The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

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Luxury
5.0 star property
9.6

Exceptional

Elegant escape near botanical beauty

A former university building, this charming hotel offers beautiful decor and a unique setting steps from the Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park. Enjoy stylish amenities and lovely common areas in a perfect location near the city centre.

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Business services
The current price is €162
includes taxes & fees
25 Oct - 26 Oct

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
(19 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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)
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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)
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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)
  • 52 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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)
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
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About the area

Located in Christchurch, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is in the city centre. Riverside Market and Cashel Mall are worth exploring if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit The Arts Centre. Hagley Park and Christchurch Art Gallery are two other places to visit that come recommended. Visit our Christchurch travel guide
Map
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013

What's nearby

  • A calm river with trees and grass on both sides.
    Hagley Park
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • A historic building with a clock tower, banners, and a statue in front.
    Canterbury Museum
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • A modern glass building, a street with cars, and traditional houses.
    Christchurch Art Gallery
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Riverside Market
    6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Christchurch Casino
    10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • The Little Fiddle
    7 min walk
  • Manu Restaurant and Bar
    6 min walk
  • The Craft Embassy
    7 min walk
  • Quad Eatery
    2 min walk
  • Inati Restaurant
    5 min walk

About this property

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

  • Luxury hotel remodelled in 2022 and located near Hagley Park
  • Located close to The Arts Centre and Christchurch Art Gallery, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch provides a corner/local shop, concerts and live shows and an art gallery on-site. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a library and dry cleaning/laundry services.
  • You'll also find perks such as:
    • Continental breakfast (surcharge), bike hire and self-parking (surcharge)
    • A lift, 1 meeting room and a 24-hour front desk
    • Coffee/tea in reception, tour/ticket information and books
    • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff, first-rate property condition and location
  • Room features
  • All guest rooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts, such as premium bedding and pillow menus, in addition to perks, such as air conditioning and bathrobes.
  • Other amenities include:
    • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and free toiletries
    • 49-inch Smart TVs with Netflix, streaming services and digital channels
    • Wardrobes/cupboards, electric kettles and heating

Awards and affiliations

  • Eco-certified property
  • This property is certified by this third-party sustainability certification scheme: Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award. For more information on what this certification requires and verifies, please visit their website.

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includes taxes & fees
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Frequently asked questions

Is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

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

As of 24 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch on 25 Oct 2026 start from €162, 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.

How much is parking at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Self-parking is available for NZD 30 per day. Limited spots are available.

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

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

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

Checkout is at 10:00 AM. Late checkout is available for a fee.

Where is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch located?

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this luxury hotel is steps away from The Arts Centre and Hagley Park. Christchurch Art Gallery and Riverside Market are also within 10 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.6

Amenities

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 328 out of 379 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 35 out of 379 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 379 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 379 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 379 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at The Observatory Hotel. Very friendly staff ,immaculate room and a wonderful experience, we will return!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautifully restored building, with a professional and friendly team of staff able to assist with all our requests. Rooms were well appointed with great design touches. A wonderful escape in the city!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ **Excellent Stay at The Observatory Hotel!** We absolutely loved our stay at The Observatory Hotel in Christchurch. The hotel is beautiful, unique, and full of character, with an amazing location in the historic Arts Centre and within walking distance of so much that Christchurch has to offer. Our room was comfortable and beautifully decorated, and the entire property had such a charming boutique feel. The staff were welcoming, friendly, and helpful throughout our stay. The combination of the historic architecture, beautiful surroundings, excellent location, and wonderful service made our stay truly memorable. We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend The Observatory to anyone visiting Christchurch!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location - near to city centre and the botanical gardens. Helpful staff and a nice 'happy hour' tasting in the evenings.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So much character and beautifully designed in historic buildings. Incredibly convenient to walk to downtown. Beautiful room and bathrooms, all fully up to date and well appointed.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A beautiful unique hotel in an excellent location.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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

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

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Food and cafe/wine bar within the complex. No breakfast or bar in the actual hotel itself. However, the surroundings are BEAUTIFUL! Well worth a walk around. Excellent accommodation. Highly recommend. Check in advance to see when the observatory tower is open.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, quiet room
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We absolutely loved our stay at The Observatory Hotel. The hotel itself is beautiful, full of character and history, and the location in the Arts Centre, right opposite the Botanic Gardens, is fantastic. We loved being able to walk everywhere and explore Christchurch from such a central yet peaceful location. Our room was beautifully decorated, comfortable and full of lovely little touches. The whole hotel has such a unique feel, it’s much more than just a hotel and feels like you’re staying somewhere with a real story and character. The communal lounge was also a lovely touch and a great place to relax, with tea, coffee and little treats available. The staff were warm, friendly and incredibly helpful throughout our stay. We particularly loved the atmosphere of the surrounding Arts Centre, with its historic buildings, cafés, food options and independent shops right on the doorstep. The Observatory was easily one of our favourite places we stayed in Christchurch. It’s stylish without feeling stuffy, full of character without losing comfort, and in an unbeatable location. We’d definitely stay here again and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for somewhere a little different and special in Christchurch.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place to stay, great location.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful hotel very charming- close to restaurants
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location, amazing rooms, friendly and helpful staff, great breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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