The Sands

Hotels
8.7 (470 reviews)
623 Rocks Road , Nelson , nz

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Invoice provided
ATM/banking
Free wired internet
Golfing on site
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Spacious units
Awesome views
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Noisy environment
Uncomfortable bed

Categories

Cleanliness
7.91
Room was not clean with unpleasant smell and the absence of provided toiletries was disappointing.
Service
9.38
Friendly staff and generally positive interactions with hotel personnel.
Location
9.42
Great proximity to the beach and stunning views.
Room Quality
7.37
Some discomfort mentioned regarding the bed and outdated amenities.
Amenities
8.9
Well-equipped apartments with good facilities, though some furniture was dated.
Value for Money
8.86
Prices were justified by the location and amenities, despite some negatives.
Food and Beverage
8.91
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Overall Experience
8.88
Overall enjoyable stay with a few minor issues, but excellent location and service.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 02:30

Property Description

Luxurious Apartments in Scenic Tahunanui Area

Panoramic Views and Modern Amenities
Enjoy private balconies with stunning Tasman Sea views. Each apartment is well-equipped with a flat-screen TV, washing machine, and kitchen facilities including a dishwasher and microwave.

Convenient Location and Easy Access
Just a 5-minute walk to Tahunanui Beach, cafes, and restaurants. Explore the Tasman Region with ease - only a short drive to Nelson city centre, Richmond, vineyards, and the Abel Tasman National Park.

Free Parking and Nearby Attractions
Benefit from free private parking and discover nearby golf courses and shopping options. Book your stay at The Sands Nelson for a perfect blend of luxury and convenience.

Important information:

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for NZD 40 per person per stay when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 0 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for NZD 40 per person per stay when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.7
Based on 470 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.91
Service: 9.38
Location: 9.42
Room Quality: 7.37
Amenities: 8.9
Value for Money: 8.86
Food and Beverage: 8.91
Overall Experience: 8.88
W
Wayne • couple • nz
8
2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • couple • nz
6
2026-03-24 • via Nuitee
G
GAURAV • family_with_children • in
10
Pros:

The manager Mr Neville Smith was extremely helpful and cooperative one of the best host we experienced in new zealand. . The place is wonderful with beautiful view of beach.

2026-03-21 • via Nuitee
V
Van Dongen • extended_group • nl
10
Fantastische fasciliteiten
Pros:

Geen ontbijt

Cons:

De ontvangst van de building manager. Hij liet ons een uur wachten terwijl hij zat te lunchen en 30 minuten aan de witte wijn in een cafe om de hoek

2026-03-19 • via Nuitee
S
shane • couple • nz
10
Great view
Pros:

So convenient, clean and easy parking

2026-03-19 • via Nuitee
D
Debra • couple • au
9
Good self contained unit.
Pros:

Great location

2026-03-19 • via Nuitee
R
Rochelle • couple • nz
10
Perfect place for what we required thank you. 
Pros:

Location

2026-03-18 • via Nuitee
A
Alexander • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

A modern, well equipped, and spacious place to stay, a very short stroll to the beach, offering beautiful sunsets from my balcony, I’m glad I picked The Sands for my stay in Nelson.

2026-03-17 • via Nuitee
D
Daniel • solo_traveller • nz
9
Pros:

The manager was very patient with me (had a few internet problems).
The place is right on the beach and above a bar/ restaurant, a Cafe, and a good fish and chip shop, so lots of convince in one place for a good summer weekend get away. Secure car park as well is a bonus.

2026-03-15 • via Nuitee
K
Kezza • couple • au
10
Pros:

Location, very comfortable, fantastic apartment.

Cons:

NA

2026-03-15 • via Nuitee
J
Jon • couple • gb
10
2026-03-10 • via Nuitee
P
Patricia • extended_group • nz
8
2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
N
Natalie • couple • au
8
Pros:

Loved kitchen and bathroom was good, it had a nice walk and facilities across the road and it was roomy

Cons:

The noise from the main road and the carport right behind the bedroom, the couch was very hard.

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • couple • nz
9
Wonderful large apartment with great views.
Pros:

Great situation. Very large apartment. Comfy couch and comfy bed. A very warm apartment. Heat pump/aircon units in lounge and bedroom. Well equiped kitchen. On-sight covered and secured parking. Very good Bar and Bistro on the ground floor of the complex. Lift for upper floors.

Cons:

Street noise when sitting on balcony or inside with the doors open. Not an issue with doors closed. We live in a quiet lane, so this was noticeable to us. High narrow window in bedroom, so no view and little natural light.

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
B
Barabara & Kenneth • couple • nz
10
Pros:

Stayed there before just a great spot views etc and very comfortable apartment.

Cons:

Nothing we didnt like

2026-03-08 • via Nuitee
J
Jason • couple • us
8
2026-03-07 • via Nuitee
D
Diane • couple • nz
8
Pros:

Good location. Large and well appointed apartment. Comfortable bed.

Cons:

Light from the carpark shining into the bedroom all night. The toilet struggled to flush toilet paper.

2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
J
Jess • extended_group • nz
3
Wouldn't stay again. Disappointed given we paid extra for specific set up ($50-$60).
Pros:

The apartment was comfortable and reasonably well equipped.

Cons:

We specifically booked rooms that both had double beds and paid extra for this ($50-$60). It wasn't provided and the facility did nothing but make excuses rather than own up and offer a solution or a partial refund. Instead, the facility manager discriminated by saying 'it was too much work to rearrange beds and that families mostly stay in those rooms'.
The room had no remote for the heating so no ability to control the temperature. We woke up to find the heating function on rather than the cooling function.
Have contact the facility and they have ignored the message. I also spoke with them as did others at the time of the issues. Just feel ripped off and irritated given we were so deliberate in choosing accommodation that would cater for our needs.
In terms of location, very few options to eat nearby. The local cafe only seemed to do coffee and no food.

2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
V
Vicky • solo_traveller • nz
10
Would highly recommend
Pros:

Excellent service - beautiful views

2026-03-04 • via Nuitee
R
Ross • solo_traveller • au
10
2026-03-04 • via Nuitee