Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel descritpion

Centrally located in Nelson, the 4.5-star Rutherford Hotel is within easy walking distance of the city’s main shopping streets and the landmark cathedral. Guests enjoy 30 minutes of free WiFi per device.
The hotel has 113 spacious and comfortable guest rooms, which are decorated in a modern, contemporary style. Each room has a minibar and a modern en suite bathroom with complimentary Manuka Spa Toiletries.
Fresh seafood is on offer in the hotel’s Oceano Restaurant or enjoy award winning authentic Japanese cuisine in the Miyazu Restaurant. There is also the Atom Cafe and Port o' Call Bar, along with 24-hour room service.
The Rutherford Hotel Nelson is well-placed for cycling and exploring the sandy beaches, blue seas and mountains of the surrounding area. A number of art galleries are also in the vicinity.

Recommand

Low rates——No booking fees • Save money!Best price guarantee — enter dates to see these prices!
88 properties in Nelson——Including hotels, apartments, villas and more.
Manage your bookings online——Sign up for a FREE account·View a single booking.
246 independent reviews——We verify all reviews from guests who've stayed at Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel. Find out more about Booking.com Reviews.
The staff speaks English——Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel's staff speaks:Japanese,English,German
Booking is safe——When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.

Facilities of Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Outdoors ：Outdoor Pool (seasonal)

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Sauna | Fitness Center | Massage | Bicycle Rental

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room | Restaurant with Dining Menu | Special Diet Meals (upon request)

Internet ：WiFi is available in all areas and costs NZD 10 per 24 hours.

Parking ：Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and charges may apply.

Languages Spoken ：Japanese | English | German

Reviews for Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Review 1：Uneven floors in room and in corridors. Water running out though shower screen and making bathroom floor slippery Toilet flush button behind toilet lid so has to be put down to flush. Selected hotel as had a pool 1 meter deep and about 4m isn't a pool

Review 2：Staff were all very good . Food was great

Review 3：The cooked buffet breakfast was poor food was dried out and by 8am on Wednesday there was little choice left The continental breakfast on thursday gave more choice and fresher foods than on previous days

Review 4：The staff were friendly and helpful Location was good and the room comfortable

Review 5：Sort of musty feeling, old and out of date in need of repair....

Review 6：Super basic, clean and well located.... Virtually no WiFI connection. Nice staff but we would not recommend as place seems to need a major face lift....

Review 7：no spa bath...just a shower over a bath...the view was aweful...very expensive for just a room...horrible view...noisey air condition hummmmmming all night....

Review 8：We had booked a better star rated hotel as it was New Year's Eve and we thought we would 'splash out' a bit. Although the main entrance of the hotel is very nice we were disappointed to find our room was very basic, nothing special about the look of the bed - although it was comfortable. The room looked very 1970s. The bathroom was small and out of date, the basin was cracked and the tap was so small you couldn't get the kettle under it. The toilet seat was cheap plastic and the shower rose was so small and old with poor water pressure. Even the towels felt less than luxurious and the toilet paper was cheap. There was nothing to really complain about, especially as we spent very little time in the room but we would probably chose to stay elsewhere next time we're in Nelson.

Review 9：We stayed at The Rutherford on New Year's Eve and were very pleased to be close enough to the main centre to be able to walk back easily. The foyer of the hotel was pleasing to the eye and looked quite festive. The staff were pleasant.

Review 10：Passing on credit card charges. Why do big hotel chains think they can do this when the little guys don't.

Review 11：Close to Tong Thai Restaurant, about a block away.

Review 12：The Rutherford is the best hotel to stay in when visiting Nelson, close to the main street for shopping, excellent views over the city, clean, great valet service, professional staff no complaints. Awesome breakfast service. We will stay here again if we ever come back to Nelson.

Review 13：Having to pay for wifi

Review 14：Very friendly staff, great views & the Teppanyaki was amazing fun. Willz the chef was engaging, and so much fun to dine with - if you stay you MUST book for the Mizayu Restaurant! Location was fantastic. Overall a very pleasant stay.

Review 15：We ordered room service one evening. The service was fine but the food was definitely not up to expectations. A lasagna without pasta and mediocre soup with one slice of bread, both of poor quality and did not match the otherwise excellent accommodation.

Review 16：Accommodation was very comfortable. Staff service was excellent - very accommodating and welcoming. Convenience of location to Trafalgar Street very helpful.

Review 17：if was to be critical, the water feature is a little dated but inconsequential to my stay.

Review 18：Felt well looked after with very responsive staff, especially management

Review 19：the room smelt of sewage. The linen didn't smell clean. The plug in the bathroom didn't go, I couldn't straigten my hair in the mirror.

Review 20：the location

Review 21：TV reception was down for most of the night. As a solo traveller for work, all I wanted to do was relax after a long day with some dinner and TV....not to be. Cafe was meant to open at 8am but didn't open until 8.45am. Meant I went without a quick breakfast before I had to leave.

Review 22：I ate breakfast in the restaurant and was underwhelmed by the presentation of the dish, the taste and the fact that it arrived to my table tepid, not hot. but staff were very friendly.

Review 23：The friendly staff, the fantastic location and the ambience

Review 24：Free internet access should be provided in each room rather than just 30 mins in one hit per 24 hours. Paid internet access is expensive.

Review 25：The location was great. The room was large and comfortable. The room and bathroom were very clean.

Review 26：Reception staff who did not fully comprehend our needs when we had an electrical fault in the room. Quality of cooked breakfast was poor, particularly the sausages and fatty bacon. We did not like being asked briskly what our breakfast order was before being seated at a table.

Review 27：Convenience of the location

Review 28：No salt in salt shaker with my room service. Didn't want to ring up with such a petty problem but I do like my salt

Review 29：Staff are very friendly and very helpful

Review 30：The Rutherford is an old school hotel at it's best. Inside it's plush and comfy and will suit anyone who likes a bit of decadence. The views are also fabulous!

Review 31：Did wonder about the wardrobe in my room. Barely room for my clothes - if husband had been there would have been very little space.

Review 32：Loved the view from my room 611. Found all the staff helpful and friendly.

Review 33：The breakfast were too, too expensive other considerable cheaper options available in City 5 minutes walk ! You should not have to pay for parking and there is no link from the Hotel from the western car park when it rains as it did during our stay

Review 34：Great central location clean and comfortable rooms

Review 35：A few small details with regard to utensils missing for dinner and slight inexperience of staff was bit disappointing.

Review 36：Amazing hotel, location great, beautiful décor. Very comfortable!

Review 37：Excellent service and facilities for someone like me who uses a wheelchair for mobility. Standard studio rooms have enough space for chair maneuverability except the bathroom, but that is OK for me as I can manage without dificulty.

Review 38：Arrival. Was quiet and two staff tried to book us in which got veryconfusing. No1 processed the registration. No2 asked where my car was.Offered Value service which I declined as car too valuable. All No 1impatiently wanted to do was get trolley with bags to lift while I triedto find were to park.Told car park around the back so followed arrowsand ended up at exit barrier. No idea how to get in so parked in parknear entrance and was charged $5 for that !! Staff need to communicateclearly and keep to one staff member processing arrival. Dinner inOceania Restaurant was not a good experience - Groper not as describedand menu and so overcooked it was dry with no sauce to help eat it.Waiter not interested when told..

Review 39：Comfortable bed. Quiet location Ease to access conference rooms

Review 40：Cheery, helpful and accommodating staff. It's not new, for sure, but it's been carefully maintained. The hotel's Oceana Restaurant was a real find. Beautiful meal

Review 41：Our first impressions upon arriving was the hotel itself.The building is beautiful and well maintained. Then step through the doors and to be welcomed with warm smiles,and impeccable service throughout our stay. The hotel is situated in a great part of the city, close to some fabulous restaurants and the beautiful Cathedral is across the street.

Review 42：In need of a bit of TLC. Some facilities were not open. The Wi-Fi is poor and expensive

Review 43：A great location and the hotel is very comfortable. Staff were great

Review 44：One of our table glass lampshades was very badly chipped on the bottom which would cause a serious injury during the night if you were looking for something on the bedside table. We rang reception within 30 minutes of entering our room (413), last friday, to have it noted and requested a replacement, which was agreed upon. Upon checking out on sunday, this lamp still had not been replaced. Also for around $200 a night, which is high for Nelson, we find it ridiculous to fill up the jug for a coffee in the bath as it doesn't fit under the tap in the vanity.unit.

Review 45：Nice room and comfortable bed.

Review 46：My partner and I were staying at the Rutherford to get married, all the staff were great, friendly, and as we got married at the Rutherford there help made everything a breeze.

Review 47：Reception staff appeared undermanned. Waited 15 mins to have luggage stowed prior to departure.

Review 48：With my elderly mother & recieved a complimentary upgrade to a disabled type room with a walk in shower which suited our needs.

Review 49：Lack of air-con in the rooms. A fan blower really isn't good enough for a hotel of this quality.

Review 50：Central to everything but still quiet, calm and relaxed.

Review 51：As all places I stay.... The pillows were shocking I have rarely stayed anywhere that has decent quality pillows... Hence I constantly have a sore neck while travelling. I always wish the money I spent on accomodation was reflected on the money spent on bedding!!!!

Review 52：Hassle free service. Walking distance to anywhere in town and a close drive to beaches etc

Review 53：No free wifi!!! And I didn't like the fact that we could hear the people in the room next to us loud and clear laughing and talking.

Review 54：Nice and clean rooms. Hotel got a very good appearing and it is close by the centre.

Review 55：The quality of appliances (radio, iron, TV - all the cricketers were short and fat! and the outer edge of the picture missing) was what I would expect in a 3 star motel in regional NZ. Light bulbs dud.

Review 56：Location, that windows opened, quiet.

Review 57：No airconditioning more an air movement system. Nelson is a hot place. Didnt detract but for some the ability to chill the room isnt there.

Review 58：The location is perfect, close to everything, all within walking distance. All staff we came across were so helpful and always had a pleasant comment, be it good morning, can I assist you etc etc. Atom cafe a great addition to the hotel. Nice coffee.

Review 59：The aircon wasn't working well although we were impressed that the hotel supplied a fan at short notice

Review 60：Clean, tidy, well maintained. Good restaurants and very close to city. Great location

Review 61：to have to pay at arrival when we are repeat visitors. I have never been asked to do that before at any hotel. Made me feel unwelcome. Also parking should be included in the price.

Review 62：Location and friendly staff in restaurant

Review 63：Hate having to pay for wifi,free 20 mins was ok but I didnt use it all on first day but when I connected next day it was unavailable

Review 64：Friendly helpful staff,location is central with easy walking to many resturants,parks and shops.

Review 65：Located short stroll into town centre, rooms comfortable and spotlessly clean, staff friendly and helpful. Should allow more than half an hour a day for internet access. Enjoyable stay.

Review 66：Wine prices. Lack of Xmas Atmosphere particularly in restraunt. Xmas dinner presentation.

Review 67：Method of booking. Location. Staff. Cleanliness . Lack of noise in corridor .

Review 68：The position of this hotel is perfect. Gorgeous art galleries and shopping a walk away not to mention cafes and restaurants. Lovely views no matter which side you are on. Parking easy. Staff always friendly and attentive. Great place for families, couples, business or solo travellers.

Review 69：The fact you have to pay for wifi is unacceptable in a hotel of this size and also they charge 1% if you pay by debit card ,is this a New Zealand practice for Hotels

Review 70：The function I attended was well catered for but the conference room it was held in was very tired and shabby

Review 71：Location, nice welcoming an helpful staff. I was also able to check into my room earlier as requested which was most helpful

Review 72：First morning, Tuesday, all 6 adults went down to breakfast, it had been a long night sitting at the hospice so we didn't get there until 8.30am. Only one adult got a good breakfast, eggs benedict, an an a la carte order. Two adults ordered hot breakfast, the only thing that was hot was the plates and the limited residual selection food offered was all cold, dishes had not been replenished. Three adults ordered Continental breakfast. Both buffets looked like they had been visited by a plague of locusts. There was no fresh fruit on the plate, only meat & cheese platters were replenished when staff were asked to refresh the buffet. The cheese slices were dry and stuck together on the plate & unable to be separated, sliced meat produced was garlic sausage or salami, only 2 B&B plates available, 2 plain and 2 fancy croissants to share between 3 of us, selection generally remained very limited. For the remainder of our stay we declined to risk paying good money for such poor quality food selection, we bought supermarket food and ate in our room, the arrangement was inconvenient, unsatisfactory, difficult in the circumstances and not what we wanted to do. When the situation was raised with the dining room staff we were told there had been a tour party through, should that have impacted us? We were embarrassed by the poor quality and relative cost in front of our Australian family.

Review 73：The staff at the front desk were excellent, one in particular, dark hair and glasses, so caring and understanding in difficult situations. We were there to attend the passing and funeral of our brother in the hospice, nothing was a bother, she made our situation and grief so much easier by removing the worry of accommodation. She is an attribute to your facility.

Review 74：Reception staff lack of knowledge of local area Administration mistakes, especially on final account

Review 75：Location Comfort Breakfast menu Porter and valet assistance

Review 76：can't say anything bad about our stay, everything was as you would expect from a Hotel of their calibre. Front Desk Staff that worked the evening shift were exceptionally friendly, helpful and knowledgeable when referring best places to go. We'll be back to stay again when back in Nelson : )

Review 77：the beds at the Rutherford are like sleeping on mush! my plea "invest in new firm mattresses!"

Review 78：location is perfect for seeing Nelson city center and dining at some of the wonderful restaurants there

Review 79：There were no electric blankets on the beds. Plug in bathroom basin not working properly.

Review 80：Large comfortable room with extra bed and good views. Bathroom very clean and tidy. Heating system very good.

Review 81：Staff very helpful, nothing a problem

Review 82：Spacious rooms with a view Comfy beds with nice linen

Review 83：Nothing really .

Review 84：Very good value for money .tucked away in a quiet heritage site but very close to the town .

Review 85：lovely room size,, close to town staff friendly

Review 86：Shower pressure was terrible

Review 87：N/A

Review 88：The feel of the dinning room, clean and the lighting was good.

Review 89：The location was fantastic. Easy to walk to shops and restaurants. Staff were very friendly and hotel clean and comfortable.

Review 90：The service was very good

Review 91：comfy bed

Review 92：Friendliness and cleanliness

Review 93：very comfortable and central.

Review 94：location and atmosphere.

Review 95：The charges for wifi, swimming pool closed over winter.

Review 96：Location, friendly staff, two very good restaurants.

Review 97：The bed was a little uncomfy

Review 98：Great service everyone was so happy and friendly and helpful

Review 99：Very uncomfortable beds, needs an update in rooms,

Review 100：Nice foyer

Review 101：Paying for wifi

Review 102：Staff exemplary

Review 103：Soft bed, no couch to sit in

Review 104：Clean

Review 105：Hotel and its facilities easy to access and use

Review 106：Bath plug difficult to get out - arthritic fingers!! Grouting could be renovated in bathroom.

Review 107：The restaurant as always excellent.

Review 108：couldn't find a concierge at all

Review 109：clean, tidy,great location

Review 110：the toiletries... The Cathederal is visible from the rooms and is only a few blocks away...

Review 111：Great location

Review 112：Paying for wifi, never keen on buffet style breakfast food just above warm.

Review 113：Rooms are great,

Review 114：Did not find the staff friendly or welcoming. Paying for parking and WiFi annoying

Review 115：the hotel is well situated

Review 116：No negatives

Review 117：Easy access to city centre on foot Great cafes nearby Weather was good too.

Review 118：the whole experience

Review 119：The bathtub is a concern while taking a shower.

Review 120：Quiet area and rooms are sound proof. Very few cable tv features. Must add more channels.

Review 121：This hotel is very central so it's easy to walk everywhere. Great place to stay and the staff are all very pleasant.

Review 122：We had to pay 3% extra since we used our credit card wish they would have told us at check in we would have paid cash .

The Fine Print

Please note that there is a 1.5% charge when you pay with a credit card.Please note that this property requires a credit card pre-authorisation or cash deposit upon check in to cover any incidental charges.A security deposit of NZD 150 is required upon arrival for incidental charges. This deposit is fully refundable upon check-out and subject to a damage inspection of the accommodation.