The Palace Backpackers

Genuinely felt like home - we don't always stay in hostels, as we are primarily hikers, but this was a wonderful base and Dave even gave us early brekky before our morning hike!

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!

It has comfortable beds, an amazing balcony and garden. It's sutuated in a calm location near Nelson's city centre. It's a beautiful hostel that has a big kitchen with free breakfast. You can enjoy books from big libraries and you're near the Abel Tasman national park.

I really enjoyed my short overnight stay here and it gave me so much nostalgia for big student and community house times in the 1990s. So much charm and individuality. Huntar on reception was super friendly, the facilities were all totally adequate, and everyone I met was friendly.

Loved the location and the hospitality. Other guests were sweet too. Unique and charming. It was my last stay on the South Island so I was so glad the host was so kind and staff so thoughtful. I will be back!

Excellent place to stay at Nelson, very beautiful old mansion well maintained, spacious rooms, comfortable bathrooms and showers and you can even use a double beds if there are available. Breakfast so good for the price, 100% recommended :)

Explendid peaceful historical building hided in the middle of city center. Dave made me feel like a visiting a friend's home. Hope to get back here some day. There is breakfast included but I didn't try it.

Felt more like a slum than a palace. Kitchen was filthy, flies everywhere, room was a cave, and the place stunk. I couldn’t find a single clean mug to enjoy a cup of tea. I couldn’t get out of there quick enough the following morning.