The staff was so welcoming and went above and beyond themselves to be helpful. The atmosphere was magical, like being in a castle. Our room was beautiful, and the shower was amazing. It was outstanding to see all of the original art on the walls as well as experience the extraordinary exhibit upstairs. Loved being in the middle of great shopping and right next to the botanical gardens. This is a 5 star local.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jack

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erica, Palo Alto

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic property-revamped college building. Great rooms, lovely lounge. Wine bar close by is great. Staff seems a bit annoyed to have to deal with actual guests. I’m guessing this is due to the nonstop instagrammers. Breakfast was skimpy for the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Adorable hotel in Christchurch!

We stayed here on each of the bookends of our 9 day trip to NZ and thought Christchurch would be underwhelming but this hotel made it so amazing! In an old renovated university turned adorable quaint boutique hotel, the rooms are clean, quiet and adorable! Checkin was super easy and seamless, front desk was very helpful. Beds are SO a comfortable with luxury sheets and pillows (a huge welcome after staying in 3 other hotels during our trip!) The bathrooms are luxurious and spacious and each room had a mini bar and good coffee. The complimentary breakfast is quite good and again in a quaint and relaxing space. We walked to town each day and enjoyed the close proximity we were to the city. We will definitely be coming back to the hotel, highly recommend!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tom, Fruita

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Location is everything. 2nd stay and it’s our favourite in Christchurch.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karim

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very cute rooms and lobby, so much history. Loved it.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anil, Encinitas

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Next to a wonderful botanical garden. Close to restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024