Reception

Reviews of The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5 out of 5
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 137 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 149 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very unique building in a convenient location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 26 Apr 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Lou Ann

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous historic property with wonderful character and a lovely public space to meet others and sip coffee & tea. Yummy gratis shortbread cookies too... Enjoyed the breakfast as well. Don't stay anywhere else in Christchurch! Great value.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 26 Apr 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

BARRY

Liked: Cleanliness
ALL GOOD HERE, VERY COURTEOUS ALL ROUND B
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 21 Apr 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a beautiful hotel, spacious rooms with beautiful decor. We would definitely return here. Can’t say enough positive things about the experience.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 13 Apr 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful boutique hotel on the old University of Canterbury campus. There’s more than a bit of Oxbridge about the buildings, which have all the charm you could ask for. The receptionists were helpful and kind. The nearby dining (and wine-tasting) options were excellent. Best of all, the hotel is across the street for the amazing botanical garden and Harley Park. We’ll be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 21 Mar 2024
Hi Daniel, Thank you so much for such a lovely review, your kind words will definitely be shared with our team. We would love to welcome you back to our hotel again in the future! Kind Regards Maja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Jodi

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic hotel in a great location
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 19 Mar 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

Donald

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great lication Great hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 19 Mar 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

jose, Waterville

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant stay in a nicely renovated building. Loved the lounge.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 21 Feb 2024
Hi Jose,Thank you so much for such a lovely review, your kind words will definitely be shared with our team. We would love to welcome you back to our hotel again in the future! Kind Regards Maja Volk Assistant Front Office Manager

8/10 Good

Roger, Lymington

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Great central location, but the hotel has very limited facilities in the property itself.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 18 Feb 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

mario

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful Hotel
Great service and beautiful hotel. Perfect location
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 18 Feb 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja Volk

8/10 Good

Robert

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice hotel with limited amenities. Room felt very small.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 8 Feb 2024
Hi Robert, Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Thank you very much for your suggestions for improvement. I will share your feedback with our team to ensure your next stay with us is more enjoyable. We hope to see you again. Kind Regards Maja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A memorable experience
Luxurious hotel, unique and well restored Friendly and helpful staff. A memorable experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 8 Feb 2024
Hi Helen, Thank you so much for such a lovely review, your kind words will definitely be shared with our team. We would love to welcome you back to our hotel again in the future! Kind Regards Maja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Reuse of college space. Excellent deign and amenities. Connected with walking tour in front of hotel. Did feel continental breakfast was very expensive so went to cafe in Observatory space. Must use lounge area as no chair in room. Would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 8 Feb 2024
Good Evening Barbara, Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch. RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Being in the group of historic buildings meant there was a discovery around every corner . The lounge was a restful haven and I enjoyed a coffee and reading several interesting books about New Zealand. Easy walk to many of the sites of the city.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 8 Feb 2024
Good Evening Chris, Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch. RegardsMaja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

8/10 Good

Roger, Lymington

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean hotel in a central location. But no real facilities for a hotel of this 'supposed' standard.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 8 Feb 2024
Hi RogerGreat to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Thank you very much for your suggestions for improvement. I will share your feedback with our team to ensure your next stay with us is more enjoyable. We hope to see you again. Kind Regards Maja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manage on 8 Feb 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
lovely hotel! wish we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 8 Feb 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 8 Feb 2024
Hi Lisa, Thank you so much for such a lovely review, your kind words will definitely be shared with our team. We would love to welcome you back to our hotel again in the future! Kind Regards Maja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Curtis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 1 Feb 2024
Good Evening Curtis, Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch. RegardsMaja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

Mark, Marina del Rey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was my second stay at the Observatory Hotel in the last year. Last time, I stayed in a basement level room. The more "regular" room I stayed in this time was great, but a little smaller and a little less unique than the lower level rooms. Whatever the room, I love this property. It's like staying at Hogwarts, absent the noisy kids. The whole Arts Centre (of which the hotel is a part) is so stately and peaceful and interesting and convenient. Usually, when I return to a city, I like to try new places to stay. But in Christchurch, the Observatory Hotel will always be my top choice.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 30 Jan 2024
Good Afternoon Mark, Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch. RegardsMaja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

jeffrey, Lake Forest

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and wonderful rooms.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 30 Jan 2024
Good Evening Jeffrey, Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch. RegardsMaja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

Gisela

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay, great location, fantastic staff, cleanliness and comfort. Could not have been a better stay - in the gym, the only place we found there could have been a bit more attention - however, this could have been the remnants of the early morning's use...
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manage on 30 Jan 2024
Hi Gisela, Thank you so much for such a lovely review, your kind words will definitely be shared with our team. We would love to welcome you back to our hotel again in the future! Kind Regards Maja Volk Assistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

MR.P.F.COE

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An enjoyable stay in stylish surroundings
Superior accommodation situated in the University buildings in a central location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 30 Jan 2024
Hi,Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Thank you very much for your suggestions for improvement. I will share your feedback with our team to ensure your next stay with us is more enjoyable. We hope to see you again. Kind Regards Maja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

JAMES

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful and unique hotel in a great location
The Observatory Hotel is a beautiful and unique hotel in a great location. It is within walking distance of shopping, nice restaurants, and the botanical garden. The service was excellent and the room was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 30 Jan 2024
Hi James, Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Thank you very much for your suggestions for improvement. I will share your feedback with our team to ensure your next stay with us is more enjoyable. We hope to see you again. Kind Regards Maja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

Julian

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If you like character and historical style, stay here.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 30 Jan 2024
Hi Julian, Thank you so much for such a lovely review, your kind words will definitely be shared with our team. We would love to welcome you back to our hotel again in the future! Kind Regards Maja Volk Assistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

Jenn

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our favorite place to stay in Christchurch. I do wish they had an 11am checkout instead of 10am checkout. But that seems to be the NZ way unfortunately.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 30 Jan 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

jessica

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 30 Jan 2024
Good Afternoon,Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch.RegardsMaja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 14 Feb 2024
Good Afternoon, Thank you for your booking with us and letting us know about your arrival time. Our check in time is from 2pm. We do have 24hrs reception, you can come to check in any time from 2pm.Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us any time. Kind RegardsMaja Volk

2/10 Terrible

Daryl

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 27 Dec 2023
Good Afternoon, We are very sorry to hear, your stay with us did not reflect your expectations about the Observatory Hotel! We will reflect on our procedures. We hope to welcome you at our hotel during your next trip to Christchurch.Maja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

8/10 Good

donald

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 27 Dec 2023
Good Afternoon Donald, Thank you very much for your kind words! Our team will be thrilled to know, you have enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you back, next time you are in Christchurch. RegardsMaja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

Ivan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel, next to the botanical gardens and minutes from city center. Friendly and professional staff
Response from Maja Volk on 23 Nov 2023
Good Morning, Thank you very much for your review! Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back on your next trip to Christchurch. Regards

10/10 Excellent

Margery

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 23 Nov 2023
Good Morning, Thank you very much for your review! Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back on your next trip to Christchurch. RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 21 Nov 2023
Good Morning, Thank you very much for your review! Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back on your next trip to Christchurch. RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were very kind and helpful and had very good attention to detail. The room was lovely and well stocked with everything you would need.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 21 Nov 2023
Good Morning, Thank you very much for your review! Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back on your next trip to Christchurch. RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Daryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great boutique hotel at a very affordable price. Easy to find and park ... near the Riverside Market and all the entertainment nearby .... a really good experience. I will be back.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 18 Nov 2023
Good Morning, Thank you very much for your review! Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back on your next trip to Christchurch. RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manage on 18 Nov 2023
Good Morning, Thank you very much for your review! Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back on your next trip to Christchurch. RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff are very friendly and helpful. Building has a lot of character. Very comfortable bed.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manage on 3 Nov 2023
Good Morning, Thank you very much for your review! Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back on your next trip to Christchurch. RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Jon

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stunning property with lovely staff. Comfortable new rooms in a stunning location that’s hard to beat. The malachite room is particularly gorgeous
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 1 Nov 2023
Good Afternoon, Thank you very much for your review! Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel and our location. We will make certain your positive words are shared with our team and hope to see you back soon.Kind RegardsMaja VolkAssistant Front Office Manager

2/10 Terrible

Van, Longmont

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Assigned room in basement. Window was at ground level. Shame on Expedia for listing this property.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 29 Oct 2023
Good afternoon, Thank you for your review. We appreciate the time you have taken to let us know about your experience during your stay with us.I am very sorry to hear we were not able to meet your expectations during your time at the hotel. We will do our best to reflect on our procedures in question and will try to make certain your next stay with us is more pleasant. Our Ground floor - Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor is kept certain historic style – as per photos. This has to do with heritage of the building and reflects the accommodation style of the time our property was built in. We are very sorry to hear you did not enjoy the accommodation provided. Our hotel does have different room types available. Before your next booking with us you can contact our team and we will be able to advise on availability and features of different room types available. Our team would love to welcome you back on your next trip to Christchurch. Kind Regards

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Liked the adaptive reuse of the historic property.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 25 Oct 2023
Good Morning, Thank you very much for your review! Great to hear you have enjoyed your time at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back on your next trip to Christchurch. RegardsMajaAssistant Front Office Manager

10/10 Excellent

Tania

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quirky and gorgeous hotel. Smelled amazing. Beautiful decor. Friendly staff. Nicest hotel we've stayed at in Christchurch. Lovely area too, surrounded by arty things to see and do, and very easy walk to the centre of town. So special. We loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 29 Oct 2023
Good Afternoon, Great to hear you have enjoyed your stay at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back during your next trip to Christchurch.Kind RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Liz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoyed staying at the observatory. The architecture was truly beautiful and the accommodations were very good. I especially love the cappuccino at check in and check out and the fully renovated beautiful bathroom.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 29 Oct 2023
Good Afternoon, Great to hear you have enjoyed your stay at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back during your next trip to Christchurch.Kind RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 29 Oct 2023
Good Afternoon, Great to hear you have enjoyed your stay at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back during your next trip to Christchurch.Kind RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 29 Oct 2023
Good Afternoon, Great to hear you have enjoyed your stay at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back during your next trip to Christchurch.Kind RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Jen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wow. This place is awesome! Renovated section of the old Canterbury University campus, mixed in with the Art Centre. Beautiful surroundings, old buildings, arts and dining. Very close to the botanical gardens. The renovation is just gorgeous, the rooms were beautifully designed and decorated. Loved this place - would definitely stay there again when in Christchurch.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 29 Oct 2023
Good Afternoon, Great to hear you have enjoyed your stay at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back during your next trip to Christchurch.Kind RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 29 Oct 2023
Good Afternoon, Great to hear you have enjoyed your stay at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back during your next trip to Christchurch.Kind RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique one of a kind place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 29 Oct 2023
Good Afternoon, Great to hear you have enjoyed your stay at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back during your next trip to Christchurch.Kind RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Maxine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent atmosphere and warm and caring staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Assistant Front Office Manager on 29 Oct 2023
Good Afternoon, Great to hear you have enjoyed your stay at our hotel. Our team is already looking forward to welcome you back during your next trip to Christchurch.Kind RegardsMaja Volk

10/10 Excellent

Ange

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love this place, very unique and only a short walk to town.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay, well restored historic building. Was surprised to learn parking cost extra that said paid parking was very convenient
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023