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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Canterbury-Christchurch MT · New Zealand

9 Hereford Street ChristchurchView location

9.6/10Excellent379 Reviews
Cleanliness10.0/1010.0
Service9.8/109.8
Comfort9.8/109.8
Condition9.8/109.8
Amenities9.6/109.6
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Room prices, availability, meal plans and cancellation terms are confirmed for your selected dates.

About The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

With a stay at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch, you'll be centrally located in Christchurch, steps from The Arts Centre and Hagley Park. This luxury hotel is 0. 4 mi (0. 6 km) from Riverside Market and 0. 5 mi (0. 8 km) from Cashel Mall.

Take advantage of recreation opportunities including a 24-hour fitness center and bicycles to rent. This Victorian hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a communal living room. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Planning an event in Christchurch?

This hotel has 269 square feet (25 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite. Grab a bite from the grocery/convenience store serving guests of The Observatory Hotel Christchurch.

Continental breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee. Make yourself at home in one of the 33 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring minibars and Smart televisions. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding.

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Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries.

With a stay at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch, you'll be centrally located in Christchurch, steps from The Arts Centre and Hagley Park. This luxury hotel is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Riverside Market and 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Cashel Mall.

Make yourself at home in one of the 33 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring minibars and Smart televisions. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment.

Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Planning an event in Christchurch? This hotel has 269 square feet (25 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room.

Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.

Popular amenities

Free WiFi
Parking available
Dining services
Concierge
Laundry
Gym
Entertainment
Non-smoking
Business facilities
Banquet facilities
Accessible facilities

Check-in and check-out

Check-in from 2:00 PM
Check-in until anytime
Check-out until 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age 18

Hotel policies

No rollaway/extra beds available No cribs (infant beds) available Parking height restrictions apply Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award LGBTQIA+ friendly Professional property host/manager Property does not offer onsite COVID-19 testing Property does not require health documentation at check-in Pets not allowed Service animals are allowed Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

Cleaning and safety

Sanitization
Contactless check-out is available Cashless transactions are available
Essential Travel
Essential workers only - NO

Important information

  • You need to know
    • Parking height restrictions apply.
    • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
    • Contactless check-out is available.
    • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
  • Special Instructions
    Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools.
  • Instructions
    • 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
  • Minimal age
    18
  • Optional fees
    • 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.

  • Spoken Language

    Hindi

    Korean

    Filipino

    English

Nearby attractions

The Arts Centre 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
Hagley Park 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
Canterbury Museum 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
Christchurch Art Gallery 0.4 km / 0.2 mi
Christ's College 0.4 km / 0.3 mi
Bridge of Remembrance 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
Cathedral Square 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
Riverside Market 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
Christchurch I-SITE 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
Cashel Mall 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
Christchurch Botanic Gardens 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
Cashel Street Shopping Area 0.7 km / 0.5 mi
Christchurch Public Hospital 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Victoria Square 0.9 km / 0.6 mi

Hotel facilities & services

Services and fees can vary. Check the selected room details and hotel policies before booking.

  • Total number of rooms: 33
  • hotel
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Car parkExtra charge
  • Wi-fi
  • Laundry service
  • Bicycle hire service
  • Lift access
  • Banquet hall
  • Conference room
  • Breakfast
Upon availability

Room types

These are the hotel's room types, rather than live offers. Choose your travel dates to see available rooms, prices and booking conditions. Check availability

  • Room STANDARDRoom • STANDARDROO.ST

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

    Room STANDARD

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    Room
    View / characteristic
    STANDARD

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: ROO.ST

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • DOUBLE KING SIZE BEDDOUBLE • KING SIZE BEDDBL.KG

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

    DOUBLE KING SIZE BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    KING SIZE BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.KG

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • DOUBLE DELUXE KING BEDDOUBLE • DELUXE KING BEDDBL.DX-KG

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

    DOUBLE DELUXE KING BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    DELUXE KING BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.DX-KG

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • DOUBLE PRESTIGEDOUBLE • PRESTIGEDBL.PT

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

    DOUBLE PRESTIGE

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    PRESTIGE

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.PT

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • Room PRESTIGERoom • PRESTIGEROO.PT

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

    Room PRESTIGE

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    Room
    View / characteristic
    PRESTIGE

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: ROO.PT

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • Room DELUXERoom • DELUXEROO.DX

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

    Room DELUXE

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    Room
    View / characteristic
    DELUXE

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: ROO.DX

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

Guest reviews

What other guests saying about The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

9.6
Excellent
379 Reviews
Cleanliness
10.0 /10
Service
9.8 /10
Comfort
9.8 /10
Condition
9.8 /10
Amenities
9.6 /10
100 reviews shown
10/10
Exceptional
31 Jul 2026
Jamie
Amazing stay and location! The bed was so comfy and the complimentary teas were delightful
10/10
Exceptional
30 Jul 2026
David
Lovely old world stone building which was once a university building. Lovely place to stay.
10/10
Exceptional
23 Jul 2026
Mike
Great option, wonderful shared space that provides alternatives to working in your room. Adjacent botanical gardens, character building with history, coffee shop in complex easy walk to city centre. Highly recommended.
10/10
Exceptional
17 Jul 2026
Jill
Located at the former University of Canterbury, the refurbished rooms are in an old gray brick building. Located in east walking distance to downtown and across the street from the Botanical Garden, it was ideal for our brief stay in Christchurch. Staff was helpful. No breakfast but there are places close by. May be challenging for people with special needs (walking issues) as there are stairs throughout. That said, they may have accommodation available.
10/10
Exceptional
17 Jul 2026
Tara Jade
Very unique hotel and great location, highly recommend if you are looking for somewhere close to tourist attractions, near shops and artistic
Self
10/10
Exceptional
11 Jul 2026
Victoria Elizabeth Jane
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.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
01 Jul 2026
Amal
My second stay. Lovely staff, charming hotel, Breakfast that should be called a high tea or snack bar at best. Incredible stay, awesome staff, skip the $30 \"breakfast\"
Self
10/10
Exceptional
30 Jun 2026
Eliana
Wonderful location.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
28 Jun 2026
shao chun
very good property and very fancy.
hotel supply good coffee and cookies, in a beatiful lunge room.
staff are very helpful.
but remember to book a big room. our room is so small, not thinking it so tiny.
all other very good.
Thanks
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
14 Jun 2026
alexis
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.
Family
10/10
Exceptional
06 Jun 2026
Robert
Great location - near to city centre and the botanical gardens.
Helpful staff and a nice 'happy hour' tasting in the evenings.
Family_with_children
10/10
Exceptional
29 May 2026
Gordon
Lovely hotel. Staff available for late check in. Rooms are immaculate and beds are dreamy !
Highly recommend to stay when in Christchurch.
Self
10/10
Exceptional
27 May 2026
Norma
The staff was very welcoming and helpful. The accommodations were nice and clean.
We would go back and stay there again.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
27 May 2026
Kam
Delightful stay, walking distance to everything. Only complaint is that our room was very small. As a re-purposed building, I am sure there is a variety of room configurations. Ours was very compact.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
21 May 2026
Lindsay
The hotel is located on the grounds of the former University of Canterbury campus in Christchurch, which made for a unique experience. The historic setting gives the property plenty of character and atmosphere.
The common lounge area of the hotel is a lovely place to relax and enjoy a tea or coffee. The rooms are clean and comfortable however they are quite small.
Overall a nice stay
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
19 May 2026
Germano
Great location. Beautiful buildings
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
18 May 2026
Richard
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.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
17 May 2026
Pamela
Great hotel, walking distance to many attractions. The rooms are very nice. An excellent stay!
Self
10/10
Exceptional
29 Apr 2026
Robert
Very unique building! Loved the architecture The room had every amenity we could need. The bed was really comfy. Would definitely stay here sgain
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
23 Apr 2026
Esther
We had a great stay at The Observatory in Christchurch. It’s a beautiful hotel—formerly a university—and they’ve preserved the original aesthetic, which gives it a lot of character. The photos honestly don’t do it justice; it’s even more stunning in person.

The room and bathroom were very spacious, the bed was extremely comfortable, and everything was spotless. The location is also very convenient. Would definitely recommend staying here.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
14 Apr 2026
John
Nice hotel, very busy outside with tourists taking photos outside hotel, noisy especially with outdoor piano playing (someone played outside building at 10:30pm…..noisy. Expensive to work, even by US and Sydney standards.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
13 Apr 2026
Natalia
Beautiful boutique hotel.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
12 Apr 2026
Morgan
Beautiful place to stay in Christchurch! Close to everything
8/10
Excellent
12 Apr 2026
Richard
Enjoyable stay marred only by the inability as a guest to access the bar and dining room area as it was fully booked.
Friends
8/10
Excellent
11 Apr 2026
Susan
Nice unusual hotel. Comfy bed and nice ambience. We enjoyed our stay.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
10 Apr 2026
Morgan
Beautiful historic building immaculately maintained
10/10
Exceptional
07 Apr 2026
David
All very good.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
07 Apr 2026
anne
This is most delightful place to stay!
Friends_and_family Family
10/10
Exceptional
04 Apr 2026
Peter
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.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
03 Apr 2026
Cara
Great location, average room.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
24 Mar 2026
Andrew
Excellent staff, thoughtful and considerate! The hotel itself is super impressive too, in the middle of the Arts Centre it feels as much an old university campus like Edinburgh’s as it is an arts space! Lots of food options nearby too, would definitely recommend.
10/10
Exceptional
23 Mar 2026
Meghan
The building is just incredible!
10/10
Exceptional
03 Mar 2026
Jennine
A beautiful unique hotel in an excellent location.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
02 Mar 2026
Amy
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.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
26 Feb 2026
Colin
Clean rooom
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
24 Feb 2026
DAVID
The hotel was great, cool concept. Great location, friendly staff.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
21 Feb 2026
Dr Jane
Room was very clean. Staff were amazing, really friendly and welcoming. Building and communal areas were very interesting. Well stocked, if rather expensive, mini bar. Lovely free welcome gift of honey and handmade soap.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
19 Feb 2026
Margaret
This place was amazing! Fascinating grounds, great location, right across the street from the botanic Gardens. The staff were courteous and friendly. The amenities exceeded my expectations. Felt very safe here.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
12 Feb 2026
Paul
Great location, quiet room
Leisure Partner
2/10
Poor
07 Feb 2026
Lucy
Room was an attic. Two flights of stairs to reach it. One before loft and one after. Breakfast awful. Croissants etc stale.Tiny breakfast room. No decent fruit. Not accessible by car to unload luggage. Some receptionists very unhelpful.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
28 Jan 2026
Paul
Great location, super staff and facilities. Quirky and clever use of the space
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
25 Jan 2026
Chunsheng
A beautiful historic building
10/10
Exceptional
23 Jan 2026
Douglas
Interesting historic building, clean and well-sized rooms, friendly and helpful staff.
10/10
Exceptional
23 Jan 2026
Srinath
It is a very cool hotel inside a grand university building that has been fully renovated with the latest fixtures. It is in the heart of town and you can easily walk to restaurants, botanical garden and other attractions. They even left us a gift box of local honey, soap and chocolates. The staff was very friendly. The place was a bargain compared to the various other places we stayed on our trip to New Zealand.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
23 Jan 2026
Craig
Gear location and the room was lovely. Check in was easy and the staff was very accommodating.
Leisure Friends
10/10
Exceptional
21 Jan 2026
Thomas
Staff, location, history.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
20 Jan 2026
Margaret
Breakfast was not available at the hotel/we did not take it up if it was as we wanted to discover the area.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
13 Jan 2026
Raphael
Place is located conveniently, a great renovation of an old college.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
25 Dec 2025
Michelle
Great location and beautiful hotel. The rooms are a little small, but well appointed. You can walk to great food options and there is easy street parking
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
22 Dec 2025
Beatriz
Building and location are excellent . Reception staff was brilliant and night manager too. Breakfast was a bit mean and many items were finished by the time we got there at 8am. Rooms are comfy, bright and clean, ver comfortable indeed
Partner
8/10
Excellent
17 Dec 2025
Park Hee
Clean room and kind of staff
Business_and_leisure Friends
8/10
Excellent
16 Dec 2025
Troy
Good amenities and room, and checkin staff. However, there was an access door somewhere that kept slamming while people kept passing through meaning that sleep was not possible until 11.30.
Business
10/10
Exceptional
16 Dec 2025
alastair
Great location, next to a great space for exploring. Lovely interiors and staff.
Relaxed calm atmosphere.
We only stayed over one night and wished we’d stayed longer.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
11 Dec 2025
Nicole
Lovely staff, excellent amenities close to everything
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
10 Dec 2025
Tasi
Loved our stay here. Great location. Lovely rooms. Friendly staff. Will return again.
Business_and_leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
06 Dec 2025
Gregory
Exceptional service. Fantastic location. Very clean room. No complaints.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
23 Nov 2025
Doris
Lovely hotel with great common areas in a wonderful part of town.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
14 Nov 2025
Rosa
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.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
13 Nov 2025
Anne Paula
This was such a lovely hotel with lovely reception staff! The only thing I didn't like was that the cookie that was given to welcome you in the room was already old, it was hard and inedible. There was also an incident where the breakfast lady had a tiff with another set of guests so it left a slightly negative impression. Will stay here again.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
31 Oct 2025
Ian
Historical convenient location
Leisure Partner
2/10
Poor
27 Oct 2025
Aditya
Great location. Good property. Terrible service. Stay far away.
Friends_and_family Family
10/10
Exceptional
27 Oct 2025
JH
Beautiful designed and well kept hotel right downtown
Family
4/10
Poor
26 Oct 2025
David
This is not what is in picture at best 2-3 stars, very clean but pictures misleading.

1 staff member on site most of time before 7pm

Supposed to have free breakfast but they try and sell to you

Not worth money
10/10
Exceptional
21 Oct 2025
Heike
What a charming place to stay! Appreciated all the little amenities—coffee and hot chocolate in the room, the robes, and the cappuccino maker and cookies in the lobby. The art everywhere was a bonus— can recommend visiting the free gallery upstairs and wandering through the art galleries on the surrounding campus. The location couldn’t be better; you can easily walk to the botanical gardens , to Riverside Market (get a Paris Brest pastry when there), to the museums (the Quake Center is a must see), and to a multitude of restaurant and shops. On top of all this, the hotel staff were uniformly welcoming and helpful.
Leisure
10/10
Exceptional
15 Oct 2025
Elizabeth
Wonderful hotel!
10/10
Exceptional
06 Oct 2025
Gary
Terrific place.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
27 Sep 2025
Sue
Wonderful hotel. Lots of attention to detail. Very warm and inviting. Close to central city with lots of restaurants close by. A gem!
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
03 Sep 2025
Henry
Laid back atmosphere, also great lounge to relax in and have tea.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
30 Aug 2025
Karen
This is a slice of luxury in a beautiful setting. Sadly only one night but it was fantastic.
Business Self
10/10
Exceptional
15 Aug 2025
Verified traveler

Excellent Christchurch Destination

We were truly delighted by our stay at the Observatory. In addition to being centrally located, the hotel is part of an arts center that has been reconstructed/renovated from the Christchurch earthquakes. The history is fascinating! We were treated well and felt welcome. Falling int the feather bed was like a dream after a long trip! The hotel is in walking distance of a variety of restaurants with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The really beautiful Botanical Gardens are also within walking distance of the Observatory, a serene and peaceful place to wander. Overall we could not have been more happy with our stay, only wish we stayed longer!
Friends_and_family Family
10/10
Exceptional
15 Aug 2025
Wayne
Great boutique hotel.
My only negative would be the bed could have been better
Business_and_leisure
10/10
Exceptional
04 Aug 2025
Verified traveler

Lovely hotel in a beautiful building

Excellent staff, very welcoming and helpful. Lovely room with comfortable bed and superb building. Great place to stay
Self
10/10
Exceptional
12 Jul 2025
Grace

The most comfortable bed ever!

We had a lovely stay at this gorgeous hotel - the bed was a cloud, we slept so well. The setting is lovely.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
10 Jul 2025
Karen
Coffee, restaurants, tram, and park right at your doorstep.
10/10
Exceptional
06 Jul 2025
Marc
This is an excellent hotel with luxurious amenities within easy walking distance to dining, culture, and all that Christchurch has to offer. The staff is first rate, good communicators and thoughtful.
Leisure
6/10
Pleasant
27 Jun 2025
Kate
Beware. I booked and prepaid for a Prestige Skylight Room but was given a small, standard room on arrival. Something seemed off but I was too tired from traveling. The next morning, I asked and after some deliberation, they said I was given the wrong room but they could not move me because the right room wasn't available. They told me they would refund NZ$400 to my credit card, and reassured me of this when I checked out. They never did. I reached out after getting home and they didn't respond.
The smallness of the room ended up mattering because I was in it for 2 days fighting off an illness. It was not great. They have no dinner on site but thankfully they have a \"snacks\" room service for lunch which saved me. The vegan pie arrived frozen in the middle but the other things I tried in those 2 days -- pizza, corn fritters, falafel fried -- were pretty good.
The breakfast was nice.
They gave me some macarons as an apology for the room snafu and comped my ~NZ$50 in room service, but the lack of communication and broken trust leave a very sour taste. Overall, while the facility is nice, the service was amateur and untrustworthy. I won't stay again.
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
11 Jun 2025
Teck Kee
Very nice hotel but it’s hard to get a warmer and comfortable temperature in the room, especially the bathroom.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
09 Jun 2025
Sally
Amazing
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
21 May 2025
Verified traveler

Warm hospitality in a beautiful boutique hotel

Had a lovely stay at The Observatory Hotel. From the moment I checked in, the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating—especially the gentleman who handled both check-in and check-out with such professionalism and kindness. I had requested for the king bed to be split into two singles, and the team sorted it out without any fuss. The hotel itself is stylish and peaceful, with a unique charm that sets it apart from the usual chain experience. Would happily stay again.
Friends_and_family Family
10/10
Exceptional
19 May 2025
Tamara
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.
10/10
Exceptional
18 May 2025
Scott
Fantastic staff,location and design
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
30 Apr 2025
Yihong
Nice room, kind staff, and a lovely lounge
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
25 Apr 2025
Verified traveler

Wonderful historical renovation and location.

Wonderful refurbished historical property. Nice unexpected extra touch of a chocolate Easter egg to celebrate the holiday. Only “complaint” would be the closet and storage space of the rooms, but to be fair understandable given the historic building limitations. Check out (10:00 am) could also be a bit more generous. And $30+ per day for parking seemed steep- but I understand parking in Christchurch is expensive. Location is great!
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
24 Apr 2025
Nanda
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.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
21 Apr 2025
Sue
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.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
18 Apr 2025
Nathan
Interesting hotel. Super walkable to evwrything. Great staff too.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
23 Mar 2025
Jeffrey
Lovely staff and service, terrific atmosphere in the arts centre
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
15 Mar 2025
Craig
Beautiful historical property in midst of the cultural center.
10/10
Exceptional
01 Mar 2025
Greg
First class
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
27 Feb 2025
Brian
We loved this place. Right across from the Botanic Gardens and absolutely beautiful building and surroundings. Would stay here again!
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
25 Feb 2025
John

Absolutely beautiful!!!

Absolutely amazing. The most beautiful hotel. The staff were a 10+. We would definitely stay there again. Wonderful central location.
We weren’t able to secure a suite, although we booked several months in advance. The only criticism would be the lack of storage space. A tiny closet/wardrobe and little to no drawer space. But we made it work. We peeked in a suite and the one we saw had a bigger closet/wardrobe. So hopefully next time we can get one of those. But that aside we couldn’t have found a better place to stay.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
19 Feb 2025
Jill
The building is gorgeous from the outside and the entry is very classic and historic. The room itself is rather small.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
11 Feb 2025
Mark
Wonderful hotel very charming- close to restaurants
Leisure Friends
10/10
Exceptional
10 Feb 2025
Joseph
Outstanding, amazing, 5* service and facility!
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
10 Feb 2025
ivan
Beautiful historic building. Comfortable bed. Great water pressure.
Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
30 Jan 2025
James
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.
Leisure Friends
8/10
Excellent
30 Jan 2025
Cheryl

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.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
17 Jan 2025
James
Exceeded expectations. Great location. Arts center a great asset. Highly recommended.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
17 Jan 2025
Pamela
Clean
8/10
Excellent
15 Jan 2025
Louise
Parking available however we didn’t use our car. Walkable to all areas we visited
Leisure Partner

Location & surroundings

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand

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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

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