The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5.0 star property
Victorian Christchurch hotel in Christchurch City Centre with a 24-hour fitness centre
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

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

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013
  • Hagley Park
    1 min walk
  • Canterbury Museum
    3 min walk
  • Christchurch Art Gallery
    5 min walk
  • Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
    18 min drive

Room options

Observatory Deluxe Room

Highlights

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

Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

Highlights

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

Prestige Room

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Prestige Skylight Room

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Royal Skylight Room

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Christchurch

A luxury stay in the heart of Christchurch awaits you at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch. You'll be within steps of The Arts Centre and within a short 5-minute stroll of Hagley Park. Highlights at this eco-friendly hotel include in-room free WiFi and Smart TVs. .This business-friendly hotel offers free WiFi in public areas and a 24-hour fitness centre, and has concierge services. Added amenities include coffee/tea in a common area, a 24-hour front desk and a library. Each morning continental breakfast is served between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Sights within a 10-minute walk of this 5-property class Christchurch City Centre hotel include Christchurch Art Gallery and Riverside Market.

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

Victorian Christchurch hotel in Christchurch City Centre with a 24-hour fitness centre
As a guest of The Observatory Hotel Christchurch, you'll find a 24-hour fitness centre, a library, and tour/ticket assistance. Event space at this hotel measures 269 square feet (25 square metres) and includes conference space. WiFi is free in public spaces. The luxury The Observatory Hotel Christchurch also features coffee/tea in 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
  • Corner/local shop
  • Lift
  • 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 duvets and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 49-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels and Netflix. Bathrooms include a shower with a rainfall showerhead, dressing gowns, slippers and complimentary toiletries.

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

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and 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 transport

  • Height restrictions apply for on-site parking
  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Uncovered parking on site (NZD 30 per day)
  • Limited on-site 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 25 for adults and NZD 25 for children
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

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
  • Smoke-free property
  • 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
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 per cent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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: from approximately NZD 25 for adults and from NZD 25 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 per cent

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 on-site parking
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher 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 guest room reservation. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB International, Union Pay, debit cards and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise 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 all 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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

As of 18 Nov 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch on 15 Dec 2024 start from AU$216.95, including 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.

Is parking available at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Yep, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch has an uncovered self car park for NZD 30 per day. Onsite parking is limited (max 1 space per unit).

Are there any beaches close to The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

The closest beach to The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is New Brighton Beach (10 km).

What makes The Observatory Hotel Christchurch a romantic place to stay?

Couples spa treatments and a champagne service, as well as rainfall showerheads and premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch.

Does The Observatory Hotel Christchurch serve breakfast?

Yep, continental brekkie is on offer daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

No, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

No, only service animals are allowed.

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 170 out of 184 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 184 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 184 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 184 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 184 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

Hedda

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very lovely stay
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel. Nice and quiet. Great location and staff. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved it
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josephine

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful room and buildings with a history. Nice room and facilities, very clean and neat. Rhys was very helpful and gave some tips about what we could do at the weekend in Chistchurch, thanks Rhys.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 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

8/10 Good

Tracy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Iconic location
The location was excellent. One of the best hotels I’ve stayed in Christchurch. We love the Arts Centre, it’s iconically Christchurch. We were there for such a short time it’s hard to review it properly but will return in December.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trish

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic space- lovely rooms. So close to everything. All within walking distance. Only neg was the complicated shower
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

G

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A hidden gem in Christchurch
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent boutique hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Randal

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kurt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Luke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Such a lovely hotel. Characterful but modern, well appointed and well located.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

TONY

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

10/10 Excellent

Davinder

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Another great stay, the staff are awesome and so helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rhys was great at check-in. The proprerty itself is beautiful and the location was great.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Unique stay, with highly attentive staff and a lovely room.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very unique building in a convenient location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lou Ann

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous historic property with wonderful character and a lovely public space to meet others and sip coffee & tea. Yummy gratis shortbread cookies too... Enjoyed the breakfast as well. Don't stay anywhere else in Christchurch! Great value.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

BARRY

Liked: Cleanliness
ALL GOOD HERE, VERY COURTEOUS ALL ROUND B
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a beautiful hotel, spacious rooms with beautiful decor. We would definitely return here. Can’t say enough positive things about the experience.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful boutique hotel on the old University of Canterbury campus. There’s more than a bit of Oxbridge about the buildings, which have all the charm you could ask for. The receptionists were helpful and kind. The nearby dining (and wine-tasting) options were excellent. Best of all, the hotel is across the street for the amazing botanical garden and Harley Park. We’ll be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024