If you take a trip through the Gothic Revival walls of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, you'll find Christchurch's latest and greatest boutique accommodation - Observatory Hotel.
sigh. My old travel writer sure missed the launch of new hotels and the buzzing excitement of the tourism industry! If you've ever worked in the travel industry, you know that the past few years have sucked up a lot of time. Beforepandemic, I was regularly invited to launch new hotels and other travel public relations parties; Charming and sexy, I felt like I finally had success as I danced across new spaces sipping bubbles and nets.
I'm not sure I even know how to communicate anymore, let alone wear high heels.
I've been waiting so long for something colorful, bougie, and full of personality to unlock Christchurch.
Christchurch is a complex city with a complex past. It's still very much recovering from the devastating earthquakes of 2011; Then there it was Shooting a mosque several years ago. Damage is still visible on the city's ancient walls, and the residents who remain wear the bumps on their sleeves.
It's a place that seems to still be finding its footing after receiving some bad cards.
But as the years go by, more and more exciting projects are popping up around town, like the brand new beating Observatory Hotel. Or, of course, my home and design shop, nodein Lyttelton.
As soon as I saw the pictures of the Observatory Hotel, I knew this was my place. I'm very fond of the good branding and good story, both of which this place absolutely calls it quits.
As the former home of the original University of Canterbury, the buildings now form Te Matatiki Toi Ora Art Center in Christchurch. the trip Some of the buildings are great. Nowadays, tucked away in the Observatory Tower, you'll find the new Observatory Hotel, which opened in May 2022, as well as the old university's astronomy and physics departments.
The famous observatory tower was built in the 1890s to house the Canterbury College equatorial telescope. But unfortunately, the observatory tower collapsed in the 2011 earthquake. The entire historic area has been closed - some are still closed - as it is being repaired and strengthened. The telescope is currently being repaired and hopefully it will be back in the tower again.
The Observatory breathes new life into such a beautiful and historic part of town.
As someone who believes her life path will be in academics, staying in what was once a historic university is actually very special.
Although you will never catch me in the physics or astronomy departments, my academic background has always been very important to me. With dual degrees in Spanish Language, Literature and Medieval History, I always thought my path would be grad school and eventually becoming a professor. That's what I planned. I even won scholarships to study at the Bodleian and the National Library of Spain for my dissertation.
But life has other plans, and my path has taken me in a different direction. What I love about my life now is that I have the freedom to continue learning and research on my own terms, which is a very special thing.
My heart fluttered with nostalgia for my own alma mater, Mount Holyoke, and my time studying at Oxford, Salamanca, and Madrid. I hope I can go back to searching again one day.
The thought and care behind the Observatory Hotel is evident. The details are exquisite and the level of comfort is second to none. There is a lot of character throughout the hotel, reflecting its history which I adore.
The ten distinct rooms on site are named after color pigments, which is a nice nod to the art space. I stayed in Verona Room, which has the most epic skylights above the bed - complete with electric blinds. I also had the team give me a tour of the property and peek into most of the rooms, which I can vouch for being divine.
No two rooms are the same, each individually designed and featuring furniture made in Canterbury. There are local artworks scattered throughout the property, most of which I believe are for sale. The colorful and bright rooms feature textiles and patterns created 150 years ago by British designer William Morris, another nod to the art world.
Now I'm just wondering what's the next amazing space in Christchurch - any ideas?
what do you think? Is the Observatory Hotel in Christchurch your favorite place to stay? have you ever? Involved!
Many thanks to the Observatory Hotel for having me in Christchurch. As always, I'm keeping it real. All opinions are mine as you can expect less from me.
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