20 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Palmerston North 🛎️ [2023]

The Best Hotels and Alternative Accommodations in Palmerston North

Discover a city less-travelled yet so easy to get to! Palmerston North offers so much for travellers, in between the intriguing museums, riverside walk/cycleways, gorgeous gardens and foodie scene. With that in mind, you’ll definitely want to stick around by staying in one of the city’s fabulous hotels. Whether you seek luxury, want extra in-room facilities, or would rather stick to a budget, there’s accommodation for everyone in Palmerston North. We’ll go through some of our top picks, as well as alternative accommodations in this list of hotels and places to stay in Palmerston North!

While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 16 Best Things to Do in Palmerston North.

1. Distinction Palmerston North Hotel & Conference Centre – The Best Hotel in Palmerston North

A four-star hotel in the heart of Palmerston North, Distinction Palmerston North Hotel is well worth considering. The hotel boasts stylishly-appointed guest rooms across five storeys. Choose from budget-friendly rooms to luxurious options like the “Tower Superior” or the “Heritage Spa Suite” with an indulgent spa bath and separate shower. Distinction Palmerston North boasts a range of facilities from wedding to corporate services, as well as excellent dining at the Nosh Restaurant and two trendy bars.

Check Distinction Palmerston North Hotel & Conference Centre out:

2. Quest Palmerston North – The Best Apartment Hotel in Palmerston North

Get the hotel meets home-away-from-home experience at Quest Palmerston North. The high-end apartment hotel chain offers an upmarket stay in Palmerston North with stylish contemporary studios and one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. All units feature a full kitchen with a dishwasher (PakN’Save is just across the road), while other conveniences include car parking, electric vehicle charging, laundry facilities, local restaurant chargeback, WiFi and in-house movies.

Check Quest Palmerston North out:

3. Masonic Hotel – Cheap Motel in Palmerston North

A centrally located hotel above a popular sports bar, Masonic Hotel offers another choice for a cheap stay in Palmerston North. Each of the 10 rooms here features an ensuite shower room, electric blankets and room heaters for a cosy evening, as well as breakfast and drink-making facilities. There are rooms for couples all the way to families of five, so there’s something for most travellers – including friendly staff who are sure to make you feel welcome.

Check Masonic Hotel out:

4. Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North – The Best Palmerston North Hotel for Families

Another motel chain found in Palmerston North is the Copthorne by Millennium Hotels. This hotel is the right fit for just about anyone, including corporate travellers, couples, friends and families thanks to the adaptable room layouts. The Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North features entry-level rooms that are kind on the wallet, “Family Suites” with a separate living area, a kitchenette and sofabed, and luxurious “Junior Suites” with space to wine and dine in your own lounge and private balcony. Rooms have free WiFi and in-room entertainment systems, while the on-site Jimmy Cook’s Kiwi Kitchen is a great option for dining in the city. See more recommendations like this in our 10 Best Family Accommodations in Palmerston North.

Check Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North out:

5. Quality Suites Central Square – Self-Catering Hotel in Palmerston North City Centre

Home comforts and a super-central location unite at Quality Suites Central Square. This aparthotel rises high in the city centre, featuring 40 well-appointed self-contained apartments. Couples will find affordable luxury in the “Studios”, while the “One-Bedroom Executive Apartment” with a full kitchen, separate lounge and a private balcony heightens the experience. Families will also find ample space in the “Two-Bedroom Executive Apartment” with all the home-away-from-home amenities. Facilities at the aparthotel include 24-hour self-check-in, pet-friendly rooms, car parking and free WiFi. Discover more self-catering stays in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Palmerston North.

Check Quality Suites Central Square out:

6. The Cobb Hotel – Cheap Hotel on Palmerston North’s Main Street

This is the city’s other “cheap hotel above a bar”. Enjoy affordable prices and a lively pub atmosphere at The Cobb Hotel. Couples can stay in the “Studio Rooms” with simple furnishings, an ensuite, fridge and tea/coffee facilities. The “Family Room” provides a little bit extra in terms of beds and space. When you’re feeling hungry, just roll out of bed to the downstairs bar serving a range of crowd-pleasers at an affordable price. See more stays like this in our 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Palmerston North.

Check The Cobb Hotel out:

The Cobb Hotel on Trip.com

7. The Railway Hotel Backpackers – Backpacker Hostel in Palmerston North

No longer a “hotel” per se, this historic hotel has been given new life as The Railway Hotel Backpackers. This attractive hostel is well-decorated and clean and has plenty of space with several communal kitchens and lounge areas. Room types include double and twin ensuites, single, double, twin and triple rooms with shared bathrooms, and a range of dorm rooms. Many rooms feature basic breakfast-making facilities, while housekeeping is known to leave a range of snacks in every room – yum! See more like this in our 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Palmerston North.

Theta 360 Loading...

8. Bentleys Motor Inn – Palmerston North Accommodation with Spa Baths

While we might have exhausted the hotel options in Palmerston North, you can still find motels with hotel-like services. For instance, treat yourself to affordable luxury at the Bentleys Motor Inn. It’s all about the spa baths and pools at this upmarket accommodation. Rooms here consist of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with various upgrades available. Each room is extremely well-presented with most rooms having kitchen facilities. Other facilities on the motel complex include a gym, squash court, sauna, on-site parking, free WiFi, laundry and conference rooms. See more motels in the area in our 20 Best Motels in Palmerston North.

Check Bentleys Motor Inn out:

9. Destiny on Fitzherbert – Romantic Accommodation in Palmerston North

This boutique motel features unique furnishings for a memorable experience. The “Premium One-Bedroom” unit is a romantic retreat for couples, while the “Two-Bedroom” unit is the best option for families, each boasting kitchenette facilities with a dishwasher and notably cute crockery. Be entertained by the 50″ TVs with streaming services, free WiFi, and city centre attractions just a few blocks away. See more recommendations like this in our 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Palmerston North.

Check Destiny on Fitzherbert out:

10. Cornwall Motor Lodge – Accommodation in Palmerston North with Spa Pools

Another motel worth opening your eyes to, even if you usually stay in hotels, is Cornwall Motor Lodge. Sky TV with Sky Decoder, spa pools and spa baths, contemporary kitchenettes with plunger coffee and cookies, free WiFi, bathrobes, on-site parking, chargeback meal services, TVs visible from the bed or spa, Sleepyhead king beds, breakfast delivery… The list of facilities alone shows how this motel goes above and beyond to provide a comfortable stay in Palmerston North. Motel rooms are available in studio, one and two-bedroom layouts. See how this motel compares to the 20 BEST Motels in Palmerston North.

Check Cornwall Motor Lodge out:

11. Aubyn Court Spa Motel – Upmarket Motel in Palmerston North

Couples looking for a romantic retreat, take a look at Aubyn Court Spa Motel. Treat your loved one to a night or two in one of the spa studios with a separate indoor spa pool separate from the ensuite bathroom. Additionally, the one and two-bedroom “Family Suites” radiate a contemporary style with luxurious additions like super-king beds and tiled bathrooms with a spa bath. Either way, rooms are ultra-spacious and feature free WiFi, mezzanine suite options and breakfast-making facilities. There’s also the convenience of on-site parking, Sky TV and a location near The Plaza shopping mall.

Check Aubyn Court Spa Motel out:

20 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Palmerston North

12. Hiwinui Country Estate – Luxury Lodge in Palmerston North

After an NZ House & Garden Tour, relax in either the main lodge or the “Tree Tops Apartment” of Hiwinui Country Estate. The lodge boasts suites with king-sized beds and ensuites with large spa baths and walk-in showers. Alternatively, the apartment gives you a glorious elevated position among the trees with a kitchenette and bright bathroom included. All guests have access to the elegant lounge with a dominating log fireplace and extensive views of the grounds and pond. Treat yourself a step further with a spa treatment at the on-site Hiwinui Body & Day Spa – see the 6 Luxury Experiences in Palmerston North to learn more about this activity.

Check Hiwinui Country Estate out:

Hiwinui Country Estate on Booking.com

13. Linton Cottage – Holiday Home in Palmerston North

Another way to ensure a comfortable stay in Palmerston North with all of your home-away-from-home facilities for your stay in Palmerston North is to choose a holiday home. Linton Cottage is a good go-to with its modernly renovated kitchen with an open-plan lounge and a secluded deck with a barbecue. The four-bedroom holiday home sleeps up to eight people, but there are rates for fewer people, making it also ideal for smaller groups – even couples. What’s more, free WiFi is also available!

Check Linton Cottage out:

13. Warm on Waterloo – Cheap Homestay in Palmerston North

Looking for cheap accommodation in Palmerston North? Try out a homestay like this one! Warm on Waterloo offers two affordable guest rooms with rates for solo travellers to two guests per room available. Knowing that you’re getting a private room with breakfast included, plus access to a fully equipped kitchen and the opportunity to stay with welcoming locals, the homestay provides awesome value for money.

Check Warm on Waterloo out:

Warm on Waterloo on Booking.com

14. Pin Oaks Luxury Bed & Breakfast – Countryside B&B Between Palmerston North and Ashhurst

A charming country cottage between Palmerston North and Ashhurst, Pin Oaks Luxury Bed & Breakfast is a favourable option for up to five guests. The entire suite is yours, featuring two double bedrooms with glorious views across the manicured gardens, as well as a single bedroom and a sunny lounge and dining room with access to a patio area. You’ll be treated to an indulgent spread for breakfast, as well as a welcome afternoon tea with home baking.

Check Pin Oaks Luxury Bed & Breakfast out:

Pin Oaks Luxury Bed & Breakfast on Booking.com

15. Quiet Boutique Generous Breakfast – Affordable B&B in Palmerston North

An affordable bed & breakfast on the edge of town, Quiet Boutique Generous Breakfast is a popular option for solo travellers or couples on a budget. Your friendly hosts will offer (like it says on the tin) a generous breakfast including homemade cookies. Your room includes an ensuite bathroom, as well as a TV with streaming services, drink-making facilities, a microwave and a fridge.

Check Quiet Boutique Generous Breakfast out:

Quiet Boutique Generous Breakfast on Booking.com

16. City Corporate Motor Inn – Luxury Motel in Palmerston North

Discerning travellers visiting Palmerston North are best to look at the city’s motels before considering the hotels, and City Corporate Motor Inn is a great example as to why. Luxury features are included from tip to toe across the apartments and studios of this central motel, including apartments with massage recliners, twin-spa hot tubs, soundproofed and double-glazed windows, corporate transfer services and business facilities and more. Their breakfast menu is also a delight. See more stays like this in our 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Palmerston North.

Check City Corporate Motor Inn out:

17. Drovers Motor Inn – Palmerston North Motel on Main Street

A modernly renovated motel on the main road into Palmerston North, Drovers Motor Inn is a choice you won’t regret. Rooms are spacious and come with all the fixings including 42″ smart TVs, a fully equipped kitchenette or kitchen and some rooms even have a shaded private patio area for those glorious summer days. Although there are studios and one-bedroom apartments, families and groups may appreciate that the two-bedroom apartments come with both a bathroom (with a shower and bath) and an ensuite in the master bedroom.

Check Drovers Motor Inn out:

18. Fitzherbert Castle Motel – Unique Accommodation in Palmerston North

Get the imagination running with the intriguing architectural design of the Fitzherbert Castle Motel. Whether you’re a family, a couple or a group, everyone loves a stay in “the castle”. There is a range of room layouts, even in one of the unique circular castle rooms, that also includes Sky TV with a My Sky Decoder, a DVD player, an ensuite with a spa bath, and breakfast-making facilities. Alternatively, just order breakfast straight to your room. The few extra touches like Fairtrade coffee, chocolates and an in-room snack bar are also a welcome addition.

Check Fitzherbert Castle Motel out:

19. The Esplanade Motel & Conference Centre – Palmerston North Accommodation with Free Bikes

One of the closest motels to Massey University, The Esplanade Motel & Conference Centre provides an alternative location. Drawcards of the motel include free mountain bikes to hire in summer and free access to a nearby gym and pool. The motel has 13 well-appointed rooms including budget studios, one-bedroom spa units, and two-bedroom family apartments. Guests will have access to their own kitchenette, Sky TV, DVD player with an extensive library, free WiFi and more.

Check The Esplanade Motel & Conference Centre out:

20. Hacienda Motor Lodge – Palmerston North Accommodation with EV Charging

A highly-rated motel in Palmerston North (according to platforms like Booking.com), Hacienda Motor Lodge has everything from studios right through to three-bedroom apartments. The motel isn’t only well-presented and impeccably clean but also boasts welcome amenities like free unlimited WiFi, smart TVs, 50+ Sky TV channels and an electric vehicle charging station. Note that not all rooms have full kitchen facilities, so choose wisely if you plan to self-cater.

Check Hacienda Motor Lodge out:

More About Hotels in Palmerston North

That’s it for our list of the best hotels in Palmerston North, but it’s by no means the end of our advice! Check out more guides to help you plan the perfect trip to Palmerston North:

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

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