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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5.0 star property
Luxury hotel with a 24-hour fitness center, steps from The Arts Centre

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Photo gallery for The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Lobby lounge
Gym
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Meeting facility
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

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, Hagley Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Christchurch Public Hospital
    ‪7 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)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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
(44 reviews)
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)
  • 560 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Room

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

Prestige Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • 323 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Hagley Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Riverside Market - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Cathedral Square - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Christchurch Public Hospital - 7 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
  • ‪Quad Eatery - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Lucky Ninja - ‬1 min walk

About this property

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Luxury hotel with a 24-hour fitness center, steps from The Arts Centre
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 securing valuables, dry cleaning/laundry, and concierge services. Other amenities at this luxury hotel include coffee/tea in a common area, a library, and a water dispenser.
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).

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

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.

What can I see around The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

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

Is there parking available at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Yes, uncovered parking is offered for NZD 30 per day. Though parking is available on request, accessible 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.

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.

Is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch a good place to stay for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including Champagne service as well as proposal/romance packages and 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?

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).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch.

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 269 out of 306 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 306 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 306 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 306 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 306 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Mary Augusta

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historical convenient location
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Aditya

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Great location. Good property. Terrible service. Stay far away.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

JH

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful designed and well kept hotel right downtown
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

David

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is not what is in picture at best 2-3 stars, very clean but pictures misleading. 1 staff member on site most of time before 7pm Supposed to have free breakfast but they try and sell to you Not worth money
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heike, San Diego

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a charming place to stay! Appreciated all the little amenities—coffee and hot chocolate in the room, the robes, and the cappuccino maker and cookies in the lobby. The art everywhere was a bonus— can recommend visiting the free gallery upstairs and wandering through the art galleries on the surrounding campus. The location couldn’t be better; you can easily walk to the botanical gardens , to Riverside Market (get a Paris Brest pastry when there), to the museums (the Quake Center is a must see), and to a multitude of restaurant and shops. On top of all this, the hotel staff were uniformly welcoming and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Terrific place.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ben

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful hotel. Lots of attention to detail. Very warm and inviting. Close to central city with lots of restaurants close by. A gem!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Henry

Traveled with family
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

Karen

Business traveler
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

Verified traveler

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

Excellent Christchurch Destination

We were truly delighted by our stay at the Observatory. In addition to being centrally located, the hotel is part of an arts center that has been reconstructed/renovated from the Christchurch earthquakes. The history is fascinating! We were treated well and felt welcome. Falling int the feather bed was like a dream after a long trip! The hotel is in walking distance of a variety of restaurants with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The really beautiful Botanical Gardens are also within walking distance of the Observatory, a serene and peaceful place to wander. Overall we could not have been more happy with our stay, only wish we stayed longer!
Stayed 1 night 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

Verified traveler

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

Lovely hotel in a beautiful building

Excellent staff, very welcoming and helpful. Lovely room with comfortable bed and superb building. Great place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

James

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grace

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

The most comfortable bed ever!

We had a lovely stay at this gorgeous hotel - the bed was a cloud, we slept so well. The setting is lovely.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 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

6/10 Okay

Kate, APO

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beware. I booked and prepaid for a Prestige Skylight Room but was given a small, standard room on arrival. Something seemed off but I was too tired from traveling. The next morning, I asked and after some deliberation, they said I was given the wrong room but they could not move me because the right room wasn't available. They told me they would refund NZ$400 to my credit card, and reassured me of this when I checked out. They never did. I reached out after getting home and they didn't respond. The smallness of the room ended up mattering because I was in it for 2 days fighting off an illness. It was not great. They have no dinner on site but thankfully they have a "snacks" room service for lunch which saved me. The vegan pie arrived frozen in the middle but the other things I tried in those 2 days -- pizza, corn fritters, falafel fried -- were pretty good. The breakfast was nice. They gave me some macarons as an apology for the room snafu and comped my ~NZ$50 in room service, but the lack of communication and broken trust leave a very sour taste. Overall, while the facility is nice, the service was amateur and untrustworthy. I won't stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025