Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

4.0 star property
Beach motel in Nelson with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit | Living area | LED TV, DVD player
Superior Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit | Terrace/patio
Front of property
Standard Studio | Private kitchen | Fridge, microwave, electric kettle, cookware/dishes/utensils
Located in Tahunanui, Castles Motel offers a tranquil retreat with a serene garden and convenient laundry facilities. Stay connected with free WiFi, enjoy extended parking, take advantage of tour assistance and express check-in for a seamless experience.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Parking included

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 9 - Sep 10
Check availability for tonight Sep 9 - Sep 10

Tomorrow

Sep 10 - Sep 11
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 10 - Sep 11
Available filters for rooms
Showing 10 of 10 rooms

View all photos for Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchen
Refrigerator
LED TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
  • 42 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Apartment

Family Apartment | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Family Apartment

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
LED TV
Portable fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Studio

Superior Studio | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior Studio

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchen
Refrigerator
LED TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
Hair dryer
Microwave
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

Superior Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchen
Refrigerator
LED TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
  • 4 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Studio

Deluxe Studio | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Deluxe Studio

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchen
Refrigerator
LED TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
Hair dryer
Microwave
  • 3 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Studio

Standard Studio | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Studio

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
LED TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Executive Studio

Executive Studio | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Executive Studio

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
LED TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Studio, Multiple Beds

Standard Studio, Multiple Beds | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Studio, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchen
Refrigerator
LED TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
Hair dryer
Microwave
  • 3 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for One Bedroom Upstairs Spa Unit

One Bedroom Upstairs Spa Unit | Jetted tub

One Bedroom Upstairs Spa Unit

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
LED TV
Portable fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit

One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit | Jetted tub

One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit

Highlights

Yard
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
LED TV
Renovated in 2016
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Tahunanui, a neighborhood in Nelson, Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel is near the airport and near the beach. World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars and Nelson Provincial Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Natureland Zoo and Nelson Fun Park. Queens Gardens and Founders Heritage Park are also worth visiting. Kayaking and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and skydiving nearby.
Visit our Nelson travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Motels in NelsonOpens in a new window
Map
44 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson, 7011

What's nearby

  • Tahunanui Beach Reserve - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Nelson Hospital - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Christ Church Cathedral - 5 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Trafalgar Park - 6 min drive - 2.5 miles

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 5 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Coupland's Bakeries - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Sublime Coffee - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Suburban Club - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Speights Ale House - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

Upscale motel located in Tahunanui
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel provides amenities like a garden and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
  • Free self parking and extended parking
  • Express check-out, barbecue grills, and luggage storage
  • Meeting rooms and smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel offer comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and room service.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Free toiletries and hair dryers
  • 32-inch LED TVs with DVD players
  • Kitchens, refrigerators, and microwaves

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free extended parking on site

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

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

More

  • 2 buildings
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LED TV
  • DVD player

Food and drink

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

More

  • Air conditioning
  • 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

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

Pets not 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

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

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

Is Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel?

Self parking and extended parking are free at this property.

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

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

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

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel located?

Located in Tahunanui, this beach motel is within a 10-minute walk of Burrell Park, Tahunanui Beach Reserve, and Natureland Zoo. Nelson Fun Park and Paddy's Knob Reserve are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 143 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 61 out of 143 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 143 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 143 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 143 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Philipa

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

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 traveler

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 traveler

Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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 traveler

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 traveler

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 traveler

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 traveler

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

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good oldfashioned motel. Really good bed and clean room.
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 traveler

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Close to restaurants and great for groups, garden rooms were good but a little tired but perfect for us.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019

6/10 Okay

Miguel

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff but the studio was disappointing. The decor is dated and the downstairs rooms have no view. It was clean but best for a quick one night stopover rather than a weekend
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

georgina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean and comfortable. Noisy place with traffic. If not used to that its hard to sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jillene

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

Good clean,warm and friendly moteliers.

As this is our 4th time staying at Castles. we really like this place. It is close to where we want to go, Clean and tidy, warm also. The shower water has excellent pressure. Castles is easy to find. Close to several good eatery's, the beach is only minutes away.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very helpful & friendly staff, great location ......
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thoroughly appreciated all the amenities available for one night only. Only dislike is unit being upstsirs for an older senior to walk upstairs prone to having an accident. Well worth recommending motel. Young lady very polite and accommdating when given wrong unit
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
While the unit was reasonable there were cob webs on roof around the walls and spiders were plainly visible
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
First the staff never cleaned our unit for the 3 nights we were there. Run out of toilet paper, towels.,soap,etc.Had to force them to do a basic clean in the end. Sleep on same sheets for all 3 nights. Next is the noise from the road all night long and you could hear people talking in the unit next to us.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.