10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nelson 🛌🏼 [2023]

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Nelson

Save your money for the things that really matter, like day trips to the Abel Tasman National Park, skydiving, winery tours and more. That’s easily done in the city of Nelson, where budget accommodations pull out all the stops to attract your business. We’re talking hostels with free chocolate pudding each night, motels with spa baths, holiday parks with summer gigs and children’s play areas… Check out some of our top recommendations for budget accommodations in Nelson, right here!

While you are here, you might also be interested in The Guide to Nelson on a Budget and the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nelson.

1. Delorenzo Studio Apartments

While not the cheapest accommodation in Nelson, Delorenzo Studio Apartments provides excellent value which might make you think twice about booking a drab motel room. This apartment motel in the heart of Nelson offers chic and stylish decor across its 30 rooms. Most apartments feature a full kitchen, ensuite, spa baths and some even a balcony. On the other hand, the cheapest studio here is a fantastic option for couples or solo travellers on a budget with the luxury of a private patio but a smaller kitchenette. Communal facilities here include a heated swimming pool in summer, laundry services and services for business travellers.

Check Delorenzo Studio Apartments out:

2. Tahuna Beach Holiday Park & Motel

Cheap cabins, motel units and camping sites can be found at this out-of-town holiday park at the idyllic Tahunanui Beach. The cheapest rooms are the basic cabins where bedding needs to be hired and they are close to shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Meanwhile, kitchen cabins have basic kitchen facilities but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and cooking/utensils or hire them from reception. If you don’t have all that, don’t worry. You can upgrade to one of the motel accommodations with full bedding, ensuite bathroom and full kitchen facilities provided. Whatever you choose, the holiday park is an excellent option for budgeting families thanks to the children’s playground, large open spaces, mini-golf and outdoor gigs in summer. See more recommendations like this in our 10 Best Family Accommodations in Nelson.

Check Tahuna Beach Holiday Park out:

3. Tasman Bay Backpackers

Nelson is a city of high-quality backpacker hostels, each offering something unique to get your business. For the Tasman Bay Backpackers, it’s free hot chocolate pudding and ice cream each night, free bike hire, free all-you-can-eat breakfast (in winter) and a wide selection of rooms! Situated a short walk from the city centre, Tasman Bay Backpackers offers dorm accommodation, as well as private single, double and twin rooms with or without an ensuite. The hostel has all of the expected communal facilities, such as a kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a cosy lounge and cool garden with lots of garden furniture to lounge in.

Check Tasman Bay Backpackers out:

4. The Hotel Nelson

While prices fluctuate with the day of the week and season, it’s possible to find a good deal on a hotel room at The Hotel Nelson. The centrally-located hotel features free WiFi, free parking, a heated pool in summer, laundry service, business facilities and free gym access. As for rooms, the cheap hotel offers a wide selection of studios with a kitchen, units with a kitchenette and a large bathroom, and apartments with full kitchens, dining area/lounge and bathroom. There’s something affordable for couples up to groups of nine. For more options with a kitchen, take a look at the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Nelson.

Check Hotel Nelson out:

5. The Beachcomber Hotel & Conference Centre

Located just a short stroll from Tahunanui Beach, The Beachcomber Hotel offers a range of hotel rooms at an affordable rate. Stay in one of their budget “Standard Studios”, upgrade to a kitchen in the “Kitchen Studio”, pamper yourself in the “Spa Studio”, or simply enjoy more space in the “One-Bedroom Unit”. Guests also have access to an outdoor heated pool. For more stays ideal for couples, check out the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Nelson.

Check The Beachcomber Hotel out:

6. Amber Court Motel

While a little out of town, Amber Court Motel offers fresh and recently refurbished rooms just five minutes away from the airport. All units are on the ground floor and include easy-access units. The motel is well-equipped with a guest laundry, a porta cot and high chair available, spa baths, a barbecue area and a garden. As for accommodation, most rooms suit families with plenty of bedding and a full kitchen, while couples and corporate travellers can choose whether they have self-catering facilities or not. Compare more motels in the 10 Best Motels in Nelson.

Check Amber Court Motel out:

7. Admirals Motor Inn

It couldn’t be easier than Admirals Motor Inn, ideally located within a short walk from the city centre. While the motor inn offers apartments and executive rooms, they also offer extremely affordable “Budget Studios” and “Economy Studios” both with kitchenettes, ensuites and sleeping up to two people. Guests also have access to on-site parking and views across one of Nelson’s inner-city parks. See similar-but-different accommodations also listed in the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Nelson.

Check Admirals Motor Inn out:

8. The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar

A hostel in Nelson worth considering even for a private room, The Prince Albert Backpackers is set on the top level of a heritage pub-style bar about a five-minute walk from the city centre. Choose to stay in dorms or private quad, twin and double rooms, sharing bathrooms, kitchen, TV lounge, games room and a sunny beer garden. What’s more, the hostel has a wealth of free inclusions, such as breakfast, transfers between the bus terminal, luggage storage, WiFi and cruiser bike hire.

Check Prince Albert Backpackers out:

9. The Bug Backpackers

Another fantastic hostel and cheap accommodation in Nelson is The Bug Backpackers, offering a homely stay just 15 minutes walk from town. Free WiFi, free luggage storage, free breakfast, game tables, laundry services, a barbecue area and two communal kitchens are all part of the package here. In between making use of the facilities, you can stay in a private studio with a queen bed, kitchenette and ensuite, an ensuite double room, one of the other private rooms with shared bathrooms, or a dorm room. See more recommendations like this in the 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Nelson.

Check The Bug Backpackers out:

10. Apartments Paradiso

Located on a quiet street nestled in tropical trees, yet only 650 m (710 yards) away from the town centre, Apartments Paradiso provides private budget accommodation in Nelson. Stay in one of the 10 European-style motel units kitted out with spa baths, air-conditioning, free WiFi and super king beds/twin beds. Guests will also have access to the facilities of the hostel next door, including a 12 m (39 ft) pool, spa pool, sauna and volleyball court.

Check Apartments Paradiso out:

More About Budget Accommodations in Nelson

That’s it for our list of the best budget accommodations in Nelson. For more Nelson travel tips, be sure to check out the following guides:

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

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