The Observatory Hotel Christchurch, Christchurch

Exceptional

Liked: Eclectic. Central to everything. Great vibe.

Exceptional

Superb

Not close to being a...

Liked: The hotel is recently reformed and is in good condition. The location is very central and peaceful. The receptionist was very helpful.
Disliked: This is not a 5 star hotel, it felt more like a 4 start BnB. We arrived at 7pm, there was one receptionist who also filled the role of porter, and the person who brought room service. The bed was advertised on booking.com as extra-large (ie king) while it was actually a large. I specifically look for the bed size because I'm 6'5", so I wasn't happy about this. I spoke to the receptionist who said that everything else was booked but that he would talk to the manager. I have not heard anything further from them.The breakfast is pretty poor for a supposedly 5 star hotel. A very limited continental breakfast with cheap pastries. No cooked breakfast available. The only decaf coffee was instant.The hotel did not live up to its billing and I wouldn't return.

Part of Christchurch Univeriaty buildings

Liked: Friendly, nice lounge, good location, comfortable bedrooms
Disliked: Limited parking, no lunch or dinner, , not easty to find

Excellent, book the skylight room...

Liked: We booked the skylight room, and it was extremely cheerful, bright and an exceptional room. The blinds had an automatic closure, so it provided total darkness for a comfortable night's sleep. The exterior is stone and absolutely beautiful in a perfect setting. We had the added fun bonus of a busker weekend, so the shows were right outside our front door.Love this hotel!
Disliked: Minor inconvenience of the tv needing rebooting, but we were not there to watch game shows....lol!

Central Christchurch

Liked: The hotel is in a perfect location in Christchurch within the arts center. A former university, the area is filled with museum spaces, boutique stores and delightful places to eat. The hotel is in the former physics building. The space has been thoughtfully and well designed. It is a visual delight!.

Exceptional

Superb

Liked: The property location was great. A short walk into the CBD with a lot of restaurants and shops. The staff were very friendly and insightful with suggestions of what to do and where to visit, providing a couple of hidden gems that some tourists tend to overlook.
Disliked: Whilst the rooms were very nice and spacious, my only disappointment was the pressure of the water in the shower, it, unfortunately, reminded me of my shower back in the UK with limited pressure. I appreciate this is a personal preference, but considering I camped at campsites for 12 days with significantly stronger water pressure, I would expect a hotel to have similar water pressure in their showers.