Quest Nelson
by the TopOfHotel team
Quest Nelson is the best-value serviced apartment in the centre of town — roomy, a full kitchen, a washing machine in the room, and well suited to a longer stay.
Quest Nelson is the best-value serviced apartment in the centre of town — roomy, a full kitchen, a washing machine in the room, and well suited to a longer stay.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
All 40 rooms come with a full kitchen, a private washing machine and a living area kept separate from the bedroom — more usable space than you get in a standard hotel room, and the reason Quest Nelson works for both solo travelers and families. A recent review put it plainly: the rooms are larger than expected, clean, and the beds are very soft. It is a practical layout rather than a designed one, but it earns its keep on a longer stay. The separate living area matters most across several nights, giving you somewhere to work or unwind that is not the foot of the bed.
Food and amenities
There is no breakfast included in the rate, but the full kitchen in every apartment means that is easy to work around — stock up at the supermarket a few minutes' walk away and cook your own. Free Wi-Fi runs at a good speed. On-site parking is available but has to be booked ahead and carries an extra fee, so sort it out when you reserve the room. Beyond that the amenities are pared back — this is an apartment-style stay built for self-sufficiency rather than hotel service, which is exactly the trade longer-stay guests want.
Location and getting there
Collingwood Street is one of the liveliest streets in the centre of Nelson, with restaurants, bars and a supermarket inside a 5-minute walk. The Cathedral Steps are close by, and the Saturday Nelson Market is an easy stroll. The location scores 9.3/10 with guests, and it is a sensible base for day trips — Abel Tasman National Park is about 1.5 hours by car.
Things to know before booking
Two things to plan around. First, on-site parking is not a given — it has to be booked ahead and costs extra. Second, no breakfast is included, so factor in cooking or eating out. And as a serviced apartment rather than a full hotel, there is no restaurant, pool or gym on site; you are paying for space and a kitchen, not resort facilities.
Our take
Quest Nelson is the pick for travelers staying a while, families who want a kitchen, or anyone who likes a separate space to work and relax. Part of the renowned Quest Apartment Hotels chain, it lands a strong 8.5/10 overall (Booking 8.5, Agoda 8.3), with rooms starting around $109 a night and the larger options up to about $157. The location is excellent and the price is fair for what you get.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A central location with a 9.3 guest score — you can walk to restaurants, bars and the Christ Church Cathedral in about 5 minutes.
- Every room has a full kitchen and its own washing machine, which makes a real difference on a longer stay.
- The apartments are roomy, with a living area kept separate from the bedroom, and reviewers call the beds soft and comfortable.
- A recent April 2026 review described the rooms as larger than expected and clean.
- A solid fit for families or groups who would rather cook their own meals than eat out every night.
- On-site parking is available but has to be booked ahead and carries an extra fee.
- No breakfast is included in the rate, so you will need to cook in your kitchen or head out for it.
- As a serviced apartment rather than a full hotel, there is no restaurant, pool or gym on site.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Nelson
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Insider Tips
- Book your parking space at the same time as your room — on-site parking has to be reserved ahead and costs extra.
- Use the in-room washing machine partway through your trip so you can pack light and travel on to Abel Tasman National Park, about 1.5 hours' drive away, with clean clothes.
- Time a Saturday around the Nelson Market, an easy walk from Collingwood Street, then stock the kitchen from the central supermarket for the rest of the week.