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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Photo gallery for The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Lobby lounge
Royal Skylight Room
Gym
Royal Skylight Room
Meeting facility

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Parking available
  • Business services
The current price is AU$204
includes taxes & fees
17 May - 18 May

Explore the area

View map
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013
  • Place, The Arts Centre
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Hagley Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Riverside Market
    ‪6 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 duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Observatory Deluxe Room

Observatory Deluxe Room

Observatory Deluxe Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(48 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Skylight Room

Prestige Skylight Room

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

Royal Skylight Room

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

Prestige Room

Prestige Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Christchurch

A luxury stay in the heart of Christchurch awaits you at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch. You'll be within steps of The Arts Centre and within a short 5-minute stroll of Hagley Park. Highlights at this Victorian hotel include in-room free WiFi and Smart TVs. .This business-friendly hotel offers free WiFi in public areas and a 24-hour fitness centre, and has concierge services. Added amenities include coffee/tea in a common area, a 24-hour front desk and a library. Each morning continental breakfast is served between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Sights within a 10-minute walk of this 5-property class Christchurch City Centre hotel include Christchurch Art Gallery and Riverside Market.

What's nearby

  • The Arts Centre - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Hagley Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Riverside Market - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Christchurch Casino - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

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
  • ‪Manu Restaurant and Bar - ‬6 min walk

About this property

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

As a guest of The Observatory Hotel Christchurch, you'll find a 24-hour fitness centre, a library, and tour/ticket assistance. Event space at this hotel measures 269 square feet (25 square metres) and includes conference space. WiFi is free in public spaces. The luxury The Observatory Hotel Christchurch also features coffee/tea in 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
  • Corner/local shop
  • Lift
  • 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 duvets and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 49-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels and Netflix. Bathrooms include a shower with a rainfall showerhead, bathrobes, slippers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes, as well as telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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The Mayfair
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  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
  • Breakfast available
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 313 reviews
The price is AU$205
includes taxes & fees
7 June - 8 June
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Height restrictions apply for on-site parking
  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Uncovered parking on site (NZD 30 per day)
  • Limited number of on-site self parking spaces 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.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Height-adjustable showerhead
  • Lift
  • 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 lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • 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
  • Smoke-free property
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • 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
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 per cent 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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: from approximately NZD 30 for adults and from 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 per cent

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 on-site parking
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise 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 guest room reservation. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB International, Union Pay, debit cards and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise 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 all 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

What is the cancellation policy at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 15 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch on 17 May 2026 start from AU$204, 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.

Is parking available at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Yep, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch has an uncovered self car park for NZD 30 per day. A self car park is also available, for a fee. Onsite parking is limited (max 1 space per unit).

Are there any beaches close to The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

The closest beach to The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is Sumner Beach (11.1 km).

What makes The Observatory Hotel Christchurch a romantic place to stay?

Couples spa treatments and a champagne service, as well as rainfall showerheads and premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch.

Does The Observatory Hotel Christchurch serve breakfast?

Yep, continental brekkie is on offer daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

No, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

There isn't one on site, but Hagley Golf Club is a short 12-minute walk away.

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 288 out of 331 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 331 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 331 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 331 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 331 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, quiet room
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

2/10 Terrible

Lucy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Room was an attic. Two flights of stairs to reach it. One before loft and one after. Breakfast awful. Croissants etc stale.Tiny breakfast room. No decent fruit. Not accessible by car to unload luggage. Some receptionists very unhelpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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