The Boutique Observatory Hotel
The Boutique Observatory Hotel is a significant milestone in Christchurch Arts Centre’s $290 million earthquake restoration.
The much-awaited Observatory Hotel at Te Matatiki The Arts Centre has a unique mix of Gothic Revival architecture, early Canterbury history, and a very modern take on Arts and Crafts interior styling. No two of the 33 guestrooms are the same, due in part to how the hotel spans three stone-clad, late 19th century to early 20th century buildings that once housed the Physics, Observatory, and Biology buildings of the original University of Canterbury. The interior styling is reminiscent of a large historic house but with a modern twist, featuring a lavish drawing room and library and distinctive furnishings made by local craftspeople.
“I liked the idea of visiting the hotel and being able to request a particular room that spoke to you,” says interior designer Jessica Close. “Every room has its own design scheme and personality.”
Eleven years after The Arts Centre was damaged extensively by the Canterbury earthquakes, the 7 May opening of The Observatory Hotel marked a significant milestone in its $290 million restoration.
“This hotel is nationally significant,” says Arts Centre Director Philip Aldridge.
“We’re not aware of any other hotel in New Zealand quite like it.
“It’s a unique ‘campus offering’ where you stay the night in the hotel but visit other places within The Arts Centre complex for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
“Guests also have access to a boutique cinema with two theatres, two museums, and dozens of permanent galleries and stores dotted throughout the site – all supplemented by an active events calendar.
“It’s a unique offer – imagine sauntering through the quads and cloisters in the moonlight back to your room, surrounded by exquisite art and vibrant interior design at its best.”
The bespoke approach includes art for sale curated by Jonathan Smart of The Central Art Gallery in the public spaces and The Creators’ Room artwork in the guest rooms.
The hotel is named after the 1896 Observatory Tower.