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Observatory Rooms

Legacy Room

1 1 2
Paid Breakfast

Boasting contemporary grandeur, our Legacy Room offers an ornate space fit for royals. The room is adorned in lavish textures designed for opulence and intrigue.

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Deluxe Room

1 1 2
Paid Breakfast

With additional features for greater comfort, our Deluxe Room offers an ornate space with twice the style. The room is adorned in lavish textures designed for opulence and intrigue.

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Prestige Rooms

The Cadmium Room

1 1 2
Paid Breakfast

The Cadmium Room is a large airy room with a dormer window that offers spectacular views of the roofscapes of the Great Hall, North Quadrangle and the original Chemistry Department which now houses Canterbury University’s Music Department and The Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities.

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The Rose Madder Room

1 1 2
Paid Breakfast

The Rose Madder Room faces the head of the principal staircase and features a three-bay dormer window that fills the room with light. It has a high sloping ceiling with roof lights and a truss that divides the bedroom from the dressing area.

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The Verdigris Room

1 1 2
Paid Breakfast

The Verdigris Room features a high angled ceiling with a beautiful Oamaru stone mullioned window facing into the South Quadrangle. High up in the hotel it sits adjacent to The Observatory Tower offering close views of the dome of the Observatory.

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The Veridian Room

1 1 2
Paid Breakfast

The Veridian Room is one of two premium rooms in The Observatory Hotel. It has large feature windows onto the South Quadrangle as well windows facing south to the Port Hills. This is the hotel’s largest room.

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Prestige Skylight Rooms

The Verona Room

1 1 2
Paid Breakfast

The Verona Room is a large characterful room with high skylights in the sloping ceiling and two charming small stone windows facing towards the city. A roof truss separates the bedroom from the dressing area.

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The Lapis Room

1 1 2
Paid Breakfast

The Lapis Room is a large, distinctive airy room with a huge stone mullioned window that faces north to the Engineering Schools and the Health Technology Centre that will be launched in late 2022. A bold William Morris marigold printed headboard and sofa in indigo frame this handsome room.

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Royal Skylight Room

The Malachite Room

1 1 2
Paid Breakfast

The Malachite Room is our most premium room in The Observatory Hotel. The Malachite features a large, chic room in the attic of the Botany building with a comfortable seating area and a luxurious roll top bath with overhead skylight.

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Looking for the right place to stay in Christchurch, New Zealand? Something that feels comfortable, close to nature, yet still connected to the city?

Whether you’re here for a business trip, a weekend away, or the start of a South Island adventure, finding the right accommodation makes a big difference. It’s not just about where you sleep. It’s about how your whole trip feels.

Let’s explore your best options — from boutique hotels to central stays near gardens, museums, and cultural landmarks.

What are the Best Places to Stay in Christchurch?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some travelers want a quiet, elegant space. Others prefer budget-friendly rooms or chain hotels with points perks. But for many, a boutique hotel with thoughtful design and a central location strikes the right balance.

Here are a few common types of places to stay in Christchurch:

Boutique Heritage Hotels – charming, small-scale, and often locally owned

International Chain Hotels – consistent, practical, but sometimes generic

Serviced Apartments – ideal for longer stays with kitchens

Guesthouses & BnBs – homey, but vary a lot in quality

Motels & Budget Stays – affordable, often with parking, but basic

Why Choose a Boutique Hotel in Christchurch?

A boutique hotel offers a more personal experience. The staff remembers your name. The room doesn’t look like every other one you’ve stayed in.

At The Observatory Hotel, you get that rare combination of design, comfort, and calm.

Located within the historic Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, we’re surrounded by galleries, museums, and green spaces — including the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, just a short walk away.

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What Makes Us Stand Out:

  1. 33 beautifully designed rooms with local artwork
  2. Located in a restored heritage building — once an actual observatory
  3. Quiet and peaceful, but right in the city’s cultural district
  4. Sustainable amenities and thoughtful touches throughout
  5. Continental breakfast with locally made selections

FAQ: People Also Ask

What is the best area to stay in Christchurch for first-time visitors?

The central city is ideal. Especially near the Botanic Gardens and Arts Centre — you’ll be close to museums, food spots, and public transport.

Are boutique hotels in Christchurch expensive?

Some are, but not all. Boutique doesn’t mean luxury pricing. At The Observatory Hotel, you get design and comfort without paying luxury chain rates.

Is it better to stay near the airport or in the city?

If you’re staying more than one night, the city is better. The airport is convenient for a layover, but lacks character and walkability.

How far are Christchurch Botanic Gardens from the city center?

Right next door. Most central hotels, including The Observatory Hotel, are within walking distance.

Is The Observatory Hotel family-friendly?

Yes, although we’re a boutique property with a quiet, art-focused vibe. We’re best suited for couples, solo travelers, and cultural tourists.

Real Guest Experience

What surprised me was how quiet it was. You’re in the middle of the city, but it feels almost like a retreat. The art everywhere, the woodwork, the quiet halls… It’s not a stay you forget.

— Guest from Wellington, July 2024

Final Thoughts

Christchurch has a wide variety of places to stay. But few offer what The Observatory Hotel does — a stay that feels personal, peaceful, and part of the city’s cultural story.

You’re not just booking a room. You’re stepping into a building with history, a space with design, and a team that cares about your experience.

Whether you’re coming for a conference, a garden stroll, or a much-needed getaway, we invite you to stay somewhere that feels… different.

Different in a good way.

Ready to Book Your Stay?

Discover one of the most unique places to stay in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Peaceful, artistic, and just steps from the Botanic Gardens.

Visit: www.observatoryhotel.co.nz

Call: +64 3 379 9980

Email: reservations@observatoryhotel.co.nz

We recommend booking early — our boutique rooms fill quickly, especially on weekends and during festival season.