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Rutherford Hotel Nelson

4.0 star property
Eco-certified hotel with fitness centre and sauna

Photo gallery for Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Reception
Exterior
Terrace/patio
Premium Triple Room, Multiple Beds | Living area
Seasonal outdoor pool, open 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM, pool umbrellas

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Bar
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
The current price is NZ$216
includes taxes & fees
24 Apr - 25 Apr

Explore the area

Map
Trafalgar Square, Nelson, 7010
  • Christ Church Cathedral
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Trafalgar Park
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Nelson Hospital
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Nelson (NSN)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Premium Triple Room, Multiple Beds

Premium Triple Room, Multiple Beds | Bathroom

Premium Triple Room, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Pillow menu
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 43 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Premium Quadruple Room, Multiple Beds

Premium Quadruple Room, Multiple Beds

Premium Quadruple Room, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Pillow menu
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 3 Single Beds

View all photos for Premium Double or Twin Room, Multiple Beds

Minibar, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds

Premium Double or Twin Room, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Pillow menu
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed

Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed

Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Pillow menu
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Double or Twin Room, Multiple Beds, Accessible

Premium Double or Twin Room, Multiple Beds, Accessible

Premium Double or Twin Room, Multiple Beds, Accessible

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Pillow menu
Bathrobes
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Local meal delivery service
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Executive Apartment, Multiple Beds

Executive Apartment, Multiple Beds | Private kitchen

Executive Apartment, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Separate dining area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
Flat-screen TV
Pillow menu
  • 115 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed | Living area

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Dishwasher
Flat-screen TV
Pillow menu
Separate bedroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 57 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Nelson

Rutherford Hotel Nelson places you in the centre of Nelson, steps from Christ Church Cathedral and within a short 5-minute stroll of Nelson Provincial Museum. Highlights at this eco-friendly hotel include a restaurant, a bar/lounge and a sauna. .The restaurant, Oceano, serves seafood and is open for breakfast and dinner. Port O' Call is the hotel's own bar, serving drinks along with dinner and light fare. Enjoy the gym, seasonal outdoor swimming pool and pool loungers. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a conference centre and a 24-hour business centre. Full breakfast is available on weekdays between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM and on weekends between 5:00 AM and 10:30 AM. There's also the convenience of valet parking. .Places within a 15-minute walk of this 4-property class Nelson City Centre hotel include Nelson Market and Trafalgar Park.

What's nearby

  • Christ Church Cathedral - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Nelson Provincial Museum - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Nelson Market - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Trafalgar Park - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Nelson Hospital - 3 min drive - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Coupland's Bakeries - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Tasty Tucker Bakery - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Penguino Ice Cream Cafe - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Subway - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Eco-certified hotel with fitness centre and sauna
Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers its guests a seasonal outdoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness centre. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. A computer station is on site, and both WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces.

Business amenities include a 24-hour business centre and 6 meeting rooms. Event space at this hotel measures 6297 square feet (585 square metres) and includes a conference centre. Multilingual staff, gift shops/newsstands, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the eco-certified Rutherford Hotel Nelson. For a fee, parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Nelson hotel.

  • 113 guestrooms or units
  • Conference rooms
  • 6297 sq ft of conference space
  • 585 sq. m of conference space
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Business centre (24 hours)
  • Conference centre
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Gift shop
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers 113 accommodations with minibars and coffee/tea makers. A pillow menu is available. 42-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include bathrobes, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include telephones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Languages

Afrikaans, Dutch, English, Filipino, French, German, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Height restrictions apply for on-site parking
  • Secured, uncovered parking on site (NZD 10 per night)
  • Secured, uncovered valet parking on site (NZD 10 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • RV/bus/lorry parking (surcharge) on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays and 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM on weekends; NZD 34.50 for adults and NZD 17.50 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Atom Cafe
  • Oceano
  • Port O' Call

Things to do

  • Bicycle tours
  • Gym
  • Sauna
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • Free cot
  • In-room babysitting
  • Laundry facilities
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business centre
  • 6 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre (6,297 square foot of space)

Outdoors

  • In a nature reserve
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 accessible parking spaces
  • Handrails in stairways (90 centimetre high)
  • Lift (100 centimetre wide door)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible bathroom vanity (70 centimetre high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (100 centimetre high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free cot
  • Pillow menu

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Meal delivery service
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Recycling

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination

Renovations and closures

The following facilities will be closed during October, May, June, July, August and September:
  • Swimming pool
The property will be renovating from 10 June 2024 to 31 December 2025 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:
  • Dining venue
  • Exterior
  • Fitness facilities
  • Front desk
  • Guestrooms
  • Lobby
  • Meeting facilities
  • Parking area
Renovation work will only be conducted during working hours on weekdays. Every effort will be made to minimise noise and disturbance.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 13 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Free cots (infant beds)!

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: from approximately NZD 34.50 for adults and from NZD 17.50 for children
  • Uncovered self-parking fee: NZD 10.00 per night
  • Valet parking fee: NZD 10 per night (in/out privileges)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
    Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions. At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open on 01 October and close on 31 March.
  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM
  • One child aged 13 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

Rutherford Hotel Heritage Hotel
Rutherford Hotel Nelson Heritage Hotel
Rutherford Nelson
Rutherford Nelson Heritage
Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Rutherford Hotel
Nelson Rutherford Hotel
Rutherford Hotel Nelson Hotel
Rutherford Hotel Nelson Nelson
Rutherford Hotel Nelson Hotel Nelson

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

As of 25 Mar 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rutherford Hotel Nelson on 24 Apr 2025 start from NZ$216.17, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

Yep, Rutherford Hotel Nelson has a secured uncovered self car park for NZD 10.00 per night.

Are there any beaches close to Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

The closest beach to Rutherford Hotel Nelson is Tahunanui Beach Reserve (3.8 km).

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson have a pool?

Rutherford Hotel Nelson has a seasonal outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella. The pool is open 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM (Seasonal outdoor pool open from October 01 to March 31).

Is Rutherford Hotel Nelson family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as laundry facilities, as well as childcare services and free infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Rutherford Hotel Nelson is a hit with families.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson serve breakfast?

Yeah, full breakfast is available on weekdays between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM and on weekends from 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

No, Rutherford Hotel Nelson does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves seafood. Pre dinner cocktails anyone? The property will be renovating its dining venue from June 10 2024 until December 31 2025 (completion date subject to change).

What time are check-in & check-out at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

No, pets are not allowed.

Rutherford Hotel Nelson Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 281 out of 552 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 208 out of 552 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 53 out of 552 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 552 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 552 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Stephen

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adele

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to town - staff were polite and helpful No negatives
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Tony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Rose

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Great location for hotel in Nelson town. Hotel rooms are dated for the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Brian

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
All good except for the air conditioner which was hard to get right
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Did the job, lovely room, comfortable bed, and nice people work here
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Mark

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Ok
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

R

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overall very good. Great location. Spacious room and generally in good condition. Only negative is shower over bath is cumbersome and dangerous. property is described on Hotels,com as having free parking. That is incorrect. There is no dedicated free parking. It is on the street and is taken early morning by businesses opposite the hotel in same street.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Glenda

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great windows and views. Easy walking to shops restuaents and gardens. Not far from the beach. I thought parking should be included.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gurpreet

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marisol, Gilbert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I love
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Once a grand hotel
This hotel is over 50 years old. When it was first built, it was probably the finest hotel in Nelson. Now it is showing its age. The location is convenient. My room was comfortable. It can use a modernisation.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, spacious room. Beside church/park with mature gardens and trees. Easy walking to restaurants and shops. A landmark in Nelson that is clearly visible from a long distance.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Belinda

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aimee

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed an excellent experience of the room, staff and facilities during our stay at the Rutherford.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Damian

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Maggi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good distance to town. Polite and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wai Hung

All good
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

David

Travelled with family
Apart from poor breakfast offering, the Rutherford is an excellent place to stay in central Nelson.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Tom

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The toilet wouldn't flush for us. The extraction in the bathroom didn't work.The guy from reception showed us how to activate the flusher by kicking the button, then gave us another room because of the extraction issue. The extraction in the new room didn't work either but we were fed up with complaining by then so we just put up with it.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

chun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Te Whata

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Rutherford is consistently good. I've stayed at some of the motel properties around Nelson and they've been hit and miss. I will always stay at the Rutherford going forward as I don't have to worry about how the stay is going to go - I know it will be good.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024