The Palace Backpackers

BED BUGS!!! My daughter stayed here with friends and unfortunately they found bed bugs in their beds here. The owner was very rude to them when they bought it to his attention and blamed them for the bed bugs. This was the first night away on a week long holiday, we definitely don't have bed bugs at home.

Not as clean as I would expect for a backpackers – like a student flat. The room we stayed in was ad-hoc and we weren't sure about the cleanliness of the bedding and pillows so used our own (we had camping gear in the car). Shared bathroom also dirty, with soap bar and puddle on the floor. Kitchen was exactly like a flat, dishes and expired food on the bench. We also had an unexpected visitor to our room late at night when we were sleeping (visitor thought the room was empty, possibly they worked as a cleaner).

Lovely location, very central. We booked a long time ago, and I told front desk staff when we checked in that I may stay with family one or two nights of my stay. Booked and paid four nights. Stayed two nights elsewhere, and a staff member cleaned our room thinking we had checked out. I would recommend if something similar happens in the future, staff contact guests before cleaning and removing personal items. Breakfast was provided and delicious, real coffee was available and this was divine. I would stay again, as overall it was a pleasant experience.

This hostel was amazing! Great for solo travellers or groups or anyone. So inclusive and welcoming and friendly. Dave helped us so much when we were having car troubles I am eternally grateful to him. Free breakfast and coffee!! And the building is literally like a palace, it's a giant vintage house on top of a hill with all this interesting artwork hung all around. Unmissable if you are staying in Nelson!!!

Are you looking for a nice relaxed, and friendly place to stay? The Palace is a unique, character house that is easy-going with a guaranteed opportunity to meet some great people worldwide and the locals. They provide a nice kitchen space to cook your own meals, a simple yet enjoyable breakfast provided each morning if you need it, and easy sleeping arrangements. It was a great short stay. Also, just walking distance to get into town across the road to check out the shops, restaurants, and other activities Nelson offers. I recommend giving this place a go when you are in Nelson.

So I read the bad reviews and I don't get it. I think it's all about your expectations. When I book an inexpensive hostel I expect place where I will drop my bag , discover the town , at night try to sleep which is kinda impossible anyway and get out the next day. What a surprise it was when I checked in the Palace hostel. Beautiful historical building, nice decoration, lot of woodwork , very friendly receptionists , lot's of space in the room and my own bed was comfy. Not a bunk bed. I can only speak for my room ( cathedral) but all was good. Yes it's old , some things doesn't work as new but my general feeling was that I could stay there for a month :). Tidiness of the kitchen depends on the guests mainly , not so much on the personnel. In my case it was all right. Definitely recommend!