Rutherford Hotel Nelson

4.0 star property
4-star hotel near Christ Church Cathedral

Choose dates to view prices

Room options

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

Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 291 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

Triple Studio

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

Quadruple Suite

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

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed

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

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

Nelson City Centre stay.A stay at this Nelson City Centre hotel places you steps from Christ Church Cathedral and within a 5-minute walk of Nelson Provincial Museum. Also, Nelson Market is within half a mile (1 km) and Trafalgar Park is within 2 miles (3 km).

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
  • Queens Gardens - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Trafalgar Park - 13 min walk - 0.7 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
  • ‪Pita Pit Nelson - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

4-star hotel near Christ Church Cathedral
Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers its guests a seasonal outdoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness center. 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 center and 6 meeting rooms. Event space at this hotel measures 6297 square feet (585 square meters) and includes a conference center. Multilingual staff, gift shops/newsstands, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at 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
  • Meeting 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 center (24 hours)
  • Conference center
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Gift shop
  • Elevator
  • 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 hair dryers.

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

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.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

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

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Bicycle tours
  • Gym
  • Sauna
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 42-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib
  • Pillow menu

Bathroom

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

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

  • 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 cribs (infant beds)!

Property 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: 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 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-authorize 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 guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Cash is not accepted. 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.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open October 01 and close March 31.
  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
  • One child 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

How close is Rutherford Hotel Nelson to the airport?

Rutherford Hotel Nelson is 4.6 mi (12-min drive) away from the Nelson (NSN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Dec 8, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rutherford Hotel Nelson on Dec 14, 2025 start from $112.49, 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.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Rutherford Hotel Nelson.

How close is Rutherford Hotel Nelson to the beach?

This hotel is 3.1 mi (10-min drive) from Tahunanui Beach Reserve.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Rutherford Hotel Nelson, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of NZD 34.50 for adults and NZD 17.50 for children. It's available on weekdays from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and weekends from 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at Rutherford Hotel Nelson?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Self parking is available for NZD 10.00 per night, and valet parking for NZD 10 per night.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson have a pool?

Rutherford Hotel Nelson features a seasonal outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson have a restaurant?

Rutherford Hotel Nelson is home to Oceano, which features seafood. The property will be renovating the dining venue(s) from June 10 2024 to December 31 2025 (completion date subject to change).

Does Rutherford Hotel Nelson have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Rutherford Hotel Nelson to downtown Nelson?

Rutherford Hotel Nelson is 0.4 mi away from Nelson.

Rutherford Hotel Nelson Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 302 out of 588 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 217 out of 588 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 57 out of 588 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 588 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 588 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

10/10 Excellent

Peter

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

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