Christchurch, New ZealandChristchurch Central City
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch
Gothic collegiate observatory
Christchurch Central City Christchurch, New Zealand
Opened
2022
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Design LocalOutside the door
Gothic collegiate observatory
Former university science halls and an astronomical tower make up an intimate stay inside Christchurch's Gothic Revival arts quad.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Restored Gothic Revival university laboratories and an observatory tower dating from 1896.
Notable
Vibrant William Morris patterns meet saturated jewel tones across Jessica Close's interiors.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The 33 rooms vary considerably: some include skylights above freestanding baths, others face the Arts Centre courtyard, but all share furniture crafted in Canterbury and artwork by regional artists.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Arts Centre courtyard sits just outside, and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens lie directly across the road.
The rooms
Vibrant William Morris prints and custom velvet upholstery pair with exposed red brick, native rimu flooring, and courtyard views.
The gym
The ground-floor gym has cardio machines and free weights, set along mirrored walls for daily workouts.
At the table
Continental breakfast is served in the Drawing Room and out on a terrace overlooking the Arts Centre courtyard.
How it began
Physics and botany students once filled these halls, and the stone observatory tower was rebuilt after collapsing during the 2011 earthquake.
Christchurch
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.