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Downtown Backpackers

Property class: 2

Photo gallery for Downtown Backpackers

A lobby with a red sofa, black armchairs, a coffee table, and a desk with a computer.
A compact kitchen with white appliances, a dining table, and trash bins.
A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a reception desk, a seating area with a sofa and armchair, and a potted plant.
A bathroom with a sink, a hand soap dispenser, a shower curtain, a trash bin, and a towel rack.
A neatly made bed with white and gray bedding, a striped pillow, and rolled towels on the side.

Reviews

6.0 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Kitchen
The current price is NZ$89
includes taxes & fees
16 Sept - 17 Sept

Explore the area

View map
131 Bridge Street, Nelson, 7010
  • Place, Queens Gardens
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Nelson Market
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Christ Church Cathedral
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Nelson (NSN)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Single Room

A small room with a white desk, a white refrigerator, a television mounted on the wall, and a window providing natural light.

Single Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm, Ensuite

A bunk bed with two levels, each with a mattress and pillows.

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dorm, Ensuite

  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Queen Room

A neatly made bed with white and gray bedding, a striped pillow, and rolled towels on the side.

Queen Room

  • 11 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a refrigerator, and a small table.

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

About the area

Nelson

At Downtown Backpackers you'll be within a short 5-minute stroll of The Suter and Montgomery Square. Highlights at this hostel include free in-room WiFi. .This hostel has free WiFi in public areas, a 24-hour front desk and a terrace. Added amenities include laundry facilities, barbecues and a picnic area. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Sights within a 15-minute walk of this Nelson City Centre hostel include Nelson Provincial Museum and Nelson I-site Visitor Information Centre.
View more Hostels in NelsonOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Nelson I-site Visitor Information Centre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Queens Gardens - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Nelson Market - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Nelson Provincial Museum - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Christ Church Cathedral - 7 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Bridge Street Collective - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Victus Coffee & Eatery - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Free House - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪River Kitchen Nelson - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Masa's Japanese Restaurant & Sake Bar - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Downtown Backpackers

Downtown Backpackers offers its guests a terrace, barbecue grills, and a picnic area. Public spaces have free WiFi. Downtown Backpackers also features laundry facilities, express check-in, and express check-out.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Nelson hostel.

  • 14 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Terrace
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
Downtown Backpackers offers 14 accommodations. This Nelson hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include a shower. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Shared kitchen
Bridge Backpackers
Nelson City Centre
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Business services
  • Laundry room
4.1 out of 5, Very good, 174 reviews
The price is NZ$94
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
Bridge Backpackers

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Onsite parking available only on request

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

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

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: midnight

Express check-in available

Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Contactless check-out

Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The check-in location differs from the property location; go to: [Back of the building on New Street.]

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children 17 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 17 are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
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. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Children 17 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.

Property class

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

Property is also known as

Downtown Backpackers Hostel Nelson

Downtown Backpackers Nelson

Downtown Accommodation Backpackers

Downtown Backpackers Nelson

Downtown Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Downtown Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Nelson

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Downtown Backpackers?

Downtown Backpackers offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Downtown Backpackers?

As of 15 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Downtown Backpackers on 16 Sept 2026 start from NZ$89, including 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.

Are there any beaches close to Downtown Backpackers?

The closest beach to Downtown Backpackers is Tahunanui Beach Reserve (4.2 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Downtown Backpackers?

No, but there's an airport shuttle for a fee.

What time are check-in & check-out at Downtown Backpackers?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Downtown Backpackers?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Downtown Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

6.0
Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 69 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 69 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 69 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 17 out of 69 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 12 out of 69 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.0/10

Staff & service

4.8/10

Amenities

6.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Jamie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Decent cheap inner city accommodation.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Gijsbertus

Liked: Staff & service
DB is an oldfashioned Backpackers, a bit worndown, and 'casual'. It is centrally located, and has dorms and private rooms. Compared to other stays, it is rather expensive for what it offers.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Patricia

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Good location
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Katrina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Not the fanciest place and quite shabby in parts but it was clean, the bed was comfy and I slept well. Well priced and conveniently located with a very helpful friendly manager.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Bevan

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very dated. There was no hot water in the evening or the next morning.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Fiona

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Grim and depressing but good communications by staff
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Katrin

Liked: Staff & service
Wouldnt call it a backpackers - only other people we have seen around did not seem like travelers and the whole place had a bit of a sketchy vibe. We had a double room with ensuite and there was also a kitchen there (which we didn’t use). Everything looked a bit rundown and the bed was very worn out. The room also had a bit of an unpleasant smell to it which I believed to be urine… wouldnt stay there again. On the positive site, check in was very easy and the staff member we met was very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Thomas

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
When arrived we found out our room had been given to some other people, and then a loud argument occurred between the owner and one of the staff
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Geoff

Liked: Cleanliness
Getting access to property. Late Friday night very loud music from nearby. Being woken up at 3.20am Saturday morning by slamming doors and loud arguments and unsavoury language between people with a limited vocabulary.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Paul

Disliked: Amenities
The shared kitchen was dirty, the entrance hall was untidy and the room was not clean. The curtains was half off the rail. Did not look like the internet photos. Left and booked at another place for the night. Would not reccomend this place for anybody.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Christopher

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Review

Slow to get into the accommodation. The staff member was pleasant. Room was basic. Had a very poor mattress and a single bed that was too small for me. The night was interrupted was excessive coughing and hacking up of phlegm by one resident. Very load TVs at 02:30 by a guest. Managed to get 3 hours of sleep from shear fatigue.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Ashok

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the worst experience I have ever had staying anywhere. It spoilt my experience of Nelson. The place seemed like a boarding house for the down and out. I felt sorry for the people staying there - probably being exploited by a greedy proprietor. I had never come across such a dirty, rundown and depressing facility. I would say the place should be closed down but then I would feel sorry for the people who need accommodation.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Ashok

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I don't know how Expedia could list such a property on its website. The property is indicated as a backpacker establishment but it is more a boarding house for the down and out. The premises were filthy and unsanitary, the carpet was solid with dirt and sticky, the sheets had blood stains on them, there was rubbish and boxes lying everywhere in the common areas. I felt unsafe. When I told the proprietor that I wanted to leave she insisted on taking a cancellation fee. There was nothing else available so I had to stay there. It spoilt my impression of Nelson. A thoroughly terrible experience. Please get this place off your website!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Could not have been a more terrible experience if it tried
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Shivraj

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Budget n good stay

This backpacker place is cheap to stay with good size queen room, which has tv, fridge, queen/double size bed, private bathroom and heater. The room is quite good in size n accomodating in that price. There is communal/sharing kitchen with all kitchenware n cookware things, also free breakfast included. The only problem is the club downstairs, on friday and saturday night the noise and bass effect of speakers shake the whole room. So if you planning to stay those night peacefully n relax, then sorry you must see other option. But if you keen on going clubs/bars downstairs on friday n saturday night like we did, then its best at that price n its cleaned n comfortable. Also the backapacker is right in the heart of the city.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service

Cheap place to stay in good location

Owner was friendly and very helpful. Room was cheap and wifi was good. Location is good with lots of eateries, shops. Close distance to Centre of Nelson, Queens Garden and Intercity bus terminal.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Party or no-party?

If you are going out on the town, it’s perfect. We were told there may be some nice as we are in the party-end of town but didn’t expect that the biggest club in town was downstairs. Spent the night trying to sleep through the booming bass from the club. Not at all a good sleep (until 3am) but if you are in town to party it would be fine
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Martin Rune Hassan

Disliked: Room comfort

Stay away if you want to be able to sleep

Hotel located on top of nightclub playing VERY loud techno music. Absolutely impossible to sleep, even using earplugs. Left for other hotel in middle of night. I am a sound sleeper and used to stay in simple hotels in developing countries, but this is the worst I have ever tried.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Heike

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort

very loud

It's over a nightclub with no sound proofing. So its very loud and the base makes the doors rattle. The room also get very hot in summer.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Don

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Place ok but noisy below

The backpackers itself was good but below was a nightclub and extreme vibrating noice due to loud music till 3am
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The worst nights sleep due to the nightclub directly below the accommodation. The room was literally shaking from the bass and music until 3am. Bed was awful as well. Do not stay here!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Great location, friendly staff, good wifi

It took me a while to find the entrance (back of the building). And notice that there are some clubs nearby so it can get noisy at night. Entrance was a bit dirty with rubbish on the ground and it wasn't really pleasant when there was people smoking right in front of the door, but after that I really enjoyed my stay. Staff was super friendly and informative, they made sure everything was fine and working. The room was a bit small and the bathroom could use some upgrading but everything was working and I did get a good night sleep. Good common areas and great wifi! I would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Hostellet hadde veldig fine fellesområder og hyggelig ansatte som var veldig behjelpelig med informasjon og aktiviteter. På den andre siden var ikke renholdet noe særlig.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

James

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very noisy

This backpackers is above the craziest night club in Nelson. Only stay there if you wanna party or you will not get any sleep.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Week Day Stay Only

Room was clean tidy with good shower. Kitchen was very well equipped. Just BEWARE of the fact you are above a nightclub. Friday night was VERY loud till 3am.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2018