/
8.1

550 reviews

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Trafalgar Square, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand

Choose dates to view prices

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Business center

Free wifi

Room service

Fitness center

Sauna

Hot tub

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel is a 4-star retreat in Nelson, New Zealand, perched near Trafalgar Square and just 0.4mi from the city center. With 550 reviews shaping its reputation, rates start from $117 per night.

Enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant, a free outdoor swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi, along with a 24-hour front desk, air conditioning, a bar, sun deck, and a fitness center. Some amenities carry extra charges, including Private Parking, Parking On Site, Meeting/Banquet facilities, Golf course, Massage, Babysitting/Child services, and Kids' meals.

Location puts Nelson’s charm within easy reach, with Trafalgar Square as a gateway to shops, cafes, and the waterfront. Upper floors are accessible by elevator, and wheelchair accessibility adds to the comfort for sightseeing adventures.

Seasonal, outdoor rooftop pool provides an adults-only retreat for a breezy, sun-soaked break. This elevated pool experience adds a carefree hideaway to explore Nelson’s charm from a sunny vantage.

On-site dining is handled by Oceano Restaurant, offering a convenient option to dine without leaving the property. It’s a handy spot to fuel up after days of sightseeing and exploring Trafalgar Square and the surrounding area.

Payment options keep things simple: cash is accepted, along with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Eftpos. Do note that some amenities carry extra charges, including Private Parking, Parking On Site, Meeting/Banquet facilities, Golf course, Massage, Babysitting/Child services, and Kids’ meals.

Closest airports

Nelson Airport

3.3mi

Woodbourne Airport

34.8mi

Picton Aerodrome

35.3mi

Most popular amenities

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Business center

Free wifi

Room service

Fitness center

Sauna

Hot tub

Air conditioning

Kid-friendly buffet

Bar

Sun deck

Tour desk

24-hour front desk

Mountain view

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Wheelchair accessible

Beach chairs/Loungers

Kitchenette

Landmark view

Kitchenware

Elevator

Picnic area

Upper floors accessible by elevator

Free toiletries

Bathtub

Rooms

Deluxe Suite in Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Show 6 photos

Deluxe Suite

1 King Size Bed

615 sqft

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Bathtub

Kitchenware

x8

+

x5

More details

This suite's special feature is the hot tub. This spacious suite consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. Meals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchenette, which is equipped with a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. The air-conditioned suite provides a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a coffee machine and a dining area. The unit offers 1 bed.

King Room in Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Show 7 photos

King Room

1 King Size Bed

300 sqft

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Minibar

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

The spacious double room provides air conditioning, a mini-bar, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.

Apartment in Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Show 8 photos

Apartment

2 Twin Beds

1 Queen Size Bed

1 King Size Bed

1240 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Kitchenware

+

More details

Guests will have a special experience as this apartment offers a hot tub. This spacious apartment is comprised of 1 living room, 3 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a bath and free toiletries. The well-equipped kitchen has a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. This apartment is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, a minibar and a coffee machine. The unit offers 4 beds.

Quadruple Room in Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Show 5 photos

Quadruple Room

3 Twin Beds

1 King Size Bed

400 sqft

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Minibar

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

This quadruple room's standout feature is the hot tub. Offering free toiletries and bathrobes, this quadruple room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned quadruple room offers a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a wardrobe, an electric kettle as well as mountain views. The unit offers 4 beds.

Triple Room in Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Show 5 photos

Triple Room

2 Twin Beds

1 King Size Bed

465 sqft

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Minibar

Coffee machine

+

More details

This triple room features a hot tub. The spacious triple room features air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a shower. The triple room provides a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, a wardrobe, a dressing room as well as mountain views. The unit has 3 beds.

Show 4 photos

Room - 2 Twin, Accessible

2 Twin Beds

300 sqft

Minibar

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned twin/double room features a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.

Show 5 photos

Premium, 2 Twin Beds

300 sqft

Spa tub

Minibar

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

+

More details

This stylish room features an private bathroom with a shower over bath and luxurious bathrobes. It also includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a telephone and tea/coffee making facilities.

Show 5 photos

Premium, King Size

1 King Size Bed

300 sqft

Free wifi

Flat-screen TV

Tea/Coffee maker

x4

+

x3

More details

Double or Twin Room - Disability Access in Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Show 5 photos

Room - 1 Twin, Accessible

1 Twin Bed

1 Queen Size Bed

300 sqft

Private Bathroom

Minibar

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

+

More details

Premium Twin Room in Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Show 5 photos

Premium, 1 Twin Bed

1 Twin Bed

1 Queen Size Bed

300 sqft

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Minibar

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Show 4 photos

Accessible Room

1 Double Bed

Minibar

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

Show 4 photos

DoubleOrTwin Room, Accessible

1 Double Bed

Minibar

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

Guest reviews

8.1

550 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇦🇺

Lucy

10

January 2025

A beautiful building,very quiet rooms, with such comfy beds, good air conditioning and a big room, a nice bathroom with a shower bath & plenty of space for my stuff, & great rack for the clean towels at the end of the bath, & nice bright lighting & plenty of mirrors! Lots of space to put your bag & hang any clothes & lovey caring staff who got me a taxi in 5 minutes straight at the front door as it was raining & Very nice comfortable chairs to sit on in the foyer while I was waiting. Also a nice coffee shop on the ground floor for breakfast, as we didn’t eat in the hotel restaurant so can’t comment on it!

There was nothing I didn’t like

🇦🇺

Alexandra

10

December 2024

Staff were lovely, room was clean, free parking available at front of property on street or secured parking for $10 a night, nice views from our window😊

The bed could have been comfier, one out of the two elevators were closed so sometimes there was a wait - especially during busy times, ordered room service from Port O Call and everything was lovely except our dessert - the warm apple cake with custard - ordered one each and we both didn’t eat it.

🇦🇺

Phil

9.1

February 2025

The room was spacious, clean and had pleasant enough views across parts of the city. Staff with which we had personal contact with were polite, professional and friendly. The hotel is in an ideal location for city sightseeing and is quiet enough at night.

As the room appeared to be on a corner of the floor, access to the room was via a narrow corridor, which made it awkward to negotiate the narrow aisle with a few bags in tow.

🇳🇿

Carolina

9.1

August 2025

The Hotel is very close to everything, in walking distance, the service was excellent, and the breakfast was delicious. I have stayed at this hotel 3 times and would highly recommend to friends and family. It was awesome stay.

A slight ramp coming out of the space where the event was held, I fell over because I forgot the slight ramp was there but overall, I have always enjoyed the evening.

🇬🇧

Grahame

8.2

March 2025

It's the best place to stay in Nelson if you're there for shopping, restaurants etc especially if your room has a view of the Cathedral... The staff were helpful and there is secure onsite parking.

I stayed here 4 times last month and only on one occasion was I on a lower floor that was a bit noisy in the morning... decor is a little tired and it would have been nice to connect to smart TVs

🇳🇿

Karen

8.2

July 2025

Great service from the bar staff, location to town is very very good.

The chill factor when dining in the huge dining room mid-winter....you need to find a way to minimise the space when there are fewer guests so that it can remain heated. It looks like the room could take 100 but there were only 8 of us dining on a saturday night.

🇳🇿

David

9.1

July 2025

Great location, loads of space in the rooms and a big bed, the staff were also really helpful, particularly when we had to change our plans part way through our stay.

The only very minor criticism would be that having used the hotel a number of times over many years a few areas are starting to look a bit dated.

🇳🇿

Kim

10

January 2025

It was lovely, rooms nice and big, and the beds were amazing, I've always wanted to stay here as a child growing up in Nelson, so I finely did, the staff were amazing, the location was perfect, the views were awesome and so very clean, and the shower was really good, with lots of towels and nothing was left out

🇳🇿

Nicole

9.1

January 2025

The amenities of the hotel were lovely

We were told our room was not available at 2.20pm and asked to return after 3pm.. and the check in process took a further 20 minutes Check in is stated to be at 2pm. This was extremely disappointing amd frustrating and made us rush and be late for our afternoon arrangements

🇨🇦

Toni

8.2

January 2024

Location was fabulous, close to cathedral and restaurants. Staff polite and efficient. Nice options on the pillow menu

Material headboards are stained from people's heads as per photo. Completely disgusting. Beds really soft. Mobility warning - Shower is in tub, but tub is raised so it is a very high step to get in and out. Shower glass has hinge in it, which the water leaks out through onto the floor.

Points of Interest Around Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Airports

Nelson Airport

3.3mi

Woodbourne Airport

34.8mi

Picton Aerodrome

35.3mi

Restaurants

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Features

  • Rooftop

Age restrictions

  • Adults only

Availability

  • Seasonal

Amenities of Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Business center

Free wifi

Room service

Fitness center

Sauna

Hot tub

Air conditioning

Kid-friendly buffet

Bar

Sun deck

Tour desk

24-hour front desk

Mountain view

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Wheelchair accessible

Beach chairs/Loungers

Kitchenette

Landmark view

Kitchenware

Elevator

Picnic area

Upper floors accessible by elevator

Free toiletries

Bathtub

Stay rules - Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

Frequently Asked Questions - Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

What are the check-in and check-out times at Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel?

Planning to stay at Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel? Kindly note that you can check in after 02:00 PM and before 10:00 AM is when you'll need to check out.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel provide free parking options?

Yes, there is parking available at Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel. The parking is private and located on site. It costs NZ$10 per day and no reservation is required.

How much does a stay at Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel cost?

Accommodations at Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel can start from $117. Be aware, rates are influenced by room type and selected dates. Ensure to specify your stay dates for up-to-date pricing.

What are the room types available at Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel?

The hotel offers Premium Twin Rooms with a room size of 248 sqft. These rooms feature a Twin bed and a Queen size bed, accommodating up to 2 adults and 1 child. Smoking is not allowed in these rooms.

What activities does Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel offer?

Guests at the Rutherford Hotel Nelson can enjoy a variety of leisure amenities during their stay. The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, perfect for taking a refreshing swim or lounging on the beach chairs provided. There is also a sauna available for guests to relax and rejuvenate. Guests can stay active with the fitness center on-site or opt for bike tours to explore the surrounding area. For those in need of relaxation, there is a sun deck and massage services available.

When it comes to dining, the Oceano Restaurant is conveniently located within the hotel, offering delicious meals for guests to enjoy.

Additionally, the hotel features a seasonal rooftop pool, with age restrictions for adults only.

With these amenities available, guests at the Rutherford Hotel Nelson have plenty of options to enjoy their time at the hotel.

Is there a swimming pool at Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel?

The hotel has one pool available, but it is only open seasonally. It is an outdoor pool located on the rooftop of the hotel. It is also only accessible to adults.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel feature its own restaurants?

Yes, the Rutherford Hotel Nelson has a restaurant on site called Oceano Restaurant.

Are both cash and credit cards valid payment options at Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel?

Yes, both cash and credit cards are valid payment options at Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel.