Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

4.0 star property
4-star beach motel with free WiFi

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

Standard Studio
Property entrance
Family Apartment | Living area
One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit | Terrace/patio
Laundry room

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
44 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson, 7011
  • Place, Natureland Zoo
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Tahunanui Beach Reserve
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Nelson (NSN)
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Studio

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Executive Studio

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

One Bedroom Upstairs Spa Unit

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Family Apartment

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

  • 42 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Superior Studio

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Studio, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Deluxe Studio

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Nelson

Seaside stay .Within a 10-minute walk of this Tahunanui motel, you'll find Burrell Park and Tahunanui Beach Reserve. Natureland Zoo and Nelson Fun Park are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Natureland Zoo - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Tahunanui Beach Reserve - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Burrell Park - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Nelson Fun Park - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars - 3 min drive - 1.9 km

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Coupland's Bakeries - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Boat Shed Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sublime Coffee - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Styx - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

4-star beach motel with free WiFi
As a guest of Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel, you'll find barbecue grills, a garden, and laundry facilities. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free self parking is available.

This 4-star Nelson motel is smoke free.

  • 11 guestrooms or units
  • 2 buildings
  • Meeting rooms
  • Self-service laundry
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • No smoking on site
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel offers 11 accommodations with DVD players and hair dryers. LED televisions are featured in guestrooms. Accommodations at this 4-star motel have kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, and cookware/dishes/utensils.

This Nelson motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • In-room kitchen
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free extended parking on site

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Wheelchair accessibility

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LED TV
  • DVD player

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Express check-out available

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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. This property accepts major credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners Club. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is 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

How close is Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel to the airport?

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel is 2.2 mi (7-min drive) away from the Nelson (NSN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel?

As of Apr 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel on Apr 14, 2026 start from CA $63, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel.

How close is Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel to the beach?

This motel is a short 7-minute walk from Tahunanui Beach Reserve. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel offer free breakfast?

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel does not offer free breakfast. It's available every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel?

This motel offers free self parking and extended parking.

Does Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel have a pool?

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel does not have a pool.

Does Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel to downtown Nelson?

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel is 2.1 mi away from Nelson.

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 58 out of 169 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 69 out of 169 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 28 out of 169 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 169 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 169 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Leanne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Fitri

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Bevin

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Stacey

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The bathroom was dirty as heck but everything else was good
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Karen, Greymouth

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and tidy. Self checkin
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas, Auckland

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrucia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes, it was to my satifaction thakyou
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Rick

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Nothing
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

RUDY

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Waina Marie

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Lou

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Craig & Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Bed was a bit average, was the o ly thing that let the place down.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Philipa

For the number of rooms, parking is very scarce and tight
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

GLENN

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Ian

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Lisa

Disliked: Amenities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Our unit,#15, was good.Had a lounge, seperate kitchen, seperate bathroom and a bedroom. A very cosy unit.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2020

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
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
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location to beach and local bars . Traffic noise at night noisey due to being on state highway.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It felt like home in this place - which was important in view of the bad weather outside! The room was cosy.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is dated and not appealing to stay at. Our coach was tattered and torn. One of the beds was comfortable and one was not. There were spider webs around the doors so needs a thorough cleaning.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable room with friendly service
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019