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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Property class: 5 and above

Choose dates to view prices

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 gym with treadmills, an elliptical, and free weights.
A living room with teal walls, a blue sofa, patterned armchairs, and a flat-screen TV.
A spacious attic bedroom with a large bed, a sofa, and a dining area.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • 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
    ‪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)
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

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

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

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

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About the neighborhood

Christchurch

Located in Christchurch City Centre, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is next to popular attractions like The Arts Centre and Hagley Park. This 33-room, 5-star hotel has in-room conveniences like minibars, espresso makers, and Smart TVs.

What's nearby

  • The Arts Centre - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Hagley Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Christchurch Art Gallery - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Riverside Market - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Christchurch Casino - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Little Fiddle - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Craft Embassy - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Manu Restaurant and Bar - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Chiwahwah Mexican Cantina Bar - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Curators House - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Renovated in 2022, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch offers a 24-hour gym, free WiFi in public areas, and conference space. Self parking is offered for NZD 30 per day. Front-desk staff can answer questions 24/7, and assist with tours or tickets, securing valuables, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this luxury hotel include coffee/tea in a common area, a library, and a convenience store.
49-inch Smart TVs come with digital channels and Netflix, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and pillow menus, and bathrooms offer rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Minibars, espresso makers, and free local calls are also standard.
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.

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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 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

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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 list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit or credit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Parking has height restrictions.
  • 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

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch provides free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, review the cancellation policy on our site.

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch on Sep 4, 2026 start from $175, 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.

What can I see around The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

This hotel is situated in Christchurch City Centre, just steps from Hagley Park and Canterbury Museum, and within a short walk of Cathedral Square. You'll also find Riverside Market and Christchurch Botanic Gardens less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Yes, uncovered parking is offered for NZD 30 per day. Though parking is limited parking spaces, wheelchair-accessible van parking is also available. You'll find a max of 1 space per unit.

Is a spa located at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Spa services at the hotel include couples treatments.

Are there luxury amenities available at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Yes, some luxury features of this hotel include champagne service, an art gallery, and concerts/live shows.

Does The Observatory Hotel Christchurch feature a casino on the premises?

No, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including champagne service as well as proposal/romance packages and concerts/live shows.

Does The Observatory Hotel Christchurch have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does The Observatory Hotel Christchurch have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch offers continental breakfast each morning for a surcharge though there is no restaurant.

Does The Observatory Hotel Christchurch allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch though service animals are welcome.

Does The Observatory Hotel Christchurch have connecting rooms available?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

The closest major airport to The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is Christchurch International Airport (CHC), which is 6.4 mi away (19 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch.

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 318 out of 364 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 364 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 364 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 364 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 364 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel, walking distance to many attractions. The rooms are very nice. An excellent stay!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2026
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

Germano

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Beautiful buildings
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Norma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very welcoming and helpful. The accommodations were nice and clean. We would go back and stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel. Staff available for late check in. Rooms are immaculate and beds are dreamy ! Highly recommend to stay when in Christchurch.
Stayed 2 nights in May 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

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a lovely night staying at this hotel. It's been wonderfully designed within the historic building, and such a short walk to the city & gardens and everything that Christchurch has to offer.
Stayed 1 night in May 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

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

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

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

Kam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Delightful stay, walking distance to everything. Only complaint is that our room was very small. As a re-purposed building, I am sure there is a variety of room configurations. Ours was very compact.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 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

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

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

Nicole

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

Chunsheng

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