The Observatory Hotel Christchurch — Hotel in Christchurch

We stayed three nights at The Observatory in Christchurch — a stay that started with curiosity and ended with a bit of appreciation for its quirkiness.||||We checked in late at night and immediately sensed that this wasn’t your standard hotel experience. Housed in what used to be the University of Canterbury’s zoology department — vacated after the earthquake — the building still carries that academic charm (and slight eeriness at night). The main entrance was locked for security, and we had to ring the bell. A single staff member welcomed us in and checked us in quietly — the whole vibe at midnight felt more like sneaking into an old university than arriving at a hotel.||||Rooms are on the smaller side — I joked more than once with reception about upgrading us to the “Head of Department” suite, but sadly, no upgrades came our way! That said, the rooms were clean and cozy, and the common lounge area nearby had comfy seating, a coffee machine, and work desks — a thoughtful touch.||||The location is great, close to the beautiful Botanic Gardens and on the quieter side of the city. In the morning, the place felt more alive. We found a restaurant, an art gallery, and even some parts of the university still operating from within the building. The exterior has so much character — a mix of old academic architecture and creative reuse.||||It did take us a day to adjust to the vibe. If you’re looking for traditional hotel services, this might feel a little too alternative. But if you’re someone who enjoys artsy, boutique-style stays with history and charm, this is a very interesting option.||||Overall, it’s a clean, well-located stopover with a unique story — just be ready for something different, and you might...

We had a staycation here in one of the prestige rooms - they are slightly larger. Ours didn't have a view over the quad, and some have skylights only. If I was staying again I would personally want to book one of the prestige rooms (The Rose Madder) that overlook the quad. That said, our room was great - no complaints. Our room was on the top floor - that's where the breakfast room is. The breakfast room has a lovely balcony and if the weather is clement you can sit with a view over the quad and the large copper beech tree - alongside the circular observatory tower - very atmospheric! Breakfast is continental with a very wide choice - 3 sorts of bread you can toast, warm pancakes, waffles, etc, pastries, cold meats and cheeses, jams, yoghurt, juice, tea and coffee. Another excellent feature is the lounge area downstairs, also with tea and coffee facilities and places to sit and read - with a wide range of coffee table type books if you don't have a book of your own to read. The rooms are clean and well presented. The only fiddly thing is that the shower has three control levers so a bit tricky to operate - but they give you instructions when you check in and there's a copy also in your room. The location is excellent - the botanic gardens are just over the road, the Lumiere picture theatre is part of the Arts Centre complex that the hotel is in, also the Cellar Door restaurant over the other side of the quad, plus several cafes and shops also in the complex. The art gallery and museum pop-up are just a short walk away - so perfectly placed for an inner city stay. Being in the Arts Centre complex is a real 'Harry Potter' feel with the gothic revival...

The Arts Centre has been lovingly restored after the Christchurch earthquakes and is as gorgeous as ever. The Observatory Hotel is in the Centre and the rooms, although brand, spanking new- retain a historic charm and character. The decor is stylish, furnishings-lush and the perfect amount of bougie :) There's also a shared lounge/library area/desk for guests complete with tea/coffee facilities. There's also a fabulous restaurant and a movie cinema in the Arts Centre as well so although it's a few minutes walk to the City Centre, you have most things you need right on your doorstep - and what a glamorous doorstep it is! :) This place oozes history and a bygone era of charm. It has fabulous staff who make you instantly welcome, comfy luxurious beds that make it hard to get out of in the morning and a great overall vibe. The absolutely lovely man on the Front Desk even helped me carry my very large box out to the Uber. I was hosting at the Polo so had "alot" of luggage. The chocolate chip cookies are also a nice touch. In my opinion, this was so much better than the usual stock standard "beige" hotel chain places to stay. I'll definitely be back..& in fact have already booked...