15 BEST Motels in Nelson 🏘️ [2023]

Where to Find the Best Motel Accommodations in Nelson

Find great-value accommodation, privacy and handy amenities in the motels of Nelson. Nelson is an idyllic destination on any New Zealand itinerary, so make your stay affordable by staying in one of the motels in Nelson. In this list, we go through our top recommendations, from cheap motels to the five-star offerings that you probably didn’t even know were possible in a motel!

Alternatively, check out some of Nelson’s other accommodations in the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Nelson.

1. The Sails Nelson – The Best Motel in 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.

Check The Sails out:

2. Palazzo Motor Lodge – Spa Motel in Nelson

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 lounge/kitchen area – a true home away from home.

Check Palazzo Motor Lodge out:

3. Palms Motel – Family-Friendly Motel in Nelson

Transition into holiday mode at this modern resort-style motel in the heart of Nelson. The Palms Motel is set on landscaped grounds surrounding an outdoor pool and barbecue area. Not only that, but the motel boasts idyllic features, such as TVs with streaming services, full kitchens, electric blankets, double-glazed windows, Satin-jet showers, free WiFi, USB charging ports and more. Rooms at the Palms Motel include studio units, one-bedroom executive units and two-bedroom family units. This motel also features in our 10 Best Family Accommodations in Nelson.

Check Palms Motel out:

4. Beaches Nelson – The Best Nelson Motel in Tahunanui

Quality accommodation with more amenities in each room than you could ever need, no wonder Beaches Nelson is one of the best-rated 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 and opt for other touches like a private balcony to soak up the fine weather in New Zealand’s sunniest city.

Check Beaches Nelson out:

5. Chelsea Park Motor Lodge – Pet-Friendly Motel in Nelson

Chelsea Park Motor Lodge ticks all of the boxes: central location, free WiFi, Sky TV, kitchen facilities in each room and a room to suit everybody. Choose from studio rooms, upgrade to a one-bedroom spa room, find something to fit the whole family in one of the family rooms, experience ease in one of the accessible rooms, or bring your beloved pooch along to one of the pet-friendly rooms. Either way, you’ll enjoy the homely decor and get to make use of the other facilities, such as a barbecue area, laundry, continental or cooked breakfasts, on-site parking and more.

Check Chelsea Park Motor Lodge out:

6. Amber Court Motel – Cheap Motel in Nelson

While a little out of town, Amber Court Motel offers fresh, refurbished rooms just five minutes away from the airport. All units are on the ground floor, include easy access units, and are well-equipped with anything else you might need like guest laundry, portacots and high chairs, 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 to upgrade to a suite with a kitchen. See more stays like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nelson.

Check Amber Court Motel out:

7. Admirals Motor Inn – Nelson Motel Near the Hospital

It couldn’t be easier than Admirals Motor Inn, which is ideally located within a short walk from the city centre. The motor inn offers a range of self-contained apartments and executive rooms, as well as extremely affordable “Budget Studios” and “Economy Studios” both with kitchenettes and ensuites. Guests also have access to on-site parking and views across one of Nelson’s inner-city parks. All in all, this motel provides excellent value for money!

Check Admirals Motor Inn out:

8. Delorenzo Studio Apartments – Nelson Motel with a Pool

Delorenzo Studio Apartments offers chic and stylish apartments and excellent communal facilities. Most apartments feature a full kitchen, ensuite and spa baths and some have a balcony. There are rooms for budget travellers, couples, corporate travellers and families. The facilities at the apartment motel include a heated swimming pool in summer, laundry service and services for business travellers. We also feature this accommodation on the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Nelson.

Check Delorenzo Studio Apartments out:

9. Saxton Lodge Motel – Popular Motel Between Nelson and Richmond

Although a little out of town, Saxton Lodge Motel is an excellent choice for exploring the wider Nelson area and those travelling with children thanks to the proximity of a children’s playground and Aquatic Centre. What’s more, you can enjoy barbecues in the barbecue facility, as well as easy on-site parking. As for rooms, keep things cheap and simple in the “Studio Room” or enjoy more space in the “Two-Bedroom Apartment”. The latter has kitchenette facilities, while all rooms have Sky TV, double-glazed windows and air-conditioning.

Check Saxton Lodge Motel out:

10. Century Park Motor Lodge – Nelson Motel with Spa Pools

Another 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 king bed to the spa baths featured in most ensuites. Entertainment is made easy thanks to the free WiFi, TVs with streaming services and iPod docking station. An additional feature we like includes the room’s coffee pod machine to enjoy your morning cuppa on your private balcony or patio.

Check Century Park Motor Lodge out:

11. Harbourside Lodge – Waterfront Motel in Nelson

It’s hard to beat the views from the Harbourside Lodge. The contemporary-styled motel offers rooms that compete with four-star hotels, all sleekly styled with pleasant touches like house plants and some having private balconies with marina views. While rooms have a basic kitchenette to enjoy your complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits and prepare quick meals, a complimentary continental breakfast is included during your stay.

Check Harbourside Lodge out:

12. Cedar Grove Motor Lodge – Self-Catering Motel in Nelson

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. For more cooking-friendly stays, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Nelson.

Check Cedar Grove Motor Lodge out:

13. Waimarie on Riverside Motel & Apartments – Motel in Nelson City Centre

Speaking of outdoor spaces, 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.

Check Waimarie on Riverside Motel & Apartments out:

14. Gladstone Motel – The Best Nelson Motel in Richmond

The Gladstone Motel might be out of town in the neighbouring suburb of Richmond (close to Nelson’s wine region) but it follows suit in Nelson’s trend of high-quality motels. All rooms are well maintained and modern for a harmless stay, including a wide range of layouts from studios to family units. Shut the world out with Hush glass and block out curtains, relax in your spa bath and unwind whether it’s by sprucing up your own meals in your kitchenette or browsing the interwebs with free unlimited WiFi. Inspire yourself for experiences nearby with the 10 Best Things to Do in Richmond.

Check Gladstone Motel out:

15. Tahuna Beach Holiday Park & Motel – Holiday Park with Motel Units at Tahunanui Beach

Finally, slip into holiday mode on Tahunanui Beach at the Tahuna Beach Holiday Park and Motel. While the holiday park offers a wealth of camping facilities, you can upgrade to one of the motel accommodations with studios, multi-bedrooms, ensuites and kitchen facilities. The holiday park is an excellent option especially for budgeting families thanks to the children’s playground, large open spaces, mini-golf and outdoor gigs in summer.

Check Tahuna Beach Holiday Park out:

More About Motels in Nelson

That’s it for our list of the top motels 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