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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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Reception
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Meeting facility
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch blends art, culture, and comfort near Hagley Park. This eco-certified property has an on-site grocery store and hosts concerts. Guests enjoy in-room WiFi, convenient dry cleaning, and a genuinely welcoming staff.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
The current price is NT$3,437
NT$3,953 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 20 - Sep 21

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 5 - Sep 6
Check availability for tonight Sep 5 - Sep 6

Tomorrow

Sep 6 - Sep 7
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 6 - Sep 7

View all photos for Observatory Deluxe Room

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

Observatory Deluxe Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(36 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
Down duvet
  • 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

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Prestige Room

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

Prestige Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 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

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 560 sq ft
  • 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 km
  • Christchurch Public Hospital - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Riverside Market - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Christchurch Casino - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Riccarton Road - 18 min walk - 1.5 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Fat Eddie's - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Craft Embassy - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Quad Eatery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Antigua Boat Sheds - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar - ‬4 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)
  • A banquet hall, a water dispenser, and 1 meeting room
  • Luggage storage, a 24-hour front desk, and tour/ticket assistance
  • 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.

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
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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 does it cost to stay at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

As of 2025/9/5, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch on 2025/9/20 start from NT$3,437, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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. 239 out of 265 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 265 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 265 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 265 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 265 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 Excellent

Henry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Laid back atmosphere, also great lounge to relax in and have tea.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great boutique hotel. My only negative would be the bed could have been better
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a slice of luxury in a beautiful setting. Sadly only one night but it was fantastic.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Coffee, restaurants, tram, and park right at your doorstep.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic staff,location and design
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tamara

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
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 Excellent

Yihong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice room, kind staff, and a lovely lounge
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Interesting hotel. Super walkable to evwrything. Great staff too.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

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

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful historical property in midst of the cultural center.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

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

Verified traveler

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

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.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff and service, terrific atmosphere in the arts centre
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nanda

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 Excellent

Sue

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

Sofia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location, amazing rooms, friendly and helpful staff, great breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Noelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful staff and outstanding location!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

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

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

8/10 Good

James

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

10/10 Excellent

Mona

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

Anil

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

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

Luke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel - mix of character buildings and modern rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024