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Rutherford Hotel Nelson

4.0 star property
Hotel with a sauna, steps from Christ Church Cathedral

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Reception
Seasonal outdoor pool, open 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM, pool umbrellas
Exterior
Breakfast and dinner served, seafood
Triple Studio | Living area | 42-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, TV

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Bar
  • Gym
  • Room service
  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

View in a map
Trafalgar Square, Nelson, 7010
  • Place, Christ Church Cathedral
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Trafalgar Park
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Nelson Hospital
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Airport, Nelson (NSN)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

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

1 bedroom, minibar, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Premium Double or Twin Room, Multiple Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(34 reviews)
  • 291 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed

Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed | 1 bedroom, minibar, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 291 sq ft
  • 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 | 1 bedroom, minibar, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Premium Double or Twin Room, Multiple Beds, Accessible

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 291 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Triple Studio

Triple Studio | 1 bedroom, minibar, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Triple Studio

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 463 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Quadruple Suite

Quadruple Suite | 1 bedroom, minibar, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Quadruple Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 398 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed | 1 bedroom, minibar, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed

  • 614 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Executive Apartment, Multiple Beds

Executive Apartment, Multiple Beds | Private kitchen | Coffee/tea maker, electric kettle

Executive Apartment, Multiple Beds

  • 1238 sq ft
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Nelson

Located in Nelson City Centre, Rutherford Hotel Nelson is adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like Nelson Provincial Museum. This 4-star hotel welcomes guests with 113 rooms and conveniences like free in-room WiFi, a gym, and a 24-hour business center.

What's nearby

  • Christ Church Cathedral - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Nelson Provincial Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Nelson Market - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Trafalgar Park - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Nelson Hospital - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tern Coffee House - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Hawker House - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪ChokDee - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Hotel with a sauna, steps from Christ Church Cathedral
Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers a gym, a sauna, and free WiFi in public areas. Valet parking is offered for NZD 10 per night. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with securing valuables, tours or tickets, and dry cleaning/laundry. Additional amenities include meeting rooms, a conference center, and a 24-hour business center.
Guests can expect 42-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels, along with free WiFi and wired Internet. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and beds are dressed in pillow menus. Other amenities include minibars, coffee makers, and free local calls.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a sauna, a fitness center, and a seasonal outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Awards and affiliations

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

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The Hotel Nelson
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  • Parking included
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The price is $77
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Total with taxes and fees
The Hotel Nelson

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Secured, uncovered self parking on site (NZD 10 per night)
  • Secured, uncovered valet parking on site (NZD 10 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • RV/bus/truck 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 rentals
  • Bicycle tours
  • Gym
  • Sauna
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • In-room crib
  • 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 center
  • 6 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference center (6,297 square feet 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
  • Elevator (39 inch wide door)
  • Handrails in stairways (35 inches high)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible bathroom vanity (28 inches high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (39 inches high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Ballroom
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib
  • Pillow menu

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • 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 available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

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 June 10 2024 to December 31 2025 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:
  • Dining venue(s)
  • Exterior
  • Fitness facilities
  • Front desk
  • Guestrooms
  • Lobby
  • Meeting facilities
  • Parking area
Renovation work will only be conducted during business hours on weekdays. Every effort will be made to minimize noise and disturbance.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • One child 13 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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

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-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-midnight
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? For a fee, this property offers self parking, along with RV, bus, and truck parking. There's also a car charging station.

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.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from October 01 to March 31.
  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Parking has height restrictions.

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

Is a free cancellation option available at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

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

As of Nov 11, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rutherford Hotel Nelson on Dec 7, 2025 start from $111.49, excluding 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.

What can I see within easy reach of Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

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

Will I be able to park at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

Yes, secured valet parking is offered for NZD 10 per night with in/out privileges. Accessible parking, electric car charging, and bicycle parking are also available.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson include a casino at the property?

No, Rutherford Hotel Nelson doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have access between 6:00 AM and 9:30 PM and the seasonal pool will be open from October 01 until March 31.

Is Rutherford Hotel Nelson a good place to stay for couples?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including a bar, a restaurant, and a nature reserve.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson have a hot tub?

No, but guests can enjoy a sauna at this hotel.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Rutherford Hotel Nelson serves a full breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Oceano.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Rutherford Hotel Nelson.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

Where is the closest airport to Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

The closest major airport to Rutherford Hotel Nelson is Nelson (NSN), which is 4.6 mi away (12 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Rutherford Hotel Nelson.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson have a wedding venue?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at Rutherford Hotel Nelson.

Reviews

Rutherford Hotel Nelson Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 300 out of 585 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 216 out of 585 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 57 out of 585 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 585 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 585 reviews

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Jessica

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outdated, water in shower had no pressure.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gardenia

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As a return guest, it was so comforting to see that nothing of the high standards had diminished since my last stay a few years ago. The best and most comfortable bed and lovely courteous and kind staff. Absolutely the best in Nelson.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miria

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony, Takaka

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

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

Location and ease

Easy
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Bryce

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bryce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Bryce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Great stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jamie

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay and very central to everything walking distance
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Louisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A lovely hotel and the staff were helpful and friendly. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Jason

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

Easy location

Easy , food and parking on location
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Philip, Seattle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A nice hotel with staff who worked to make our needs were met. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Easy on-site parking.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Annette

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nices room but front desk was not very inviting no hello just had find our own way to the room
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cyrus

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay, good gym and sauna and a beautiful building. Great coffee in cafe downstairs would definitely stay here again
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to town. Worked well for us.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Annaliese, Auckland

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room, bed and pillows very comfy, lovely foyer, great location, walkable to shops and eateries, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
A bit dated but overall was central and staff were very helpful and friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable stay
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Frank

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

Rutherford Nelson

Great location. Grand hotel in middle of Nelson. Have stayed there a few times over the years, usually to trest ourselves after hiking or cycling trips. Always a pleasure.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Helen

Liked: Staff & service
Mattress on bed substandard, minimal support.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

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