Located in Tahunanui, Castles Motel offers a tranquil retreat with a serene garden and convenient laundry facilities. Stay connected with free WiFi, enjoy extended parking, take advantage of tour assistance and express check-in for a seamless experience.
World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
Getting around
Nelson (NSN) - 7 min drive
Restaurants
Salt & Pepper - 6 min drive
Coupland's Bakeries - 6 min drive
Boat Shed Cafe - 3 min drive
The Styx - 4 min drive
McDonald's - 1 min walk
About this property
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel
Enjoy your visit to Nelson with a stay at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel. Freebies like WiFi and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails, kayaking, and mountain biking.
At a glance
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Hotel size
11 rooms
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Express check-out available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
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Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open Monday - Saturday (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 3:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Free onsite extended parking
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Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Barbecue grills
What to do
Beach nearby
Golf lessons nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Kayaking nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Skydiving nearby
Working away
Meeting rooms
Services
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Facilities
2 buildings/towers
Garden
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Grab bar near toilet
Room amenities
Be entertained
DVD player
32-inch LED TV
Home comfort
Portable fan
Electric kettle
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Freshen up
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Phone
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Microwave
Kitchen
Cookware, dishes, and utensils
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Policies
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher on site.
This property accepts credit cards.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
Also known as
Castles Motel
Castles Motel Nelson
Castles Nelson
Castles Motel
Castles Driftwood Motel Nelson
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel Motel
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel Nelson
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel Motel Nelson
Frequently asked questions
Does Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel?
Yes, there's free self and extended parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel?
Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM. Express check-out is available.
What is there to do at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel and nearby?
Have fun with activities like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking, and practice your swing at the nearby golf course. Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel also has a garden.
Does Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel have self-catered rooms fitted with kitchens or kitchenettes?
Yes, a kitchen is available in every room, and also includes cookware, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
What's the area around Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel like?
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel is in Tahunanui, a short 7-minute drive from Nelson (NSN) and 7 minutes' walk from Tahunanui Beach Reserve.
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Reviews
Reviews
8.0
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
8.6
Cleanliness
8.4
Location
8.6
Staff & service
7.8
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 30, 2025
Room was basic but very spacious, clean and comfortable, exactly what we needed. Full kitchen provided which was fantastic considering the affordable price. Very close to Nelson airport which is why we booked there. Great value, friendly staff and comfy bed.
Leanne
Leanne, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Mar 7, 2026
Nice and clear instructions for my late check in, room was clean and functional with well equipped kitchen. It is very close to a busy road, but there is not much traffic during the night so not a big problem. Close to a nice beach and good restaurants (but avoid the “Italian” nearby, it's terrible. Nice stay!
Håkan
Håkan, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Feb 12, 2026
Clean room staff helpful
Rodney
Rodney, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Feb 9, 2026
Specious and tidy. A bit noisy, yet one has to expect while staying on main road.
Uwe
Uwe, 7-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 9, 2025
Spacious family unit, bedroom with large double and a single bed and a single bed in lounge ,well equipped kitchen, dining area etc.
All very clean ,good quality bed linnen.
All great value for money
Would definitely stay here again.
RUDY
RUDY, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jan 8, 2026
All good no complaints
ROSS
ROSS, 4-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Dec 23, 2025
Excellent value for money, and spotlessly clean with friendly staff. However there are some problems with the amenities that did not hinder our enjoyment of the place.
The stove in our unit had a broken control panel that made it difficult to use the oven, and the floor of the oven had some unrecognizable powder underneath the aluminum foil.
The driers in the shared laundry facility did not work well, leaving the clothes about as damp as they went in.
We would definitely stay there again, everything else about the facility was great. Especially the staff.
Bevin
Bevin, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jan 12, 2026
Enjoyed
Candice
Candice, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Dec 7, 2025
The bathroom was dirty as heck but everything else was good
Stacey
Stacey, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Dec 2, 2025
Clean and tidy. Self checkin
Karen
Karen, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Dec 28, 2025
Good
Fitri
Fitri, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jul 7, 2025
For the number of rooms, parking is very scarce and tight
Philipa
Philipa, 1-night trip
Verified
2/10 Poor
Feb 18, 2026
This motel is in a poor state.
black mould in the bathroom window
TV worked intermittently but only on 3 channels
fridge is held up in one corner with a sponge
silverfish bugs in the room which ended up on my clothing.
would never stay at this location again.
Simon
Simon, 1-night trip
Verified
4/10 Fair
Jan 28, 2026
Staff took payment before arrival - not good :(
Garry
Garry, 2-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jul 23, 2025
Bed was a bit average, was the o ly thing that let the place down.
Craig & Lee
Craig & Lee, 1-night trip
Verified
2/10 Poor
Jan 20, 2026
First let me say the place was clean. But this hotel os run by ghosts. Office is closed on Saturday! No information provided to assist guests. Not impressed
Duane
Duane, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 9, 2025
Good place to stay. Didn't meet any staff, was texted where my room was, a where the key was. On leaving, I just left the key on the table and closed up the room, if they didn't want to meet me on checkin g, I wasn't meeting them on checkout either.
GLENN
GLENN, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Nov 15, 2025
Nothing
Rick
Rick, 6-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 24, 2026
Makellos!
Beatrice
Beatrice, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 29, 2025
Yes, it was to my satifaction thakyou
Patrucia
Patrucia, 6-night trip
Verified
4/10 Fair
Jan 6, 2022
Disappointed as I had thought I’d booked a nice night away with my husband… turned out it is an emergency accommodation provider .
I’m not a snob and don’t judge people but they should have disclosed this when booking
At 300/night I was expecting something nice and romantic … there were kids and families everywhere. I would suggest they include this in their booking information.
Lisa
Lisa, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jul 19, 2021
We were informed that some rooms were tenanted for social housing. Thought that it will be ok but turned out to be a bad idea. People from nearby room were fighting at the middle of the night so hard to sleep. No heating inside the main bedroom. To top it all off a big drama played out on the last night- one of the lady owners threw a tantrum, crying and shouting out in the street in front of our room as partner seems to be leaving her. A lot of drama for a week we wanted to spend trying to relax.
Verified traveler
5-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jun 1, 2020
Our unit,#15, was good.Had a lounge, seperate kitchen, seperate bathroom and a bedroom. A very cosy unit.
Verified traveler
9-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Mar 8, 2020
It was fine for what I needed for just the night but found the room and facilities a little outdated. Nice large room and enjoyed the Sky Sport. Really hand to all food, shops etc
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Feb 29, 2020
Great location to beach and local bars . Traffic noise at night noisey due to being on state highway.