The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5.0 star property
5-star luxury hotel near Hagley Park

Choose dates to view prices

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Photo gallery for The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Reception
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Meeting facility
Observatory Deluxe Room | Bathroom | Shower, rainfall showerhead, free toiletries, hair dryer
Gym

Overview of The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast availableBreakfast availableBreakfast available
  • Parking availableParking availableParking available
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • LaundryLaundryLaundry
  • GymGymGym
  • HousekeepingHousekeepingHousekeeping

Check out the area

Map
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013
  • Popular LocationHagley Park1 min walk
  • Popular LocationChristchurch Public Hospital8 min walk
  • Popular LocationChristchurch Casino13 min walk
  • AirportChristchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)21 min drive

Room options

Observatory Deluxe Room

  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Prestige Room

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Prestige Skylight Room

  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Royal Skylight Room

  • 560 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

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

  • Hagley Park - 1 min walk
  • Christchurch Art Gallery - 5 min walk
  • Christchurch Public Hospital - 8 min walk
  • Christchurch Casino - 13 min walk
  • Riccarton Road - 20 min walk

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
  • Kaiser Brew Garden - 7 min walk
  • Rollickin Gelato Café - 7 min walk
  • Inati Restaurant - 4 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

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 25 for adults and NZD 25 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

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

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 25 for adults and 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 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 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. Contactless check-out is available.

We should mention

  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

National rating

Qualmark® assigns an official star rating for accommodations in New Zealand. This Hotel property is rated 5 stars.
Official New Zealand Rating provided by Qualmark®

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 (18-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 2, 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch on May 22, 2024 start from $118.49, 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.

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 (23-min drive) from Sumner Beach and 7.3 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 25 for adults and NZD 25 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 (13-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

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 137 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 149 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
lovely hotel! wish we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Curtis

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

10/10 Excellent

Mark, Marina del Rey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was my second stay at the Observatory Hotel in the last year. Last time, I stayed in a basement level room. The more "regular" room I stayed in this time was great, but a little smaller and a little less unique than the lower level rooms. Whatever the room, I love this property. It's like staying at Hogwarts, absent the noisy kids. The whole Arts Centre (of which the hotel is a part) is so stately and peaceful and interesting and convenient. Usually, when I return to a city, I like to try new places to stay. But in Christchurch, the Observatory Hotel will always be my top choice.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

jeffrey, Lake Forest

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and wonderful rooms.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gisela

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay, great location, fantastic staff, cleanliness and comfort. Could not have been a better stay - in the gym, the only place we found there could have been a bit more attention - however, this could have been the remnants of the early morning's use...
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

MR.P.F.COE

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An enjoyable stay in stylish surroundings
Superior accommodation situated in the University buildings in a central location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

JAMES

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful and unique hotel in a great location
The Observatory Hotel is a beautiful and unique hotel in a great location. It is within walking distance of shopping, nice restaurants, and the botanical garden. The service was excellent and the room was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If you like character and historical style, stay here.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our favorite place to stay in Christchurch. I do wish they had an 11am checkout instead of 10am checkout. But that seems to be the NZ way unfortunately.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023