Reviews of YHA Nelson
59 Rutherford Street , 7010 Nelson, New Zealand
#27 of 44 hotels in Nelson
Guests' ChoiceReview score
Based on 622 hostel reviews
8.3Score breakdown
-
Cleanliness
9.0
-
Comfort
8.8
-
Location
9.4
-
Facilities
8.7
-
Staff
9.2
-
Value for money
8.7
-
Free WiFi
7.9
How guest reviews work
Each review score is between 1-10. To get the overall score that you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of review scores we’ve received. We use a weighted review system which means that the more recent the review, the bigger the impact on the total review score calculation. In addition, guests can give separate ‘subscores’ in crucial areas, such as location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value for money and free Wi-Fi. Note that guests submit their subscores and their overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them.
You can review an Accommodation that you booked through our Platform if you stayed there or if you arrived at the property but didn’t actually stay there. To edit a review you’ve already submitted, please contact our Customer Service team.
We have people and automated systems that specialise in detecting fake reviews submitted to our Platform. If we find any, we delete them and, if necessary, take action against whoever is responsible.
Anyone else who spots something suspicious can always report it to our Customer Service team, so our Fraud team can investigate.
Ideally, we would publish every review we receive, whether positive or negative. However, we won’t display any review that includes or refers to (among other things):
- Politically sensitive comments
- Promotional content
- Illegal activities
- Personal or sensitive information (e.g. emails, phone numbers or credit card info)
- Swear words, sexual references, hate speech, discriminatory remarks, threats, or references to violence
- Spam and fake content
- Animal cruelty
- Impersonation (e.g. if the writer is claiming to be someone else)
- Any violation of our review guidelines.
To make sure reviews are relevant, we may only accept reviews that are submitted within 3 months of checking out, and we may stop showing reviews once they’re 36 months old – or if the Accommodation has a change of ownership.
An Accommodation may choose to reply to a review.
When you see multiple reviews, the most recent ones will be at the top, subject to a few other factors (what language a review is in, whether it’s just a rating or contains comments as well, etc.). If you like, you can sort and/or filter them (by time of year, review score, etc.).
We sometimes show external review scores from other well-known travel websites. We make it clear when we’ve done this.
Guidelines and standards for Reviews
These guidelines and standards aim to keep the content on Booking.com relevant and family-friendly without limiting expression of strong opinions. They are also applicable regardless of the sentiment of the comment.
Contributions should be travel related. The most helpful contributions are detailed and help others make better decisions. Please don’t include personal, political, ethical, or religious commentary. Promotional content will be removed and issues concerning Booking.com’s services should be routed to our Customer Service or Accommodation Service teams.
Contributions should be appropriate for a global audience. Please avoid using profanity or attempts to approximate profanity with creative spelling, in any language. Comments and media that include 'hate speech', discriminatory remarks, threats, sexually explicit remarks, violence, and the promotion of illegal activity are not permitted.
All content should be genuine and unique to the guest. Reviews are most valuable when they are original and unbiased. Your contribution should be yours. Booking.com property partners should not post on behalf of guests or offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Attempts to bring down the rating of a competitor by submitting a negative review will not be tolerated.
Respect the privacy of others. Booking.com will make an effort to obscure email addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses, social media accounts, and similar details.
The opinions expressed in contributions are those of Booking.com customers and properties and not of Booking.com. Booking.com does not accept responsibility or liability for any reviews or responses. Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses.
By default, reviews are sorted based on the date of the review and on additional criteria to display the most relevant reviews, including but not limited to: your language, reviews with text, and non-anonymous reviews. Additional sorting options may be available (by type of traveller, by score, etc.).
Translations disclaimer
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
End of dialog content-
Reviewed: 26 July 2025
Justine
New Zealand10 reviews8.0Very good- • Business trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Not enough parking on Friday night
Central location
Stayed in July 2025
-
Reviewed: 16 July 2025
Justine
New Zealand10 reviews8.0“Best hostel in Nelson”- • Business trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
There is only a single shower for the female dorm.
I liked the dedicated female dorm. I.liked the big kitchen and the big longe area that can be divided into two rooms.
Stayed in July 2025
-
Reviewed: 7 July 2025
Justine
New Zealand10 reviews8.0Very good- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
I liked the cleanliness of the facilities. They were modern and spacious with plenty of room for those there at the time.
Stayed in July 2025
-
Reviewed: 15 May 2025
Catherine
United Kingdom13 reviews7.0“Pleasant stay and friendly staff.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The rooms are a little dated and at times felt quite crowded.
The staff here were really friendly and helpful and could answer any questions and give me advice. The Hostel has all the facilities I needed.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 14 May 2025
Manuel
Austria25 reviews9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 5 nights
The WiFi includes only 1GB. When checking out, you're only allowed to stick around until 11AM. In NZ, Hostels are usually more relaxed.
Exceptionally clean. The living room is big enough to allow for yoga. Also, it is exquisitely perfumed. :-)
Stayed in February 2025
-
Reviewed: 27 April 2025
Claudia
New Zealand33 reviews8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Single Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Maybe another shower or two would be great. And better ventilation in the bathrooms. There was also a constant humming noise from outside. Made sleeping a bit difficult.
Location next to farmers markets is fantastic. The staff were super friendly. Facilities clean and tidy. Storage while being on a walk is excellent.
Stayed in April 2025
-
Reviewed: 27 April 2025
Jade
New Zealand1 review8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
I didn't like that we were unable to eat in our own private rooms
The bathrooms were really nice and felt really happy to share with others due to the cleanliness and privacy of the toilet & shower
Stayed in April 2025
-
Reviewed: 25 April 2025
Steve
New Zealand1 review9.0“Exc ended my expectations”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing I really enjoyed my stay
Great value for money. Comfortable bed. Great facilities. Able to book at short notice
Stayed in April 2025
-
Reviewed: 21 April 2025
Amelia
United Kingdom2 reviews8.0“Lovely hostel, great location.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Twin Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
A shelf in the shower / clothes hooks in the bathroom would have been handy. Lots of tables but no designated lounge area.
Very clean. Spacious kitchens. Very friendly staff. Big room.
Stayed in April 2025
-
Reviewed: 4 April 2025
Stuart
Australia25 reviews3 helpful votes8.0“Clean, no-fuss budget accommodation is always”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Single Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing, except the temperamental clothes dryer.
Convenient, clean, simple and a good price.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 2 April 2025
Jane
New Zealand11 reviews8.0Very good- • Business trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Value for money quiet and comfortable
Stayed in April 2025
-
Reviewed: 1 April 2025
Yuti
France10 reviews1 helpful vote8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Single Room
- • Stayed 7 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Great stay at yha nelson! Friendly staff and great location.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 23 March 2025
Verena
Canada12 reviews7.0“I loved staying here. The only downside was a noisy fan outside from the bathroom.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Single Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
There was a noisy fan outside from the bathroom for most of the single rooms with shared bathroom. For someone sensitive to noise who likes their window open this might not be the best location.
I loved the location, the staff were very friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming, and it was clean.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 22 March 2025
Susan
New Zealand2 reviews9.0“Another happy warm welcoming stay in my favourite NZ city. Thank you again for having this oldie!!!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Single Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
just mentioned could do with another shower and loo in women's facilities if finances permit, otherwise all great
I liked everything!! Ive been using YHA Nelson for 50 years and I always stay here. Staff are great -they remember me, room and facilities always clean ,shower is fine [maybe another shower and loo needed when peak time], handy to everything I want .A+
Stayed in February 2025
-
Reviewed: 16 March 2025
Abigail
United Kingdom56 reviews17 helpful votes9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Only downfall is the limited WiFi. 1GB for 24hours isn't a lot, when you're travelling and plan to 'make plans' whilst at your hostel for the night. Other than that, everything was great.
Great friendly staff. Central location, washing facilities with space to hang out outside. Comfy rooms, clean toilets and showers.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 15 March 2025
Irene
Australia9 reviews8.0“We would definitely stay there again as it met our needs.”- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Twin Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
We normally stay in better accommodation but this was perfect as we did not have much time there as we spent most of our time packing.
The guy at reception was very helpful and an asset to your company.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 15 March 2025
Andrew
New Zealand3 reviews8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Double Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The fire door's were noisy at night
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 13 March 2025
Graham
New Zealand1 review9.0“super convenient, clean and really good value for money”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
The guy at reception was super friendly and cheerful, a lovely welcome after a long day of travel for me!
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 13 March 2025
Katherine
United Kingdom13 reviews7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Could do with a bit of sprucing up - especially if you're in the dorms on a top bunk - pretty creaky bunk beds and not much space to store your things. But to be fair the price is very low!
Nice staff, good facilities and an ideal location- extremely good value for money
Stayed in February 2025
-
Reviewed: 12 March 2025
Gareth
Australia11 reviews1 helpful vote8.0“A well-equipped backpackers in a fantastic location in the city.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Triple Room
- • Stayed 1 night
Ventilation extractor fan grilles in toilet and shower needed cleaning.
Good, clean bedroom. Separate handbasin, toilet and shower facilities. Well-equipped kitchen.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 10 March 2025
Caitlin
Australia19 reviews3 helpful votes8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Set up of bathrooms was awkward - unless you locked the whole bathroom to yourself (including the toilet for that side of the floor) then the shower opened to the main corridor.
Most lovely and helpful staff at the desk helping you with the stay and booking activities for you.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 8 March 2025
Bejal
United Kingdom14 reviews4 helpful votes7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Stated parking available but didn’t say you had to pay for parking, and free parking was a good 10 minute walk away - so they’re not very transparent about that on booking.com. Would be helpful if they had a shelf in the shower for you to put your toiletries
Location was decent, staff were friendly
Stayed in January 2025
-
Reviewed: 3 March 2025
Sebastian
Germany311 reviews34 helpful votes8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
My room was facing a noisy street. A lack of sockets in the room. I was surprised that there is a limit for the internet usage nowadays.
Great location right in the center. Friendly staff and clean facilities. Spacious communal area and fully equipped kitchen. Lots of bathrooms.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 22 February 2025
Mladenova
Bulgaria13 reviews3 helpful votes8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The room was very small. No shampoo in the bathroom.
The hostel is in bright colours, well equipped kitchen and living room. Excellent town situated. The stuff was very polite, he even stay longer to wait for us come from the airport. We lived in a double room with a bathroom.
Stayed in February 2025
Guests also reviewed these properties:
-
Hotel De MonacoCap d'Ail, France
-
The Tony Hotel South BeachMiami Beach, USA
-
фурштатская 16Saint Petersburg, Russia
-
Villa Griya AtmaUbud, Indonesia
-
Affittacamere Da EuroLa Spezia, Italy
-
Willa Monte RosaZakopane, Poland
-
Pałac ŻelaznoKłodzko, Poland
-
Sky GasthausSchaffhausen, Switzerland
