Question 1

What is the best area to stay in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

The best area to stay in Nelson is the city centre, particularly around Trafalgar Street, for its convenience and access to local amenities.

This area is the heart of Nelson's activity. Trafalgar Street is the main thoroughfare, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and it leads directly to the Nelson Cathedral steps at its highest point. It's a very walkable area, making it easy to explore on foot.

Couples often find the city centre ideal due to its excellent dining options and proximity to cultural spots like the Suter Art Gallery. You'll find a range of boutique accommodations here, many within walking distance of the Saturday Nelson Market, which is great for picking up local crafts and produce.

For those looking for a slightly quieter experience with scenic views, the Port Hills area, just a short drive from the city centre, offers hotels and guesthouses overlooking Tasman Bay.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Nelson that travellers recommend?

Accepted Answer

Two of the best hotels in Nelson that receive consistently high recommendations from travellers are the Palazzo Motor Lodge and the Century Park Motor Lodge.

The 5-star Palazzo Motor Lodge, with an exceptional 9.6 rating, is highly praised for its comfortable and clean rooms, and friendly, helpful staff. This hotel features air conditioning, premium bedding, and kitchens, making it ideal for longer stays. It is also well-located, being just 0.4 km from the Nelson Provincial Museum and 0.5 km from Montgomery Square, with guests frequently highlighting its great and walkable location.

Another excellent choice is the 5-star Century Park Motor Lodge, which boasts an outstanding 9.8 rating. Guests frequently praise its spacious and great rooms, as well as its clean facilities. Amenities include fireplaces, designer toiletries, air conditioning, and kitchens. It is conveniently situated close to the Nelson Provincial Museum (0.5 km) and Montgomery Square (0.6 km).

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

For families travelling to Nelson, some of the best hotels include the Palazzo Motor Lodge, The Hotel Nelson, and Bella Vista Motel Nelson.

The 5-star Palazzo Motor Lodge, with an excellent 9.6 rating, is highly recommended for families. It provides a sofa bed, highchairs, toys, books, and games for children, as well as cribs. The lodge is conveniently located near the Nelson Provincial Museum, just 0.4 km away, and the Queens Gardens, 0.9 km away. Guests often comment on the comfortable and clean rooms and the friendly, helpful staff.

The Hotel Nelson, a 3-star property with a 9.0 rating, is another great family option. It features a pool with a gate, a dedicated children's pool, child-friendly window designs, and sofa beds. The hotel also offers kids' meals. It is well-situated, being only 1.0 km from the Nelson Provincial Museum and Montgomery Square, and 1.4 km from Queens Gardens. Guests frequently praise the convenient location, nice and clean rooms, and the friendly and helpful staff.

The 4-star Bella Vista Motel Nelson, rated 9.0, is also ideal for families. It offers a playground for children, cribs, and rooms with kitchens, which can be very useful for family stays. The motel is located close to Burrell Park, just 0.6 km away, and is 1.0 km from the World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars. Reviewers often highlight the great location and friendly staff. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Nelson

Question 4

What are the best 5-star hotels in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

For exceptional 5-star accommodation in Nelson, consider the Palazzo Motor Lodge, Century Park Motor Lodge, and Saxton Lodge.

The 5-star Palazzo Motor Lodge, with an impressive 9.6 rating, offers comfortable and clean rooms with premium bedding and air conditioning. Guests appreciate its great, walkable location within a shopping district, being just 0.4 km from Nelson Provincial Museum and 0.9 km from Queens Gardens. The staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful.

Another superb choice is the 5-star Century Park Motor Lodge, boasting an outstanding 9.8 rating. This lodge provides spacious rooms with designer toiletries, air conditioning, and a kitchen. It is conveniently located 0.5 km from Nelson Provincial Museum and 1.0 km from Queens Gardens.

The 5-star Saxton Lodge, rated 9.2, offers comfortable and clean rooms with super comfy beds, premium bedding, and air conditioning. Many rooms also feature a balcony or patio. The lodge provides free self-parking, including for RVs, buses, and trucks, and free extended duration parking. It is also located near mountain biking opportunities. Find more luxury hotels in Nelson

Question 5

What are the best spa hotels in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

For a highly-rated spa hotel in Nelson, the Milton Chalet Motel is a great option.

The 3-star Milton Chalet Motel, with an excellent 9.2 rating, provides a relaxing experience. Guests appreciate the convenience of free WiFi and free self-parking. The motel also offers kitchen facilities, which can be very useful, and allows pets to stay free of charge. It is located just 1.3 km from Flamedaisy Glass Design. See all spa hotels in Nelson

Question 6

What hotels in Nelson offer free breakfast?

Accepted Answer

Two excellent hotels in Nelson providing complimentary breakfast are Harbourside Lodge and Ah House Nelson City B&B.

The 4-star Harbourside Lodge, with an impressive 9.4 rating, offers a free full breakfast daily. Guests frequently praise the friendly and warm staff, the great free breakfast, and the clean rooms. It is conveniently located near Miyazu Gardens, Queens Gardens, and Montgomery Square.

Another highly-rated option is the 4-star Ah House Nelson City B&B, which boasts a superb 10.0 rating. This hotel provides free cooked breakfast and guests appreciate the free airport transportation. It is situated close to Queens Gardens, Montgomery Square, and Christ Church Cathedral. Find more hotels with breakfast in Nelson

Question 7

What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

For top pet-friendly hotels in Nelson, consider the Milton Chalet Motel and Bridge Backpackers.

The 3-star Milton Chalet Motel, with a 9.2 rating, welcomes both dogs and cats, and pets stay free of charge. Each chalet includes a kitchen and free WiFi, and complimentary toiletries are provided. The motel also offers free self-parking. It is conveniently located near several attractions, including the Botanical Reserve and Founders Heritage Park, both about 0.7 km away.

Another excellent option is Bridge Backpackers, rated 8.2, which permits dogs. This accommodation offers free WiFi and nearby free parking. It is just 0.3 km from the Nelson Provincial Museum and 0.1 km from Montgomery Square. See more pet-friendly hotels in Nelson

Question 8

What are the best budget hotels in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

For excellent budget hotels in Nelson, consider The Hotel Nelson, Amber Court Motel Nelson, Milton Chalet Motel, and Riverlodge Nelson.

The 3-star Hotel Nelson, with a 9.0 rating, is much-loved for its clean and nice rooms, as mentioned by previous guests. The staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful, and the convenient location is often highlighted. It offers free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and free self-parking. It is located near Fairfield Park, just 0.3 km away, and Montgomery Square, which is 1.0 km away.

Another great option is the 3-star Amber Court Motel Nelson, rated 8.8. This motel provides free WiFi, complimentary cribs, and free self-parking, including space for RVs, buses, and trucks. Each room also includes a kitchen, which is a great feature for budget-conscious travellers. It is conveniently situated 0.9 km from the World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars.

The 3-star Milton Chalet Motel, with an impressive 9.2 rating, is a popular choice for its free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and free self-parking. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of a kitchen in their rooms and an outdoor pool. Pets are welcome to stay for free, making it an ideal option for those travelling with animals. It's located just 0.7 km from Queens Gardens and the Centre of New Zealand Monument.

Lastly, the 3-star Riverlodge Nelson, rated 8.6, offers a comfortable stay with free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and free self-parking. The rooms come with a kitchen and a furnished balcony or patio, providing a pleasant space to relax. Guests have praised the friendly and helpful reception staff, comfy beds, and easy parking. It is located close to Queens Gardens, 0.6 km away, and Montgomery Square, also 0.6 km away. View all budget hotels in Nelson

Question 9

What are the most romantic hotels in Nelson for couples?

Accepted Answer

For a romantic stay in Nelson, couples should consider the Century Park Motor Lodge or the Palazzo Motor Lodge.

The 5-star Century Park Motor Lodge, with an exceptional 9.8 rating, offers spacious and clean rooms with private hot tubs, great for a relaxing getaway. Guests also appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi and complimentary self-parking.

Another excellent choice is the 5-star Palazzo Motor Lodge, rated 9.6. This hotel provides comfortable and clean rooms, with some featuring private indoor hot tubs and furnished balconies. Its location is highly praised by guests for being great and walkable, and it offers amenities like free self-parking and electric car charging stations. See all romantic hotels in Nelson

Question 10

What hotels are near Nelson (NSN)?

Accepted Answer

For hotels near Nelson (NSN) airport that are family-friendly, consider the Greens Motel, Amber Court Motel Nelson, ASURE Fountain Resort Motel, or Bella Vista Motel Nelson.

The 3.5-star Greens Motel, with an 8.8 rating, is particularly close to the airport, just 1.3 km away. It offers convenient amenities for families such as onsite babysitting and childcare, a playground for children, and free cribs, along with the option for early check-in. Guests frequently praise its great location, and it is also close to the World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars and Nelson Fun Park.

Another excellent option is the 3-star Amber Court Motel Nelson, rated 8.8, which is 1.9 km from the airport. This motel provides free cribs and travel cribs, full kitchens in the rooms, and complimentary WiFi. There is also free self-parking available for RVs, buses, and trucks.

The 3.5-star ASURE Fountain Resort Motel, also rated 8.8, is 1.9 km from Nelson Airport. It features a playground for children, free cribs, and sofa beds, making it suitable for families. Rooms include kitchens, and guests can enjoy covered self-parking and accessible parking. The motel is also conveniently located near Nelson Fun Park and Tahunanui Beach Reserve.

Finally, the 4-star Bella Vista Motel Nelson, with an outstanding 9.0 rating, is 2.0 km from the airport. This motel offers a playground for children and rooms with kitchens and cribs. Guests regularly praise the friendly staff and the great location, which is also close to the World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars.

Question 11

When is the best time to go to Nelson?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Nelson is during the summer months, from December to February, when the weather is warm and sunny, great for enjoying the region's outdoor activities.

During these months, you can expect long daylight hours and average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, making it ideal for exploring the Golden Bay beaches or hiking in Abel Tasman National Park. It's also the peak season for events and festivals, offering a lively option. Couples and families will find plenty to do, from water sports to art trails.

For those who prefer a quieter experience with pleasant weather, the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are also excellent. Temperatures are milder, typically between 15°C and 20°C, and there are fewer crowds. This period is particularly good for exploring the local wineries and art studios without the summer rush.

Question 12

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Nelson.

Question 13

How can I save on a hotel booking in Nelson with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

One Key™—Expedia’s free travel rewards program—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Nelson hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Question 14

How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Nelson often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$84 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	61.9°F (16.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	50.4°F (10.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
October	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

Search Nelson hotels

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Go beyond your typical stay in Nelson

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Property class

Guest rating

Our top choices for Nelson hotels

1. The Hotel Nelson

2. Quest Nelson

3. Tides Hotel

4. Harbourside Lodge

5. DeLorenzo's Studio Apartments

6. Rutherford Hotel Nelson

7. Palazzo Motor Lodge

8. The Beachcomber Hotel

9. Century Park Motor Lodge

10. Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

11. Tahuna Beach Holiday Park

12. Grand Arden Monaco Nelson

13. Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park

14. Beaches Nelson

15. Arrow Motel Apartments

16. Kings Gate Motel

17. Admirals Motor Inn

18. Chelsea Park Motor Lodge Nelson

19. Palms Motel

20. Amber Court Motel Nelson

Holiday Rentals in Nelson

Quest Nelson

Our guide on where to stay in Nelson

Nelson City Centre

Tahunanui

Port Nelson

Stoke

Nelson South

Stay near popular Nelson attractions

Trafalgar Park

Learn more about Nelson

Top Nelson Hotel Reviews

Recent Reviews in Nelson

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

More cheap accommodation in Nelson

Tasman Bay Backpackers

Find out more about Nelson

Top reasons to visit Nelson

Find great hotels in Nelson

Where to stay in Nelson

Things to do in Nelson

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Nelson

Find the best attractions in Nelson

Best time to go to Nelson

The nearest major airports for your trip to Nelson

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Go further with the Expedia app