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The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Christchurch , 9 Hereford Street The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora (Show on Map)

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1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests

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Summary of reviewsThe Observatory Hotel Christchurch is a distinguished destination in the historic heart of Christchurch, offering guests both charm and convenience. Nestled within the beautifully restored old university buildings of the Arts Centre, the hotel provides an exceptional location that blends history with modern amenities. Guests are conveniently positioned near the Botanic Gardens and just a short walk from the bustling city center filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops.

The hotel exudes an eclectic atmosphere with classic architecture and chic interiors. Guest rooms are praised for their cleanliness, comfort, and exquisite decor, with many noting the luxurious bathrooms and extraordinarily comfortable beds. Although some rooms are smaller, the design and attention to detail create a cozy retreat. Cleanliness throughout the hotel is impeccable, contributing to a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.

The staff at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch receive high praise for their friendliness, professionalism, and dedication to guest comfort. Standout team members enhance the hospitality experience, providing insightful local recommendations and assistance with a warm demeanor. Despite minor issues with breakfast variety and parking challenges, the overall service from staff helps ensure a memorable stay.

Breakfast at the hotel garners mixed reviews, primarily positive, with many guests appreciating the fresh and delicious continental options. Some guests note the smaller, crowded breakfast area and lack of hot food as areas for improvement, though many agree it provides a satisfying start to the day.

While parking presents some challenges due to limited availability and additional costs, the option for nearby parking and instances of free parking in the town center help mitigate these issues.

The hotel's blend of historical elegance and modern luxury creates an atmosphere of grandeur. Despite occasional suggestions of not fully meeting five-star standards due to the absence of certain amenities such as an on-site restaurant, guests frequently describe their experience as fantastic and special. The Observatory Hotel Christchurch offers a luxurious and charming retreat that beautifully marries historical heritage with contemporary comfort.
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Luxury Hotel

This 5-star hotel is set within the historic Arts Centre, offering a unique artsy boutique style. Guestrooms are individually decorated with premium bedding and rainfall showerheads. It provides a communal living room with complimentary social hour drinks.

Hotel near Golf Courses

Situated on Hereford Street in central Christchurch, this hotel provides access to Hagley Golf Club.

Hotel near Ski Resorts

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is a well-regarded hotel in the city. It provides a comfortable base with access to ski resorts like Mt Hutt and Porters within approximately 90 minutes.

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This luxury eco-certified hotel, renovated in 2022, is committed to eco-friendly practices. It implements a towel reuse program to conserve resources. The hotel consistently receives high eco-friendliness ratings from guests, reflecting its dedication to environmentally conscious operations.

Business Hotel

The Observatory Hotel stands out as a prime conference venue, offering versatile spaces and amenities tailored for business professionals. It features flexible conference and event spaces, including the Canterbury Room which can accommodate up to 80 guests and the Boardroom for smaller meetings. Its central location provides easy access to cafes, restaurants, and transport hubs.

Hotel with Parking

Located in Christchurch, this hotel has private parking available on site. This provides a secure and convenient parking option within the hotel premises.

EV charging stations

Accessible Hotel

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch has wheelchair accessible rooms available. Some rooms are equipped with roll-in showers and height-adjustable showerheads. The lobby, café, and bathrooms are also wheelchair friendly.

Hotel with Gym

The hotel features a premium gym with state-of-the-art facilities designed to keep guests energised and focused. It is equipped for various workouts, routines, and fitness goals, ensuring a comprehensive fitness experience.

Hotel with EV Charging Stations

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch features an electric vehicle charging station. This amenity is available for guests requiring to charge their EVs during their stay.

5-Star Hotel

This hotel offers luxury and charm in the heart of the city. It features uniquely designed rooms with locally crafted furniture and artwork, a gym, premium meeting room facilities, and a stylish Drawing Room Lounge.

Room Types

Observatory Legacy Room – Lower Ground floor Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features air conditioning, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.

Observatory Deluxe Room Providing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides air conditioning, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.

Prestige Room The air-conditioned suite features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The suite provides a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, executive lounge access, a wardrobe, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.

Prestige Skylight Room The air-conditioned suite features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The suite has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, as well as executive lounge access. The unit offers 1 bed.

Royal Skylight Room This spacious suite consists of 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The air-conditioned suite provides a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and executive lounge access. The unit offers 1 bed.

Guest Reviews

Location

Nestled in the historic heart of Christchurch, The Observatory Hotel stands out as a remarkable destination for travelers seeking both charm and convenience. Housed within the beautifully restored old university buildings of the Arts Centre, the hotel boasts an exceptional location that seamlessly blends history with modern amenities. Guests are just a stone's throw away from the Botanic Gardens and a short, pleasant walk from the vibrant city center, teeming with restaurants, cafes, and shops. The proximity to the city's attractions provides visitors with the perfect base for exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Christchurch. The hotel itself exudes a unique and eclectic atmosphere, merging classic architecture with chic and tasteful interiors. The beautifully designed guest rooms and lounges offer a cozy retreat after a day of sightseeing, while the splendid setting and friendly staff ensure a memorable stay in this iconic landmark.

Breakfast

The breakfast experience at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch offers a mix of reviews, with many guests appreciating the fresh and tasty selection, even describing it as delicious, lovely, or amazing. The continental breakfast is widely mentioned for being well-thought-out and providing adequate variety, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Guests commend the breakfast options for being ample and the coffee revered by several patrons as great.

However, there are consistent remarks regarding the breakfast area, which is often referred to as quite small, crowded, and cramped, negatively impacting the dining experience. Some guests express disappointment due to the limited offerings, particularly the lack of hot food and eggs, with a few suggesting improvements in variety, such as more fruit or better yoghurts. Despite suggestions for enhancement, many agree that the breakfast, overall, serves its purpose well and provides a satisfying start to the day.

Rooms

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch, set within a beautifully restored historic building, exudes charm and elegance. The architecture, reminiscent of a Hogwarts-esque style, adds a unique flair to the hotel. Guests consistently praise the stunning and tastefully appointed rooms, highlighting their cleanliness, comfort, and exquisite decor. Despite some smaller room sizes, many guests find them well-designed, with spacious layouts in select accommodations. Luxurious bathrooms and well-thought-out amenities enhance the stay, while the extremely comfortable beds are frequently noted as a highlight. The hotel’s lovely setting and brilliant location, just steps away from vibrant bars, restaurants, and cafes, make it a standout choice for visitors. The attention to detail in the renovation and the exceptional service further contribute to a memorable experience at this gorgeous boutique hotel.

Beds

The Observatory Hotel in Christchurch is receiving much praise for its comfortable beds. Guests repeatedly mention the extraordinary comfort of the beds, often describing them as a luxurious and heavenly experience. With some likening the sleep quality to a sensation of sleeping on clouds, the hotel clearly prioritizes guest comfort through thoughtful bedding choices. The beds are complemented by high-quality linens and pillows, which contribute to the overall sense of comfort and coziness. While a few guests noted minor discomfort due to specific issues such as hard mattresses or worn-out springs, the overwhelming majority find the beds supremely comfortable. The hotel's fusion of comfort with historical elegance results in a highly satisfying stay, making it an attractive choice for travelers seeking a restful retreat.

Cleanliness

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is a gem of a place, renowned for its impeccable cleanliness and inviting atmosphere. Housed in a beautifully restored Arts Centre, the hotel blends historical charm with modern elegance. Guests frequently praise the well-maintained, immaculately clean surroundings, with attention paid to every detail both in shared areas and private rooms. The decor is not only stylish but also exudes character, providing a unique experience for visitors. Rooms are described as spacious, chic, and extremely comfortable, coupled with spotless bathrooms. This exceptional level of cleanliness is matched by the staff's unfailing friendliness and helpfulness, creating an overall pleasant stay. The hotel's location, in the heart of Christchurch's Arts Centre, adds to its allure, making it an ideal spot for those seeking both comfort and convenience.

Staff

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch is lauded for its exceptional staff, who consistently offer a warm and welcoming environment. Guests frequently highlight the team's friendliness, professionalism, and eagerness to assist, making the hospitality experience memorable. The reception staff, including standouts like Nini, Angelica, and Maja, are often praised for their efficiency, helpfulness, and ability to provide insightful local recommendations. The hotel staff, from the night porter to the breakfast attendants, go above and beyond to accommodate guests' needs, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay. With attentive service that includes helping with luggage and offering smiles throughout, the staff's care and dedication leave guests feeling well looked after. Despite minor feedback regarding specific dining suggestions, the overwhelming impression is that of a dedicated team that enhances the overall experience at this charming property.

Parking

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch presents guests with a complex parking situation. There are limited spaces available, and the parking is accompanied by an additional $30 daily fee, which some visitors found steep. For convenience, it's advisable to book a parking spot in advance. Though parking is described as easy and nearby, actual options vary between street parking or using a car park a short distance away. The walk from the parking area can be inconvenient, especially since there's no vehicle access to the main entrance. Some guests noted that staff parking compounded the limitations. Despite these challenges, there are instances of free parking in the town center, offering a valuable perk amidst the constraints. Guests should be prepared for the potential costs associated with parking during their stay.

5 Star

The Observatory Hotel in Christchurch has captivated its guests with its stunning historic architecture and beautifully decorated interiors, offering a memorable experience in a prime location. Visitors consistently praise the warm and welcoming staff, which enhances the charm of this delightful accommodation. The hotel's vintage and elegant design, coupled with modern touches, provides an exceptional balance of comfort and luxury. Guests feel truly spoiled, indulging in the exquisite ambiance and impressive attention to detail. However, while many guests feel the hotel delivers superb service and hospitality, some suggest that the establishment may not fully align with typical five-star expectations, such as a lack of an on-site restaurant. Despite this, the overall sentiment remains highly positive, with visitors describing their stay as both a fantastic and special experience.

Luxury

The Observatory Hotel in Christchurch exudes a luxurious charm and undeniable character, making it a remarkable choice for travelers seeking an elegant and stylish retreat. The hotel seamlessly combines its rich heritage with modern updates, situated beautifully within an arts center. Guests are often captivated by the exceptional decor and meticulous attention to detail that the hotel embodies, from the luxurious bedding to the carefully chosen color schemes and art. The hotel strives to create an environment that feels warm and inviting, with staff focused on delivering superior customer service. The entire experience feels imbued with an air of grandeur, leaving visitors feeling special and pampered. The building and grounds themselves are impressive, adding to the sense of opulence that many guests appreciate. The Observatory Hotel stands as a lovely asset for Christchurch, providing sumptuous rooms, a fantastic on-site cafe/bar, and an atmosphere that elegantly marries the old with the new. While some may find it misses the mark of a quintessential 5-star European hotel, its luxurious presentation and exquisite furnishings make it a truly lovely place to stay.

No, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch.

No, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch.

Yes, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch has a gym.

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