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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5.0 star property
5-star luxury hotel near Hagley Park

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Photo gallery for The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Reception
Exterior
Lobby lounge
Self parking (NZD 30 per day)
Royal Skylight Room

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

Observatory Deluxe Room

  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Room

Prestige Room

Prestige Room

  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Skylight Room

Prestige Skylight Room

Prestige Skylight Room

  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Royal Skylight Room

Royal Skylight Room

Royal Skylight Room

  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Christchurch

Heart of Christchurch.A stay at this Christchurch City Centre hotel places you steps from The Arts Centre and within a 5-minute walk of Hagley Park. Christchurch Art Gallery and Riverside Market are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Hagley Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Riverside Market - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Christchurch Public Hospital - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Christchurch Casino - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Riccarton Road - 20 min walk - 1.7 km

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

5-star luxury hotel near Hagley Park
As a guest of The Observatory Hotel Christchurch, you'll find a 24-hour fitness center, a library, and tour/ticket assistance. Event space at this hotel measures 269 square feet (25 square meters) and includes conference space. WiFi is free in public spaces. The luxury The Observatory Hotel Christchurch also features coffee/tea in a common area, concierge services, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Limited parking is available for a fee and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. A complete renovation of The Observatory Hotel Christchurch was completed in May 2022.

This Victorian Christchurch hotel is smoke free.

  • 33 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 3 buildings
  • 269 sq ft of conference space
  • 25 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1896
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Convenience store
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
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.

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

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

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

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

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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

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

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit or credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB International, Union Pay, debit cards, and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • 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. 216 out of 237 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 237 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 237 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 237 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 237 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

Louise

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Elsbeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful hotel in Christchurch!
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 Excellent

Mona

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel in former university buildings that reminded us of Hogwarts!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

George Robert

Liked: Staff & service
The underground room was not so excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul, Harpenden

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great building to have as a hotel in a really good location.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. By arboretum and great restaurant in complex.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gail

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Luxury hotel. Great room with large bathroom. Staff very friendly. Close to many dining options.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edwin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 Excellent

Catherine

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Do,I nick and the staff were amazing. The social hour was a very nice touch.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chantal V.

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
So cool historical building and great interest like lord rutherfords school
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kokui

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

2/10 Terrible

Edis

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The worst experience ever! We arrived around 6 pm after a long drive. We booked this hotel because we were sure this would be the best place to rest well in a quiet location. Unfortunately, we were placed in the last available room on the first floor, facing the street. We could hear people talking and every car passing by. Furthermore, we could hear the people in the next door room and on the second floor because the hotel is made of old wood, so you can hear everything! We kindly asked the reception to change our room, but they said it was the last available room. We asked for a refund because this room was not suitable for an overnight stay. The staff said that because we booked through Expedia, they could not refund us and advised us to contact Expedia for a refund. We did so. We left this hotel and booked another one. 48 hours later, we received an email from Expedia telling us that the hotel had rejected the refund. We were shocked. This hotel is a complete scam, old, and with rude staff. Stay away!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lance

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing atmosphere.
Stunning building with lots of history. The staff were amazing and the room was very comfortable! Would recommend to anyone looking for something unique.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024