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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

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Photo gallery for The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

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

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013
  • Place, The Arts Centre
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Hagley Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Christchurch Casino
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
    ‪15 min drive‬

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
(18 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
(49 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About this property

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

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's great location gets high marks from our customers. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from The Arts Centre. Enjoy features like free WiFi in public areas, plus a 24-hour gym and breakfast (surcharge).
  • Free WiFi
  • Continental breakfast served daily for a fee
  • Self parking available for a fee
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, a concierge, and tour or ticket assistance
  • Onsite recreation includes a 24-hour gym and bike rentals
  • Guests have great things to say about the helpful staff and the location
  • Steps from The Arts Centre and 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.

For a fee, guests can enjoy continental breakfast daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Height restrictions apply for on-site parking
  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Uncovered parking on site (NZD 30 per day)
  • Limited number of on-site self parking spaces 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.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Height-adjustable showerhead
  • Lift
  • 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 lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • 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

  • Dressing gowns
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.

Payment types at the property

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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • 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.

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

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 314 out of 360 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 360 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 360 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 360 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 360 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is most delightful place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Natalia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful boutique hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Peter

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

Susan

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

Jennine

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

8/10 Good

Cara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, average room.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Morgan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place to stay in Christchurch! Close to everything
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very unique building! Loved the architecture The room had every amenity we could need. The bed was really comfy. Would definitely stay here sgain
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

DAVID

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The hotel was great, cool concept. Great location, friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Morgan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful historic building immaculately maintained
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paul

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

10/10 Excellent

Amy

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

Meghan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The building is just incredible!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Esther

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

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

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyable stay marred only by the inability as a guest to access the bar and dining room area as it was fully booked.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

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

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All very good.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chunsheng

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
A beautiful historic building
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Craig

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

Raphael

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

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff, location, history.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, super staff and facilities. Quirky and clever use of the space
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026