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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

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Lobby lounge
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Meeting facility
Gym
Luxury
5.0 star property
9.6

Exceptional

Arts Centre sanctuary in Christchurch

Surrounded by the historic Arts Centre, this boutique hotel offers a peaceful retreat near the botanical gardens. Luxurious rooms feature comfortable beds with premium linens and rainfall showers. Friendly staff serve complimentary cappuccinos at check-in while providing local insider tips.

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Parking 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
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

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)
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
(48 reviews)
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • 560 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Prestige Room

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

Prestige Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)
  • 323 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

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

  • The Arts Centre - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Hagley Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Riverside Market - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Christchurch Casino - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Christchurch Railway Station - 11 min drive
  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Craft Embassy - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Little Fiddle - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Curators House - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Chiwahwah Mexican Cantina Bar - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Quad Eatery - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5-star luxury hotel near The Arts Centre
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.

Similar properties

Interior entrance
The Mayfair
Christchurch City Centre
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 311 reviews
$133 nightly
The price is $153
Jun 1 - Jun 2
Total with taxes and fees
The Mayfair

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 self 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
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.

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

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch to the airport?

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is 6.4 mi (19-min drive) away from the Christchurch International Airport (CHC) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of May 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch on May 17, 2026 start from $154, 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.

Does The Observatory Hotel Christchurch have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch.

How close is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch to the beach?

This hotel is 7.4 mi (21-min drive) from Sumner Beach and 7.5 mi (21-min drive) from New Brighton Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Observatory Hotel Christchurch offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch, but continental breakfast is offered for a fee of NZD 30 for adults and NZD 30 for children. It's available every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Christchurch Casino (12-min walk) is nearby.

What time is check-in at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Self parking is available for NZD 30 per day.

Does The Observatory Hotel Christchurch have a pool?

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch does not have a pool.

Does The Observatory Hotel Christchurch have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch to downtown Christchurch?

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is 0.4 mi away from Christchurch.

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 286 out of 329 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 329 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 329 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 329 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 329 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Chunsheng

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

10/10 Excellent

Douglas, Bethesda

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Interesting historic building, clean and well-sized rooms, friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Srinath, Pleasanton

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Traveled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff, location, history.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

bonnie

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Breakfast was not available at the hotel/we did not take it up if it was as we wanted to discover the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Raphael, Colorado Springs

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Place is located conveniently, a great renovation of an old college.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Aaron

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

parmita

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beatriz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Park Hee

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room and kind of staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Troy

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

alastair

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

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

8/10 Good

Tasi

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay here. Great location. Lovely rooms. Friendly staff. Will return again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Exceptional service. Fantastic location. Very clean room. No complaints.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doris

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel with great common areas in a wonderful part of town.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne Paula

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hannah

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025