A coastal town with a beach, boats, and a mountainous backdrop.

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Check availability on Nelson Historic Hotels

Our top choices for Nelson historic hotels

A breakfast tray with a croissant, fruit preserves, and two glasses of champagne on a white table in a modern hotel room with a view of a cityscape.

1. The Sails Nelson

The Sails Nelson
5.0 star property
The Wood
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (754 reviews)
"Very modern, clean room. Staff very helpful and friendly on checkin. Excellent kitchen facilities and extras"
Australia
Lynne
The price is ฿4,019
฿4,622 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Nov - 22 Nov
The Sails Nelson
A modern hotel room with a large central dining table, a sofa, a TV, and a balcony with a view.

2. Palazzo Motor Lodge

Palazzo Motor Lodge
5.0 star property
Nelson City Centre
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (634 reviews)
"Warm clean and close to everything"
Australia
Sandra
The price is ฿2,527
฿2,906 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
Palazzo Motor Lodge
A compact kitchen with a central island, a dining area with a sofa, and a living room with a view of the outdoors.

3. The Wheelhouse Inn

The Wheelhouse Inn
3.5 star property
Britannia Heights
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (241 reviews)
"Nice view"
Singapore
GERALDINE HUEY YING
The price is ฿4,587
฿5,275 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
The Wheelhouse Inn
A modern two-story house with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and a well-lit balcony.

4. DeLorenzo's Studio Apartments

DeLorenzo's Studio Apartments
5.0 star property
The Wood
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,438 reviews)
"Excellent stay. Convenient location to town"
New Zealand
Nathan
The price is ฿2,427
฿2,791 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
DeLorenzo's Studio Apartments
A modern fireplace with a glass front, displaying burning logs.

5. Century Park Motor Lodge

Century Park Motor Lodge
5.0 star property
Nelson City Centre
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (375 reviews)
"It was quiet and within walking distance of downtown and a few restaurants very friendly place"
United States
Michael Diana
The price is ฿3,466
฿3,986 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Century Park Motor Lodge
A patio with a table and chairs, a brick wall, and a sliding glass door leading to an interior space.

6. Chelsea Park Motor Lodge Nelson

Chelsea Park Motor Lodge Nelson
3.5 star property
Nelson City Centre
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (465 reviews)
"We can highly recommend this motel. The Location is good, our room was really nice with an outdoor sitting area and great amenities, The host is a wealth of knowledge and is more than eager to share it."
Australia
Gary
The price is ฿3,547
฿4,079 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Chelsea Park Motor Lodge Nelson
A table with a bottle of champagne, glasses, crackers, cheese, and grapes on a balcony overlooking a marina with boats.

7. Harbourside Nelson

Harbourside Nelson
4.0 star property
Port Nelson
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (705 reviews)
"Great location, good ammenities including washer&dryer. Helpful staff and almost adjacent to an excellent restaurant and bar."
Australia
Barry
The price is ฿3,320
฿3,818 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Harbourside Nelson
An aerial view of a swimming pool with a curved edge, surrounded by a brick patio and palm trees.

8. Palms Motel

Palms Motel
4.5 star property
Nelson City Centre
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (331 reviews)
"Great service, great motel. An excellent location."
Australia
Michael
The price is ฿3,407
฿3,919 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Palms Motel
A pathway leading through a garden with a red mailbox labeled 'NO CIRCULARS' and the number '10'.

9. Tasman Bay Backpackers

Tasman Bay Backpackers
2.0 star property
The Wood
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (151 reviews)
"Extremely convenient location with parking"
Australia
Megan
The price is ฿1,586
฿1,823 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Tasman Bay Backpackers
A lakeside hotel with a reflection in the water, surrounded by trees and hills.

10. Tides Hotel

Tides Hotel
4.5 star property
The Wood
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"Friendly team, great service, and a hassle-free stay every time. Definitely my go-to place in town."
Australia
Diane
The price is ฿2,411
฿2,772 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Tides Hotel
A large, two-story building with a symmetrical facade, multiple windows, and a well-maintained lawn.

11. Admirals Motor Inn

Admirals Motor Inn
3.5 star property
Nelson South
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (371 reviews)
"Great value with everything you need. Love the separate kitchen! Great service from Fraser. Friendly and helpful staff."
Australia
Susan
The price is ฿2,313
฿2,660 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Admirals Motor Inn
A woman lying on a bed reading a book in a room with a large window and a view of greenery outside.

12. The Hotel Nelson

The Hotel Nelson
3.0 star property
Nelson South
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"Room was great but would of been good to at least have had a microwave. Love that had the restaurant right there. Great food and staff"
Australia
Marg
The price is ฿2,425
฿2,788 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
The Hotel Nelson
A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a large window with curtains, and a view of buildings and hills.

13. Quest Nelson

Quest Nelson
3.5 star property
Nelson City Centre
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (520 reviews)
"Great staff."
Australia
Angela
The price is ฿2,912
฿3,349 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
Quest Nelson
A spacious lobby with a grand staircase, a reception desk, and a chandelier.

14. Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Rutherford Hotel Nelson
4.0 star property
Nelson City Centre
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (646 reviews)
"Easy location parking and food onsite"
New Zealand
Jason
The price is ฿4,126
฿4,745 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Rutherford Hotel Nelson
A small, single-story building with a red-framed door and windows, a wooden deck with benches and chairs, and a gravel ground.

15. Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park

Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park
2.0 star property
Nelson South
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (181 reviews)
"Clean, tidy and has all you need. Had kitchen cabin with no bathroom, was very spacious. Happy with our stay. We were happy with shared bathroom, very clean and fresh."
Australia
Teresa
The price is ฿1,616
฿1,905 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a television, and a door.

16. Riverlodge Nelson

Riverlodge Nelson
3.0 star property
The Wood
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (149 reviews)
"Good location very reasonable prices "
Australia
Michael
The price is ฿2,528
฿2,907 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Riverlodge Nelson
A room with two round mirrors on the wall, a window with curtains, a sofa, and a bed.

17. YHA Nelson - Backpackers

YHA Nelson - Backpackers
2.0 star property
Nelson City Centre
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (109 reviews)
"I would stay here again. Everything is well organised. Perfect for 1-2 nights."
Germany
Reinhard
The price is ฿1,764
฿2,028 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
YHA Nelson - Backpackers
A motel with a paved driveway, a signboard, and a well-lit entrance.

18. Kings Gate Motel

Kings Gate Motel
3.5 star property
The Wood
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (144 reviews)
"We had the small room, it was adequate for our needs, hot plate, microwave, fridge, all we needed was there, was very clean and tidy, bed was firm and very comfortable, very large spa bath, which was lovely. Latch on toilet window was broken couldn't find anyone to tell before we left, everything in the unit was well maintained, and clean, outside needed a bit of tidying , we would definitely return to stay."
Australia
William
The price is ฿2,479
฿2,850 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Kings Gate Motel
A hotel named Saxton Lodge with a sign indicating directions to Saxton Field Sports Complex.

19. Saxton Lodge

Saxton Lodge
5.0 star property
Stoke
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (449 reviews)
"Great place to stay and the food at restaurant is fantastic"
Australia
Jo-Anne
The price is ฿3,023
฿3,476 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Saxton Lodge
A hotel room with a bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a dining area with a table and chairs, and a view of the outside.

20. Arcadia Motel

Arcadia Motel
3.5 star property
Tahunanui
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (223 reviews)
"Staff was quick to respond and very accommodating to our late arrival. Very comfy beds and quiet area."
United States
Beverly
The price is ฿2,556
฿2,940 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Arcadia Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Top Nelson Hotel Reviews

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

8/10 Good
"We booked as we had stayed here before. Price was a factor as we only stating 1 night. Were on Driftwood Motel side vs Castles side which rooms aren't as flash. We stayed in unit 9 (access studio unit). Was basic setup. Suited us for the 1 night stay & price was relevant to room type. Setup like an apartment type vs typical Motel setup. Had key left under mat & had clear comms via text & app. As only onsite 10am-3pm (as per info on site). Enjoysble stay. Close to multiple fast food or restaurants & bars. Highly recommend Smugglers Restaurant & Bar & Sprig & Fern. Can just chill & see several bars/restaurants within ealking distance. Beach close by too."
Joseph 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

Frequently asked questions

What should a history buff expect from a stay in Nelson?
On holiday in Nelson, historians and history enthusiasts alike will likely want to explore the a cathedral. And while you're here, you can visit the major shopping area and popular beaches. You can also relish a trip to the top-notch restaurants.
How many historical hotels are there in Nelson?
Nelson is home to 270 hotels and other lodging options bookable on Expedia though you won't find many designated historic hotels.
What are the top historical places and other sights in Nelson?
Favourite places to visit include Nelson Market, Trafalgar Park and Queens Gardens. A couple of additional sights to add to your itinerary are Centre of New Zealand Monument and Founders Heritage Park.
What is a historic hotel like in Nelson?
Guests who choose a historic hotel can sleep someplace that has a national historic designation. A stately home, palace or even a lodge, old police station or skyscraper can be considered a historic hotel as long as it has special significance. Traditional architecture and period features are typically preserved within the guestrooms or public spaces of these historic hotels in Nelson, bringing the history to life.
What is the difference between a historic hotel and a heritage hotel?
"Heritage hotel" is more common in Asia and Europe, while "historic hotel" is a term often used in the U.S. overall though the terms are similar. The architecture and building of a historic hotel tends to be what's most important. For a heritage hotel, it's often the cultural value along with how it influenced the community.
Do historic hotels in Nelson have modern facilities?
Hotel interiors feature the modern conveniences and safety features you've come to expect, while every effort is made to preserve treasured traditions and historic facades. Smart TVs, WiFi, updated bathroom facilities and the usual amenities found at a contemporary hotel will be available in a historic hotel. Rest assured that when you select a historic hotel in Nelson, you won't find a place that is rundown or uncomfortable.