Overview
Where to stay in Nelson.
Looking for a hotel in Nelson? We've ranked the 40 best-reviewed stays in the city so you can compare ratings, location, and price in one place. Every hotel below has verified guest reviews and shows the same nightly rate you'd pay on Booking.com or direct — search your dates to see live availability.
Travelling green? See our carbon-neutral hotels in Nelson — every booking removes 1 ton of CO₂ at the same price.
40top-rated hotels
18rated 4★ or higher
14,100verified guest reviews
4.4/5average guest score
Across the 40 best-reviewed hotels in Nelson, 18 carry a 4-star rating or higher and together they hold 14,100 verified guest reviews. The highest-rated right now is Monaco Waterside Magic at 3.7/5. Whether you want a central base for sightseeing or a quieter, better-value area, the list below lets you compare location, star rating and real guest scores side by side before you book — at the same nightly rate you'd pay on Booking.com.
Top picks
40 best hotels in Nelson.
Ranked by verified guest rating. Tap any hotel to see live rates, photos and rooms.
#13.7/5★★★★
Monaco Waterside Magic
Nelson, New Zealand
3.7/5 · 2,145 reviews
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#24.4/5★★★★
The Honest Lawyer an Ascend Collection Hotel
Nelson, New Zealand
4.4/5 · 1,393 reviews
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#35.0/5★★★
Hume Hotel & Spa
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 1,123 reviews
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#45.0/5★★★★
Prestige Lakeside Resort WorldHotels Elite
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 972 reviews
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#54.4/5★★★
The Hotel Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand
4.4/5 · 916 reviews
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#65.0/5★★★★
Tides Hotel
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 634 reviews
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#75.0/5★★★
Best Western Plus Baker Street Inn
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 632 reviews
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#85.0/5★★★★
Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 604 reviews
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#92.7/5★★★★
Grand Arden Monaco Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand
2.7/5 · 416 reviews
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#105.0/5★★★
The Adventure Hotel
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 412 reviews
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#114.0/5★★★
Prestige Inn Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand
4.0/5 · 407 reviews
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#124.7/5★★★★
Boutique Motel
Nelson, New Zealand
4.7/5 · 360 reviews
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#134.0/5★★
Alpine Inn & Suites
Nelson, New Zealand
4.0/5 · 311 reviews
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#143.0/5★★★
The Beachcomber Hotel
Nelson, New Zealand
3.0/5 · 303 reviews
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#155.0/5★★★
Admirals Motor Inn
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 264 reviews
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#165.0/5★★★★
Bella Vista Motel Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 259 reviews
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#174.4/5★★★
Savoy Hotel
Nelson, New Zealand
4.4/5 · 241 reviews
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#185.0/5★★★★
Palms Motel
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 236 reviews
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#195.0/5★★★★★
The Sails Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 230 reviews
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#205.0/5★★★★★
Century Park
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 198 reviews
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#215.0/5★★★
Amber Court Motel Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 192 reviews
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#225.0/5★★★★
Arcadia Motel
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 165 reviews
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#235.0/5★★★★
Beaches Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 132 reviews
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#245.0/5★★★★
Blaylock's Mansion
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 125 reviews
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#254.7/5★
Owen River Tavern & Motels
Nelson, New Zealand
4.7/5 · 119 reviews
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#261.7/5★★★
Kootenay Wild
Nelson, New Zealand
1.7/5 · 119 reviews
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#271.0/5★★★★
Kings Gate Motel
Nelson, New Zealand
1.0/5 · 118 reviews
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#285.0/5★★
Kokanee Glacier Resort
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 109 reviews
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#293.7/5★★★
Cloudside Hotel
Nelson, New Zealand
3.7/5 · 108 reviews
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#305.0/5★★★
Greens Motel
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 102 reviews
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#315.0/5★★★
ASURE Fountain Resort Motel
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 101 reviews
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#325.0/5★★★
Balmoral Motel
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 90 reviews
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#335.0/5★★★★
Riverlodge Motel
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 90 reviews
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#343.7/5★★
Mountain Hound Inn
Nelson, New Zealand
3.7/5 · 89 reviews
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#355.0/5★★★
Rabbit Island Huts
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 87 reviews
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#363.7/5★★★
Courtesy Court Motel
Nelson, New Zealand
3.7/5 · 79 reviews
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#375.0/5★★★
The Wakatu Hotel
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 62 reviews
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#385.0/5★★★★
Mount Richmond Estate
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 55 reviews
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#394.0/5★★★★
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel
Nelson, New Zealand
4.0/5 · 55 reviews
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#405.0/5★★★
The Gates Accommodation
Nelson, New Zealand
5.0/5 · 47 reviews
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See every hotel in Nelson
Filter by price, star rating, guest score and dates. Same prices as Booking.com, free cancellation on most rooms.
View live Nelson prices →
Good to know
Booking a hotel in Nelson.
- Best time to book: rates in Nelson are usually lowest around 3–6 weeks out; weekends and local events push prices up, so lock in early for peak dates.
- Where to stay: central districts suit first-time visitors and sightseeing, while areas a little further out trade some walkability for noticeably better value.
- Free cancellation: most Nelson hotels offer it up to check-in — filter for flexible rates if your plans aren't locked in yet.
- No price markup: every rate here matches Booking.com and Expedia, so you're comparing on location and quality, not hidden fees.
FAQ
Hotels in Nelson — your questions.
What are the best hotels in Nelson?
The top-rated hotel in Nelson right now is Monaco Waterside Magic (3.7/5 from 2,145 verified reviews). This page ranks 40 of the best-reviewed hotels in Nelson, New Zealand, updated for 2026.
How much does a hotel in Nelson cost?
Nightly prices in Nelson vary by season, location, and star rating. IMPT shows live rates that match Booking.com and Expedia — search your dates to see the current price for any hotel on this page.
Which area of Nelson is best to stay in?
It depends on your trip: central districts suit first-time visitors and sightseeing, while quieter neighbourhoods offer better value. Every hotel below shows its exact location so you can pick what fits your plans.
Can I book a hotel in Nelson with free cancellation?
Yes — most hotels in Nelson offer free cancellation up to check-in. Filter for free-cancellation rates when you search your dates.
Are these Nelson hotels good for families?
Many of the Nelson hotels listed include family rooms, and you can set the number of guests and rooms when you search. Each listing shows star rating and verified guest scores to help you choose.