Is parking available at the property?

Yes, parking is available on-site, but it is limited. Uncovered self-parking costs NZD 10.00 per night, and valet parking is also available for the same fee with in/out privileges.

Is breakfast offered at the hotel?

Yes, a full breakfast is served on weekdays from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and on weekends from 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee of approximately NZD 34.50 for adults and NZD 17.50 for children.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request, but additional charges may apply.

What accessibility features does the hotel offer?

The property offers limited wheelchair accessibility, including step-free entrances and accessible facilities in public areas. However, specific details about accessible rooms and bathrooms are not provided.

Where is the hotel located in relation to key attractions?

The hotel is centrally located in Nelson, just a 5-minute walk from Christ Church Cathedral and Nelson Provincial Museum. It is approximately 0.3 miles from Nelson Market and 0.8 miles from Trafalgar Park.

Does the hotel have a swimming pool?

Yes, there is a seasonal outdoor pool available. The pool is open from October 1 to March 31, with access hours from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Average nightly price at Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$133
February	$157
March	$154
April	$121
May	$115
June	$113
July	$133
August	$126
September	$117
October	$125
November	$146
December	$121

What guests think

At Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel, guests commonly praise the central, walkable location and friendly staff, while noting spacious, comfortable rooms that feel dated and occasional maintenance or bathroom design issues that affect ease and reliability.

Cleanliness is often rated highly, though a few guests reported problems such as a dirty tub, odors, or mold. Facilities feedback is mixed: gym and sauna are appreciated, but the pool may be unheated or closed, and parking can be limited or paid. Dining experiences vary from great coffee and special-event meals to pricey or limited breakfasts and occasional venue closures. Suited to travellers who value dependable basics over modern frills.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Gym and sauna receive praise, while the pool may be unheated or temporarily closed. Parking is limited or paid, and occasional maintenance issues like a lift outage were noted.

Related guest reviews

10

Graeme

Dec 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was large, clean and comfortable. Great view and was quiet. Air con worked great, but also could open windows if needed. Lovely pool area for an inner city hotel. Also great location as close to everything

10

Keith

Jan 21, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location, old style elegance to the hotel, great amenities (pool, sauna, gym). Note tour buses sta y here.

10

BONGAI

Sep 11, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great stay. Highly recommend it for anyone staying in Nelson. One of thr better gym facilities that you will find at a hotel. An old lady that has continued to upgrade and move with the times. Will definitely be back

8

Jason

Jun 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy , food and parking on location

8

Karthika

Jan 5, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

The stay was good but the parking was not convenient. Free parking got filled easily and additional parking was at a cost. For the expensive price we pay for the room, the parking should be free as the normal hotels provide.

10

Cyrus

Apr 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place to stay, good gym and sauna and a beautiful building. Great coffee in cafe downstairs would definitely stay here again

8

Gemma

Jan 17, 2026

·

Stayed 4 nights

Hotel is in a great location for exploring Nelson, we parked on the street outside the hotel which was free and was always able to find a space Rooms are quite dated but were clean and comfortable and a good size. We were really disappointed to find the pool closed for maintenance whilst we stayed as this was one of the reasons we chose the hotel. The coffee shop in the hotel was disappointing but there are lots of better options within walking distance.

10

Victoria

Feb 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Well appointed comfortable room close to the heart of Nelson. There's limited free on street parking for guests, but cheap alternative paid parking is also available nearby.

8

R

Dec 19, 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

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.

8

Stacey

Jan 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really nice hotel, we had a king and single share room both beds were A comfortable and the pillows and linen were top notch. Shower/bath was fantastic. Window view was great. Friendly staff and interesting interior. Easy parking around back of building for $10 that was gated. Windows don’t open. Breakfast a bit on the pricey side. Eaton mess dessert a total let down after a fantastic club sandwich. Only one lift working. Pool not heated so really pointless in the South Island as freezing temperatures in summer, this was a drawing card to book so disappointing for child.

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Cleanliness

Rooms are generally clean and sometimes described as spotless. A few guests reported lapses such as a dirty bathtub, odors, mold, or ventilation issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Stephen

Jun 3, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Super clean, great facilities and close to everything

10

Carey

Apr 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and comfortable stay

2

Ciarrah

Jan 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything about this property felt like a scam. “Parking available” was BS. you get unsecured street parking (if you’re lucky to find a spot) or you can pay to park in a lot that’s still far from the hotel doors. The walls of the building were crumbling and the whole place was in piss poor condition. There was a stain on our carpet and we had to ask a manager to change the sheets in our room because it smelled like someone peed in it. Such a waste of so much money.

10

Neil

Feb 15, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Spotless rooms quietness and friendly helpful staff

6

Annika

Mar 4, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Aging building, so a bit old fashioned. Mold needs to be addressed in the bathroom.

6

Sandra

Feb 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Unfortunately my bathtub was dirty. I should have communicated to staff but found out just before going to bed. Otherwise a beautiful hotel and top grade workmanship throughout. Corner room with lovely view of park, cathedral like church and skyline of exotic New Zealand trees. Would not stay again though as nothing worse than a dirty tub!!

10

Jonathan

Feb 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and tidy room. Very helpful staff

10

Tanya

Feb 23, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall our stay was very comfortable, we had a lovely bright corner room, the staff was very kind and helpful with every detail, and the room was clean with comfy beds.

8

Cornelia

Feb 2, 2026

·

Stayed 3 nights

Spotless room, very nice staff, everything nearby, perfect location for a stay in Nelson!

8

Tom

Nov 2, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are spacious, quiet and comfortable with good views, though decor is dated. Some guests mentioned soft or worn mattresses, low shower pressure, and awkward shower-over-bath layouts.

Related guest reviews

10

Graeme

Dec 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was large, clean and comfortable. Great view and was quiet. Air con worked great, but also could open windows if needed. Lovely pool area for an inner city hotel. Also great location as close to everything

8

Mr T

Jan 2, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were very helpful and friendly. Nice big room. Great to have a bath and shower. Good for restaurants, cathedral and central Nelson, thsnkyou

10

Jan

Mar 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rutherford Hotel was better than our expectations. Beautiful foyer, great staff and great staff. Our room was on the 8th floor with a lovely view. Would highly recommend.

10

Annaliese

Apr 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great room, bed and pillows very comfy, lovely foyer, great location, walkable to shops and eateries, friendly staff

10

Tanya

Feb 23, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall our stay was very comfortable, we had a lovely bright corner room, the staff was very kind and helpful with every detail, and the room was clean with comfy beds.

8

Helen

Mar 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Mattress on bed substandard, minimal support.

8

Gemma

Jan 17, 2026

·

Stayed 4 nights

Hotel is in a great location for exploring Nelson, we parked on the street outside the hotel which was free and was always able to find a space Rooms are quite dated but were clean and comfortable and a good size. We were really disappointed to find the pool closed for maintenance whilst we stayed as this was one of the reasons we chose the hotel. The coffee shop in the hotel was disappointing but there are lots of better options within walking distance.

2

Jessica

Aug 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Outdated, water in shower had no pressure.

8

R

Dec 19, 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

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.

6

Laurie

Jan 31, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Walkable to restaurants Cons: we had to park on street, hotel was being renovated and the elevator didn’t work one day. Also, the bathroom not designed well. Couldn’t get the soap or shampoo out of their containers, the sink faucet barely cleared the sink rim, there was no shower grab bar and I slipped getting out of the too tall bathtub and hit my head, the door of the shower opened inward so there was very little room to maneuver. Poorly designed and dangerous.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is frequently described as friendly and helpful. However, a few guests experienced unwelcoming check-in, booking mix-ups, slower check-in, or billing misunderstandings.

Related guest reviews

8

Elizabeth

Jun 30, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Would have given 5 star except was told at check in that breakfast was complimentary only to be told at check out it wasn’t and was charged for it.

10

Neil

Feb 15, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Spotless rooms quietness and friendly helpful staff

10

Merill

Nov 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely customer service from everyone on the front desk. The room was lovely and very clean really comfortable and we hsd a great time in zznNelson. We will he back and will def stay at the Rutherford Hotel sgain

6

Annette

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nices room but front desk was not very inviting no hello just had find our own way to the room

10

SUSAN

Mar 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The Customer Service was great. The staff knew what they were doing and were very helpful.

6

Thomas

Mar 10, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Seems like it used to be a nice hotel but has become very dated. Also, I had trouble checking in as the first person helping me couldn’t find my rez even after me showing the confirmation. The second person found it right away. It was a hassle I didn’t want to deal with after 12 hours of driving. I get to my room and the vanity kit is an empty box and the body wash seemed to be half empty. I wasn’t impressed.

10

Tanya

Feb 23, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall our stay was very comfortable, we had a lovely bright corner room, the staff was very kind and helpful with every detail, and the room was clean with comfy beds.

10

Carl

Jan 10, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great staff, really went the extra mile for us.

8

John

Aug 2, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Reception staff couldn’t find my booking,seemed weird,not particularly friendly or welcoming either

8

Jane

Jan 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were able to check-in early which was great. The staff were attentive, polite and helpful. Overall great accommodation and handy to everything.

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Location

Consistently central and walkable to shops, restaurants and sights, with many noting quiet surroundings at night.

Related guest reviews

8

Maggi

Nov 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Good distance to town. Polite and friendly staff.

10

Graeme

Dec 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was large, clean and comfortable. Great view and was quiet. Air con worked great, but also could open windows if needed. Lovely pool area for an inner city hotel. Also great location as close to everything

10

Gina

Sep 21, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Close to CBD, walking distance to bars & restaurants

8

Mr T

Jan 2, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were very helpful and friendly. Nice big room. Great to have a bath and shower. Good for restaurants, cathedral and central Nelson, thsnkyou

10

Corralie

Mar 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location & nice & quiet

10

Corralie

Mar 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely quiet stay right in the middle of town

8

Cornelia

Feb 2, 2026

·

Stayed 3 nights

Spotless room, very nice staff, everything nearby, perfect location for a stay in Nelson!

8

Heather

Jan 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Well located, very easy walk to many restaurants and shops.

8

Gemma

Jan 17, 2026

·

Stayed 4 nights

Hotel is in a great location for exploring Nelson, we parked on the street outside the hotel which was free and was always able to find a space Rooms are quite dated but were clean and comfortable and a good size. We were really disappointed to find the pool closed for maintenance whilst we stayed as this was one of the reasons we chose the hotel. The coffee shop in the hotel was disappointing but there are lots of better options within walking distance.

8

Frank

Apr 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

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Dining

Dining feedback is mixed: guests praised special-event meals, vegan options and coffee, but some found breakfast pricey or limited, would skip the restaurant, or encountered venue closures.

Related guest reviews

10

Tim

Jan 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Would not go to the restaurant again

10

Andrea

Dec 27, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This was a great place to stay for Christmas. The Christmas dinner buffet was a great experience since we were from out of town. The staff were great and kind.

10

David

Jan 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A great place to stay, excellent staff, nothing is a bother. Good breakfast. This place is not over the top but I have stayed there 3 times in the last 12 months and always good

10

Jason

May 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Easy with bar and restaurant on site with friendly team / great service . Comfortable beds.

8

David

Nov 5, 2024

·

Stayed 9 nights

Apart from poor breakfast offering, the Rutherford is an excellent place to stay in central Nelson.

10

Cyrus

Apr 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place to stay, good gym and sauna and a beautiful building. Great coffee in cafe downstairs would definitely stay here again

10

Glen

Sep 11, 2023

·

The vegan options for dinning were superb, including the catering for my workshop. The staff were attentive and helpful. Room service till late was appreciated. Looking forward to returning again soon. Thank you kitchen staff for the plant based salads, they were spectacular.

8

Daryl

Oct 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast was not that expansive given the price.

6

Lyndsay

Dec 4, 2022

·

Stayed 19,330 nights

Great location but very tired property. Staff not overly friendly abs when we stayed the bars and restaurant didn’t open… but no comma from the staff about it

8

Stacey

Jan 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really nice hotel, we had a king and single share room both beds were A comfortable and the pillows and linen were top notch. Shower/bath was fantastic. Window view was great. Friendly staff and interesting interior. Easy parking around back of building for $10 that was gated. Windows don’t open. Breakfast a bit on the pricey side. Eaton mess dessert a total let down after a fantastic club sandwich. Only one lift working. Pool not heated so really pointless in the South Island as freezing temperatures in summer, this was a drawing card to book so disappointing for child.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $135	2 $150	3 $187	4 $146	5 $144	6 $144	7 $143
8 $142	9 $153	10 $150	11 $225	12	13	14
15	16 $536	17 $536	18 $144	19 $236	20 $146	21 $136
22 $144	23 $146	24 $150	25 $146	26 $148	27 $146	28 $144
29 $146	30 $130

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Prices for Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Premium Double Or Twin Room, Multiple Beds, Accessible

Quadruple Suite

Executive Apartment, Multiple Beds

Triple Studio

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed

Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed

Premium Double Or Twin Room, Multiple Beds

Guest reviews of Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22 $125	23 $111	24 $111
25 $114	26 $111	27 $111	28 $124	29 $111	30 $127	31 $113