The next phase of The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora's post-earthquake upgrade is complete, with the Observatory Hotel set to open next week.

The hotel lives up to its arty surrounds, and no two of the 33 rooms are quite alike. Named after the 1896 Observatory Tower, it spans three stone-clad buildings that once housed the physics, observatory and biology buildings of the original University of Canterbury.

The décor, by interior designer Jessica Close, incorporates a wild mix of colour, lavish textures and distinctive furnishings made by local craftspeople in the guest rooms as well as the spectacular drawing room and library.

“I liked the idea of visiting the hotel and being able to request a particular room that spoke to you,” Jessica says. “Every room has its own design scheme and personality.” Individual guest rooms are named according to their unique colour and décor – such as the Rose Madder, the Veridian and the Malachite.

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.

observatoryhotel.co.nz