The Sands

Hotels
8.7 (445 reviews)
623 Rocks Road , Nelson , nz

listing image 1
Show all photos
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Some discomfort mentioned regarding the bed and outdated amenities.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 445 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
J
Jason • couple • us
8
2026-03-07 • 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
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
R
Ross • solo_traveller • au
10
2026-03-04 • via Nuitee
V
Vicky • solo_traveller • nz
10
Would highly recommend
Pros:

Excellent service - beautiful views

2026-03-04 • via Nuitee
B
Bronwyn • couple • nz
10
Perfect
Pros:

We always stay at the Sands. Great units with best views. The restaurant below is under new management and the food was excellent.

2026-03-03 • via Nuitee
L
Lesley • couple • nz
9
Very relaxing
Pros:

Excellent location. Good view. Enjoyed the beach

Cons:

I was happy with everything

2026-03-02 • via Nuitee
H
Hurley • couple • nz
8
Pros:

Location and size

Cons:

Mattress to old and uncomfortable

2026-03-01 • via Nuitee
N
Ngarangi Kanewa • extended_group • nz
10
Great place
Pros:

Everything

Cons:

Nothing

2026-02-26 • via Nuitee
R
Richard Harris • couple • gb
10
High quality clean and comfortable. Spacious and good value
2026-02-23 • via Nuitee
E
Elisabeth • couple • gb
10
Exceptional Property, one of the best we stayed in.
Pros:

Fantastic property, very comfortable and had everything we needed. Good views and fantastic location. Private secure parking at the door of the property. Fully equipped with all amenities. Bar/grill and fish and chips shop on bottom floor. Great location just across from the beach and park. Near to town and shops etc.

Cons:

The property is on a busy road junction so there is some noise from traffic. This was not an issue for us but is something that may be a problem for some people.

2026-02-22 • via Nuitee
G
Gary • couple • nz
9
Pros:

Great location close to everything you need bars restaurants beach

Cons:

Our bed was substandard and needs replaced very uncomfortable

2026-02-22 • via Nuitee
D
Don • couple • ca
10
2026-02-13 • via Nuitee
S
Shane • family_with_children • nz
9
Almost perfect
Pros:

Fantastic location with wonderful views!

Cons:

No smart tv and broken outdoor furniture

2026-02-11 • via Nuitee
S
Sunny • family_with_children • nz
10
2026-01-31 • via Nuitee
D
David • family_with_children • au
7
Good location, with a few quirks
Pros:

Good location, nice and light.

Cons:

The second bed room had two single beds which had to be pushed together to allow the door to close. My daughters weren't too keen on that arrangement.
Also there was no wifi password available.

2026-01-29 • via Nuitee
M
Mary-Lou • extended_group • au
7
Great location fabulous part of Nelson
Pros:

Incredible views

Cons:

All good, the door was broken but they explained it was being fixed.

2026-01-26 • via Nuitee
C
Chaz • family_with_children • nz
10
Good Roomy modern apartment, would have loved to have stayed for longer
Pros:

Great layout with lots of space

2026-01-24 • via Nuitee
K
Kathy • couple • nz
8
great weekend
Pros:

location was perfect

Cons:

The balcony pots/garden could have a bit of a tidy up

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • extended_group • au
6
2026-01-20 • via Nuitee