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Downtown Backpackers

2.0 star property
Hostel in Nelson with a 24-hour front desk

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Photo gallery for Downtown Backpackers

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm | Shared kitchen
Interior
Laundry room
Lobby sitting area
Property amenity

Reviews

6.0 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
131 Bridge Street, Nelson, 7010
  • Place, Nelson Market
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Trafalgar Park
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Christ Church Cathedral
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Nelson (NSN)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Single Room

Single Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Single Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm, Ensuite

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm, Ensuite | Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm, Ensuite

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Queen Room

Queen Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Queen Room

  • 118 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm | Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Nelson

Located in Nelson City Centre, Downtown Backpackers is within a 5-minute walk of sights such as The Suter and Montgomery Square. This 14-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, express check-in, and express check-out.
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What's nearby

  • Nelson I-site Visitor Information Centre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Queens Gardens - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Nelson Market - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Trafalgar Park - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Christ Church Cathedral - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Two Thumb Brewing Co. - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Free House - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Tasty Tucker Bakery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Bridge Street Collective - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Victus. - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Downtown Backpackers

Hostel in Nelson with a 24-hour front desk
Downtown Backpackers features free WiFi in public areas, express check-in, and express check-out. Airport transportation is made easy with an airport shuttle for a fee. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with luggage storage, and answer any questions about the accommodations. Additional amenities include a terrace, laundry facilities, and a picnic area.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and TVs.

Similar properties

Cookware/dishes/utensils
YHA Nelson by Accents - Hostel
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Game room
  • Business services
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 96 reviews
$62 nightly
The price is $71
Nov 25 - Nov 26
Total with taxes and fees
YHA Nelson by Accents - Hostel

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Onsite parking available only on request

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The check-in location differs from the property location; go to: [Back of the building on New Street.]
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets (service animals welcome)

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children 17 and younger (only guests older than 17 are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 2 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

Property is also known as

Downtown Backpackers Hostel Nelson
Downtown Backpackers Nelson
Downtown Accommodation Backpackers
Downtown Backpackers Nelson
Downtown Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Downtown Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Nelson

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Downtown Backpackers?

Downtown Backpackers provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see within easy reach of Downtown Backpackers?

This hostel is situated in Nelson City Centre, just steps from Nelson Provincial Museum and Montgomery Square, and within a short walk of Nelson Market. You'll also find Queens Gardens and Trafalgar Park less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Downtown Backpackers?

Yes, though parking is available on request.

Does Downtown Backpackers feature a casino at the property?

No, Downtown Backpackers doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Downtown Backpackers?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Downtown Backpackers?

Amenities at this hostel that appeal to couples include a terrace and a 24-hour front desk.

Does Downtown Backpackers have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hostel.

Does Downtown Backpackers feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Downtown Backpackers doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Downtown Backpackers allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Downtown Backpackers though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Downtown Backpackers?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Downtown Backpackers?

The closest major airport to Downtown Backpackers is Nelson (NSN), which is 5.6 mi away (16 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Downtown Backpackers?

No, you won't find rooms with balconies at Downtown Backpackers.

Reviews

Downtown Backpackers Reviews

6.0

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.0/10

Staff & service

4.0/10

Amenities

6.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

4.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 11 out of 65 reviews

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Fiona

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Grim and depressing but good communications by staff
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Thomas

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
When arrived we found out our room had been given to some other people, and then a loud argument occurred between the owner and one of the staff
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Jonathan

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ashok

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I don't know how Expedia could list such a property on its website. The property is indicated as a backpacker establishment but it is more a boarding house for the down and out. The premises were filthy and unsanitary, the carpet was solid with dirt and sticky, the sheets had blood stains on them, there was rubbish and boxes lying everywhere in the common areas. I felt unsafe. When I told the proprietor that I wanted to leave she insisted on taking a cancellation fee. There was nothing else available so I had to stay there. It spoilt my impression of Nelson. A thoroughly terrible experience. Please get this place off your website!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

2/10 Terrible

Ashok

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the worst experience I have ever had staying anywhere. It spoilt my experience of Nelson. The place seemed like a boarding house for the down and out. I felt sorry for the people staying there - probably being exploited by a greedy proprietor. I had never come across such a dirty, rundown and depressing facility. I would say the place should be closed down but then I would feel sorry for the people who need accommodation.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Patricia

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Patricia

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Good location
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Geoff

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Getting access to property. Late Friday night very loud music from nearby. Being woken up at 3.20am Saturday morning by slamming doors and loud arguments and unsavoury language between people with a limited vocabulary.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

2/10 Terrible

Paul

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
The shared kitchen was dirty, the entrance hall was untidy and the room was not clean. The curtains was half off the rail. Did not look like the internet photos. Left and booked at another place for the night. Would not reccomend this place for anybody.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

stephen

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

4/10 Poor

Sue

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Katrina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Not the fanciest place and quite shabby in parts but it was clean, the bed was comfy and I slept well. Well priced and conveniently located with a very helpful friendly manager.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

4/10 Poor

Christopher

Traveled with group
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Review

Slow to get into the accommodation. The staff member was pleasant. Room was basic. Had a very poor mattress and a single bed that was too small for me. The night was interrupted was excessive coughing and hacking up of phlegm by one resident. Very load TVs at 02:30 by a guest. Managed to get 3 hours of sleep from shear fatigue.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Could not have been a more terrible experience if it tried
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

6/10 Okay

Shivraj

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Budget n good stay

This backpacker place is cheap to stay with good size queen room, which has tv, fridge, queen/double size bed, private bathroom and heater. The room is quite good in size n accomodating in that price. There is communal/sharing kitchen with all kitchenware n cookware things, also free breakfast included. The only problem is the club downstairs, on friday and saturday night the noise and bass effect of speakers shake the whole room. So if you planning to stay those night peacefully n relax, then sorry you must see other option. But if you keen on going clubs/bars downstairs on friday n saturday night like we did, then its best at that price n its cleaned n comfortable. Also the backapacker is right in the heart of the city.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service

Cheap place to stay in good location

Owner was friendly and very helpful. Room was cheap and wifi was good. Location is good with lots of eateries, shops. Close distance to Centre of Nelson, Queens Garden and Intercity bus terminal.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Party or no-party?

If you are going out on the town, it’s perfect. We were told there may be some nice as we are in the party-end of town but didn’t expect that the biggest club in town was downstairs. Spent the night trying to sleep through the booming bass from the club. Not at all a good sleep (until 3am) but if you are in town to party it would be fine
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

2/10 Terrible

Martin Rune Hassan

Disliked: Room comfort

Stay away if you want to be able to sleep

Hotel located on top of nightclub playing VERY loud techno music. Absolutely impossible to sleep, even using earplugs. Left for other hotel in middle of night. I am a sound sleeper and used to stay in simple hotels in developing countries, but this is the worst I have ever tried.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

6/10 Okay

Heike

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort

very loud

It's over a nightclub with no sound proofing. So its very loud and the base makes the doors rattle. The room also get very hot in summer.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

4/10 Poor

Don

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Place ok but noisy below

The backpackers itself was good but below was a nightclub and extreme vibrating noice due to loud music till 3am
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The worst nights sleep due to the nightclub directly below the accommodation. The room was literally shaking from the bass and music until 3am. Bed was awful as well. Do not stay here!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018