10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Nelson 🍽️ [2023]

Where to Find Self-Contained Accommodations and Stays with Kitchen Facilities in Nelson

Spruce up your own creations and save some money along the way by staying in self-contained accommodations or at least accommodations with access to a kitchen in Nelson. We’ve compiled some of your best options, from private holiday homes to ultra-cheap hostels and everything in between, in this list of the best self-catering accommodations in Nelson.

While you’re here, you might also like the 20 Best Things to Do in Nelson or alternative accommodations in the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Nelson.

1. Cedar Grove Motor Lodge

With full cooking facilities available in each unit (and continental breakfast available to order), Cedar Grove Motor Lodge certainly offers an appealing option for those wanting to be in charge of their own meals. Combine that with its super central position – just one block from the city centre’s shops and cafes – and you have a very appealing accommodation option. While each room type, whether it is a studio or two-bedroom unit, is very spacious, you’ll find that the balconies and patios are welcome outdoor spaces to relax among leafy residential streets.

Check Cedar Grove Motor Lodge out:

Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Nelson

2. Quest Nelson

Enjoy your own ample space to cook and relax while being in the city centre at Quest Nelson. You can hardly do more central, or more contemporary for that matter, than these serviced apartments with full kitchens. The complex provides stylish apartments for couples, business travellers and families with apartments with a sleek-looking kitchen, dining table and some with a private balcony. Be entertained by the in-house movies available and the DVD collection, as well as find practical help with the laundry facilities and easy express check-out. For more hotel-like stays, head to the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Nelson.

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3. The Wheelhouse Inn

Fantastic sea views, ultimate privacy and enough space for your group: what’s not to love about The Wheelhouse Inn holiday homes? The Wheelhouse Inn consists of five individual holiday homes elevated on bush-clad hills. Each home has all the essentials for a convenient stay with self-catering facilities, where you can enjoy meals in the lounge, dining area or deck/balcony. There are one and two-bedroom houses available. Needless to say, we also feature this accommodation in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Nelson.

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4. Century Park Motor Lodge

Spice things up a bit by staying at this five-star motel just a short walk from the city centre. Century Park Motor Lodge is an ultra-modern motel worth considering, whether you’re a couple, business traveller, group or family. Each room is especially well-appointed, from the cosy array of throw pillows on your bed to the spa baths featured in many rooms. Most importantly, kitchen facilities are available and very practical. Combine your night in with entertainment from the free WiFi, a TV with streaming services, an iPod docking station and more. And the next morning, wake up to coffee from your room’s coffee pod machine to enjoy on your private balcony or patio.

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5. Tasman Bay Backpackers

And for travellers on a tight budget, you’ll get free hot chocolate pudding and ice cream each night and free all-you-can-eat breakfast (in winter) at the Tasman Bay Backpackers! That’s not all, as this popular hostel, a short walk from the city centre, also has a communal kitchen to spruce up all your meals in between. As for rooms, choose from cheap dorm accommodation, as well as private single, double and twin rooms with and without an ensuite. The hostel also has a cosy lounge and cool garden with lots of garden furniture to lounge in and soak in the Nelson sun. For alternative cheap stays, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nelson.

Check Tasman Bay Backpackers out:

6. Ah House City B&B Nelson

Ideal for couples and solo travellers wishing to stay in the heart of the city, choose the boutique Ah House City B&B Nelson just one block behind Christ Church Cathedral. This character B&B offers a selection of self-contained B&B rooms and a garden apartment both with kitchenette facilities and breakfast included to enjoy ultimate convenience while in Nelson. The B&B rooms also feature a private deck with a barbecue to enjoy those famous sunny Nelson evenings among gorgeous gardens. For more couple-centric stays, take a look at the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Nelson.

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7. The Sails Nelson

You’re home away from home never looked this good! The Sails Nelson is one of your rare five-star motels in New Zealand, where the rating is evident in its design and features. While your self-contained apartment or studio comes complete with a stainless steel kitchen, the full-cooked breakfast and drinks menus are all too tempting. Other features of your room include Sleepyhead Elegance beds with featherbedding and feather mattress overlay, 65″ TV with streaming services, Italian tile bathrooms with a double spa and shower-over, espresso machines, and the list goes on. What’s more, The Sails has a central location, on-site parking and complimentary bike hire. See more motels like this in our 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Nelson.

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8. Palazzo Motor Lodge

One of Nelson’s most upscale motels, Palazzo Motor Lodge has irresistible decor and features suitable for even the most discerning traveller. The boutique accommodation boasts just 16 rooms kitted out with all the mod-cons including smart TVs with streaming services, espresso machines, full kitchen facilities with a dishwasher and sumptuous decor. There are plenty of options to upgrade to a room with a spacious corner spa bath or even opt for more space with separate bedrooms and 1 lounge/kitchen area – a true home away from home. For alternative motels, check out the 15 BEST Motels in Nelson.

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8. Beaches Nelson

Quality accommodation with more amenities in each room than you could ever need, no wonder Beaches Nelson is one of the best-rated self-catering motels in Tahunanui. The motel is 500 m (567 yards) away from Nelson’s best beach and boasts other luxuries like spa baths in most rooms and smart TVs with multiple streaming services available. Treat yourself to toast and condiments provided in your kitchenette/kitchen and opt for other touches like a private balcony to soak up the fine weather in New Zealand’s sunniest city.

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9. Waimarie on Riverside Motel & Apartments

Waimarie on Riverside Motel & Apartments boasts one of the most pleasant surroundings of them all on the banks of the Maitai River. If you don’t get a balcony with river views, you’ll at least get a patio among gorgeous gardens awash in flower baskets just like Grandma’s house. The building itself is also like Grandma’s house – it’s been around a while – but the studios and apartments are still maintained with love and are still certainly worth considering for your stay in Nelson city. Most apartments have a full kitchen except for the “Maitai Suite” which just has a limited kitchenette.

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10. Bridge Backpackers

Finally, accommodation with an exceptional communal kitchen, the Bridge Backpackers offers an ultra-affordable self-catering stay in Nelson. With sleek minimalistic decor, it is one of the most stylish backpackers in Nelson. Common areas include a large kitchen with multiple hobs and ovens, so you’re not fighting for space, and a small gym where you can work it all off. All private rooms have ensuite bathrooms, while dorms and some private single rooms have shared bathrooms. See more suggestions like this in the 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Nelson.

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More About Self-Catering Accommodations in Nelson

That’s it for our list of the top self-catering accommodations in Nelson but by no means the end of our travel tips! Check out these following guides for more experiences and stays in Nelson.

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Nelson.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page