Question 1

What is the best area to stay in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

The best area to stay in Nelson for most visitors is the central city, particularly around Trafalgar Street and the surrounding blocks.

This area is the heart of Nelson, offering a convenient and walkable experience. It's characterized by its grid layout, with Trafalgar Street as the main thoroughfare, leading directly to the iconic Christ Church Cathedral on Church Hill. You'll find a concentration of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions here.

For couples, staying in the central city provides easy access to Nelson's culinary scene and boutique shopping. You can enjoy strolls along the Maitai River walkway, visit the Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū, or explore the local craft breweries and wineries within walking distance.

Solo travelers will also find the central city appealing due to its accessibility and the variety of activities available. It's easy to navigate on foot, and there are many cafes and public spaces where one can relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Nelson that travelers recommend?

Accepted Answer

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

The 5-star Century Park Motor Lodge boasts an exceptional 9.8 rating. Guests frequently praise its spacious rooms and excellent facilities. The lodge offers amenities such as air conditioning, fireplaces, and designer toiletries, ensuring a comfortable stay. It is conveniently located near the Nelson Provincial Museum and Queens Gardens.

Another highly recommended option is the 5-star Palazzo Motor Lodge, which has an outstanding 9.6 rating. Travelers often compliment its comfortable and clean rooms, as well as the friendly and helpful staff. The lodge provides premium bedding, air conditioning, and kitchens. It is within walking distance of Flamedaisy Glass Design and the Nelson Provincial Museum.

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

For families traveling to Nelson, excellent options include The Hotel Nelson, Palazzo Motor Lodge, and Bella Vista Motel Nelson.

The 5-star Palazzo Motor Lodge, with an exceptional 9.6 rating, offers amenities such as cribs, children's books, sofa beds, and toys for both babies and older children. Highchairs are also available, ensuring a comfortable stay for families. It is conveniently located near the Nelson Provincial Museum and Montgomery Square.

The Hotel Nelson, a 3-star property with a 9.0 rating, features a children's pool and child-friendly window designs, along with sofa beds and kids' meals. Guests frequently praise the nice, clean rooms and the friendly, helpful staff. It is situated close to Fairfield Park and the Nelson Provincial Museum.

Another great choice is the 4-star Bella Vista Motel Nelson, rated 9.0. This motel provides a playground for children, cribs, and kitchens in its accommodations. Its location is praised by guests, and it's a short distance from the Nelson Fun Park and Tahunanui Beach Reserve. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Nelson

Question 4

What are the best 5-star hotels in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

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

The Palazzo Motor Lodge, with an exceptional 9.6 rating, offers comfortable and clean rooms with premium bedding, air conditioning, and kitchens. Guests frequently praise the friendly staff and its great, walkable location. It is conveniently located near attractions such as Flamedaisy Glass Design, Nelson Provincial Museum, and Montgomery Square.

Another excellent choice is the Century Park Motor Lodge, boasting an outstanding 9.8 rating. This hotel provides spacious rooms with air conditioning, fireplaces, and designer toiletries, along with well-equipped kitchens. It is also close to Flamedaisy Glass Design and the Nelson Provincial Museum. Find more luxury hotels in Nelson

Question 5

What are the best spa hotels in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

For a hotel in Nelson that offers spa facilities, consider the Milton Chalet Motel.

The 3-star Milton Chalet Motel, with a 9.2 rating, provides a relaxing stay with free toiletries and free WiFi. It is also conveniently located approximately 0.8 miles from Flamedaisy Glass Design. See all spa hotels in Nelson

Question 6

What hotels in Nelson offer free breakfast?

Accepted Answer

In Nelson, the Harbourside Lodge and Ah House Nelson City B&B both offer complimentary breakfast.

The 4-star Harbourside Lodge, with an excellent 9.4 rating, provides a free full breakfast and complimentary WiFi. Guests frequently praise the friendly staff and the clean rooms. It is conveniently located near various attractions such as Miyazu Gardens and Queens Gardens.

Another highly-rated option is the 4-star Ah House Nelson City B&B, which boasts a superb 10.0 rating. This B&B offers free cooked breakfast, complimentary airport transportation, and free self-parking. It is situated close to Queens Gardens and Christ Church Cathedral, making it a great choice for exploring the city. Find more hotels with free 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 the Bridge Backpackers.

The 3-star Milton Chalet Motel, with a 9.2 rating, welcomes both dogs and cats, and pets stay free of charge. This accommodation offers convenient amenities such as a kitchen, free toiletries, and free self-parking. It is also well-located, being just 0.4 miles from the Botanical Reserve and Founders Heritage Park.

Another pet-friendly option is the Bridge Backpackers, which has an 8.2 rating and permits dogs. Guests can benefit from free WiFi and nearby free parking. It is conveniently situated 0.2 miles from the Nelson Provincial Museum and 0.1 miles from Montgomery Square. See more pet-friendly hotels in Nelson

Question 8

What are the best budget hotels in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Nelson that are highly rated, consider The Hotel Nelson, Amber Court Motel Nelson, Milton Chalet Motel, and Riverlodge Nelson.

The 3-star The Hotel Nelson, with a 9.0 rating, is praised by guests for its nice, clean rooms and friendly, helpful staff. It offers free WiFi and free self-parking, including space for RVs, buses, or trucks. It is conveniently located near Fairfield Park, just 0.2 miles away, and Christ Church Cathedral, 0.5 miles away.

Another great option is the 3-star Amber Court Motel Nelson, rated 8.8. This motel provides free WiFi, free self-parking, and free parking for RVs, buses, or trucks. Many rooms also include a kitchen, which is ideal for longer stays. It is located 0.5 miles from the World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars.

The 3-star Milton Chalet Motel, with an excellent 9.2 rating, offers free WiFi, free self-parking, and an outdoor pool. Guests traveling with pets will appreciate that pets stay free. Some rooms also feature a kitchen. It is situated 0.4 miles from the Centre of New Zealand Monument and 0.5 miles from Queens Gardens.

Finally, the 3-star Riverlodge Nelson, rated 8.6, provides free WiFi, free self-parking, and rooms with either a patio or a furnished balcony. Guests frequently mention the comfy beds and clean rooms. It is located 0.4 miles from Queens Gardens and Montgomery Square. 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, Palazzo Motor Lodge, and Ah House Nelson City B&B.

The 5-star Century Park Motor Lodge, with an excellent 9.8 rating, offers spacious rooms and private hot tubs for a luxurious experience. It is conveniently located near Flamedaisy Glass Design, providing an opportunity for a unique outing.

Another excellent option is the 5-star Palazzo Motor Lodge, boasting a 9.6 rating. This hotel features comfortable and clean rooms, private indoor hot tubs, and furnished balconies. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, as well as its great, walkable location near Flamedaisy Glass Design.

For a more intimate experience, the 4-star Ah House Nelson City B&B, with a great 10.0 rating, is an ideal choice. It offers free cooked breakfast and couples dining, ensuring a delightful start to your day. This B&B is also located close to Flamedaisy Glass Design. See all romantic hotels in Nelson

Question 10

What are the best hotels in Nelson near Montgomery Square?

Accepted Answer

For excellent hotels in Nelson near Montgomery Square, consider the Century Park Motor Lodge, Palazzo Motor Lodge, or Chelsea Park Motor Lodge.

The 5-star Century Park Motor Lodge, boasting an outstanding 9.8 rating, is located just 0.4 miles from Montgomery Square. This lodge offers spacious rooms and clean facilities, along with convenient amenities like a sofa bed, kitchen, free toiletries, and complimentary WiFi and self-parking. It's also very close to the Nelson Provincial Museum and Fairfield Park.

Another superb option is the 5-star Palazzo Motor Lodge, with a 9.6 rating, situated only 0.3 miles from Montgomery Square. Guests frequently praise its comfortable and clean rooms, as well as the friendly and helpful staff. This lodge is particularly well-equipped for families, providing amenities such as cribs, children's books, toys, games, and highchairs.

The 3.5-star Chelsea Park Motor Lodge, rated 9.6, is also conveniently located just 0.4 miles from Montgomery Square. Travelers appreciate its great location, spotlessly clean and comfortable rooms, and the lovely staff. The lodge offers various parking options, including accessible, off-street, secured, and free self-parking, along with bike parking and an electric car charging station. It also has nearby access to mountain climbing and mountain biking opportunities.

Question 11

What hotels are near Nelson (NSN)?

Accepted Answer

For hotels near Nelson (NSN) airport, consider 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 conveniently located just 0.8 miles from Nelson (NSN) airport. It offers a playground for children and free cribs, making it suitable for families. Additionally, guests can benefit from early check-in options.

Another option is the 3-star Amber Court Motel Nelson, rated 8.8. This motel is 1.2 miles from the airport and provides free cribs, kitchens, and complimentary RV, bus, truck, and self-parking, along with free WiFi.

The 3.5-star ASURE Fountain Resort Motel, also with an 8.8 rating, is located 1.2 miles from Nelson (NSN). It features a playground for children, free cribs, sofa beds, and kitchens. Guests appreciate the comfortable rooms and good-sized pool, and the motel offers various parking options including covered and accessible parking. It is also just 0.4 miles from Nelson Fun Park.

Finally, the 4-star Bella Vista Motel Nelson, boasting a 9.0 rating, is 1.2 miles from the airport. This motel offers a playground for children, cribs, and kitchens. Guests often praise the friendly staff and great location.

Question 12

When is the best time to go to Nelson?

Accepted Answer

The best time to go to Nelson is during the warmer months, from December to February, which is summer in New Zealand.

This period offers long, sunny days and comfortable temperatures, great for exploring Nelson's outdoor attractions. The average daytime temperature hovers around 22-25°C (72-77°F), making it ideal for beach visits, hiking in the nearby national parks, and enjoying watersports. The longer daylight hours mean more time for sightseeing and activities.

Couples looking for a relaxing and scenic getaway will find this time particularly appealing. You can enjoy al fresco dining, stroll through local markets, or take a leisurely boat trip to the Abel Tasman National Park. The pleasant weather enhances any outdoor experience.

Families also benefit greatly from visiting during the summer. The warm temperatures are excellent for children to enjoy the various beaches and outdoor recreational activities available in and around Nelson.

Question 13

Where can I find the best nightlife in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

Nelson offers a relaxed nightlife experience, primarily centered around its city center.

Trafalgar Street, Nelson's main thoroughfare, is where you'll find a concentration of bars and pubs. Many of these establishments offer craft beers from local breweries, as well as wine from the surrounding Nelson Tasman region. You'll also find some casual eateries that transition into bars in the evening.

Hardy Street, running parallel to Trafalgar Street, also features several establishments with evening offerings. These often include restaurants that have a bar area for after-dinner drinks and some pubs known for live music on specific nights.

Question 14

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 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 15

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

Accepted Answer

With Expedia, you earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible Nelson hotel bookings for every dollar you spend – just join our One Key™ travel rewards program to get started. It’s free to join, and you’ll unlock our lowest Member Prices as soon as you’re signed in. On top of this, you could also save significantly by bundling your hotel and flights together on Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Question 16

How much is the nightly rate at a Nelson hotel?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Nelson often vary, but you can find a great deal from $54 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 the cheapest rate.

Month	Price
January	$119
February	$123
March	$118
April	$94
May	$87
June	$83
July	$85
August	$83
September	$90
October	$90
November	$93
December	$98

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

Find hotels in Nelson from $54

Upfront pricing

Treat yourself

Be picky

Go beyond your typical stay in Nelson

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Our top choices for Nelson hotels

The Hotel Nelson

The Beachcomber Hotel

The Sails Nelson

Palazzo Motor Lodge

Beaches Nelson

Quest Nelson

Tahuna Beach Holiday Park

Harbourside Lodge

Grand Arden Monaco Nelson

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Century Park Motor Lodge

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

Arcadia Motel

Admirals Motor Inn

Arrow Motel Apartments

The Honest Lawyer, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Apex Motor Lodge

Tides Hotel

Greens Motel

Kings Gate Motel

Where to stay in Nelson

Nelson City Centre

Tahunanui

Maitai

Stoke

Nelson South

Stay near popular Nelson attractions

Trafalgar Park

Christ Church Cathedral

Learn more about Nelson

Top Nelson Hotel Reviews

Quest Nelson

More cheap stays in Nelson

Bridge Backpackers

Hotels in Nelson with star-rating

Price trends for hotels in Nelson

Find out more about Nelson

Top reasons to visit Nelson

Find great hotels in Nelson

Where to stay in Nelson

Things to do in and around 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