Distinction Palmerston North Hotel & Conference Centre

Hotels
7.8 (566 reviews)
175 Cuba Street , Palmerston North , nz

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Good breakfast
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Poor food quality
High price

Categories

Cleanliness
7.01
Cleanliness was an issue with yellow stains on blankets and overall cleanliness being described as poor.
Service
9.48
Overall positive comments on staff, with specific praise for their helpfulness and friendliness, particularly from the receptionist.
Location
8.52
Good location noted in multiple reviews, convenient for events and conferences.
Room Quality
7.97
Rooms described as large and comfy but dated, leading to mixed feelings.
Amenities
8.5
Amenities mentioned positively in terms of breakfast and event hosting facilities.
Value for Money
6.46
Certain reviews indicated feeling that the hotel was overpriced for the level of service.
Food and Beverage
6.01
Food quality, especially in the restaurant, received negative feedback with some guests finding it inedible.
Overall Experience
8.48
Mixed overall experience, with positive and negative sentiments reflected in the reviews.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 00:59

Property Description

Historic Building with Modern Amenities
Distinction Palmerston North Hotel & Conference Centre, located just 200 metres from the city centre, offers a charming stay in a historic building. The rooms are spacious, featuring en suite bathrooms and air conditioning, blending historic charm with modern comfort.

Convenient On-Site Facilities
Enjoy the convenience of an on-site restaurant and bar at Nosh, offering a Pacific-area à la carte dinner menu and a delectable buffet breakfast. Stay connected with free unlimited WiFi access and take advantage of free on-site parking during your stay.

Ideal Location for Business and Leisure
With The Square just a short stroll away, guests can explore the city's central park and its serene surroundings. The hotel's large conference centre is perfect for hosting various functions and events, catering to all your business needs.

Book your stay at Distinction Palmerston North Hotel & Conference Centre now for a perfect blend of history, comfort, and convenience.

Important information:

Please note parking is limited and is based on availability on arrival. Free offsite parking is available as an alternative.

Please note that all credit card transactions incur the following processing fees: 2%.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: WLG

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 possible).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas 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 free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.8
Based on 566 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.01
Service: 9.48
Location: 8.52
Room Quality: 7.97
Amenities: 8.5
Value for Money: 6.46
Food and Beverage: 6.01
Overall Experience: 8.48
D
david • couple • nz
2
Very disappointing stay, not a 4 star hotel more like a 2 star
Pros:

The location was good and the fact it had undercover secure parking was good.

Cons:

We stayed in the older part and the room was very disappointing, uncomfortable bed and pillows, very noisey heater on wall, no sound proofing and curtains hanging off the rails. I would rate it a 2 star.

2026-06-17 • via Nuitee
D
Denise • solo_traveller • nz
10
Superb Service and Staggeringly Good Food. Can't rate highly enough.
Pros:

I foolishly didnt check the room was not a shower over bath as my Husband is disabled and can't balance. The lady at the desk moved mountains in a 3 way swap to get us a disabled room with grace and efficiency. The bar staff were delightful. The chef cooked me the best pork belly I've ever eaten in my life and my hubby's burger got a 10/10.
Everyone looked after us so well, helping hubby while I had to pop upstairs, check out was a breeze (same guy who helped open the room to make it easier for hubby to get in straight away). I'd forgotten to take my pills with the yummy breakfast so he gave me a take away box for a pastry so I could take them in the car. Thoughtfulness and service was just off the charts.

Cons:

Nothing. Couldn't fault it.

2026-06-17 • via Nuitee
R
Rebecca • solo_traveller • nz
6
Pros:

Location was excellent, nice and central with easy parking. Staff were friendly.

Cons:

The heating didn't work and we were supplied a tiny oil heater to warm the room, which wasn't sufficient.. The bathroom was dated, which isn't an issue, but most certainly didn't reflect the price that we paid. I don't know if it was just because it was a crazy busy weekend in Palmerston North or if we paid standard pricing, but we didn't get value for our money.

2026-06-05 • via Nuitee
S
sara • solo_traveller • gb
3
Pros:

Location

Cons:

We were freezing, heating didn't work and we were given a heater which also didn't do anything, no parking available so had to park on street and were told pot etially not secure, so much noise early in the morning but we're told renovations wernt happening on the weekend!

2026-06-03 • via Nuitee
R
Rodneyf • solo_traveller • nz
8
Pleasant stay, suited my purpose well.
Pros:

A heritage building so came with some inherent 'aging', but overall very pleasant. Very handy location to key stadia, which was the purpose of my visit, and quick walk to 'downtown'.

Cons:

Excellent breakfast, but gave up trying to understand the coffee machine lol.

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
G
Gems • solo_traveller • nz
7
Overall good stay
Pros:

Easy to get to things in the city
Great breakfast

Cons:

Door was very difficult to open, had to swipe quite a few times.
Feeling like it needs a little decor update.
Car parks are quite difficult to get into with big vechicle

2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
N
Nick • couple • nz
8
2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
K
Kristal • solo_traveller • nz
8
Incredible staff, great location and awesome vibe! Thank you
Pros:

Breakfast was great, huge selection of food available catering to all food requirements. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. One team member acknowledged my Taonga (greenstone) which made me feel very happy. Teams who are authentic make guests feel valued.

2026-05-27 • via Nuitee
S
Silvia • solo_traveller • mx
7
Pros:

Clean and central

Cons:

My room faced Cuba street, so it was very noisy.
The front desk person on late night shift, not friendly at all.

2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
L
Lexia • family_with_children • nz
10
Pros:

We, my son and I, had an outstanding experience thanks to "Karma" he was very welcoming and very attentive. His professionalism stood out immediately, what really impressed me was his ability to make us feel comfortable, like we were family. It is rare to come across someone like Karma who combines professionalism with such a natural friendly approach. Karma is a real asset to your establishment. I would happily return and recommend your Hotel to others..
Thank you for an excellent service.

Cons:

Not applicable

2026-05-02 • via Nuitee
T
Tish • solo_traveller • nz
8
Pros:

Staff,...very welcoming, restaurant, loved the old lift, lovely experience

2026-04-29 • via Nuitee
N
Nadia • couple • nz
5
Great location, but not the best place to stay in town
Pros:

Location and cleanliness

Cons:

Not the best bed, small confined room. Just not a place I felt like I can relax.

2026-04-23 • via Nuitee
G
geyser25 • Business
4
Very average
Pros:

2 day business trip and I stayed in a Tower room which was very dated but relatively cheap. I had a very unenthusiastic greeting at reception- please at least try to be welcoming to the people who keep you employed. I notice that the hotel does not respond to its Trip Advisor reviews so perhaps mansgement are not interested in feedback. Breakfast was very basic.

2026-04-22 • via Tripadvisor
W
Welch • couple • nz
10
2026-04-21 • via Nuitee
C
clairetF256NW • Couples
10
Thank you
Pros:

Thank you Karma and the team for a very pleasant stay.

2026-04-16 • via Tripadvisor
C
Caryl • solo_traveller • nz
10
2026-04-04 • via Nuitee
W
WAYNE • solo_traveller • nz
8
2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
N
Nathalie • family_with_children • ca
7
Cons:

Rooms are clean but a bit old.

2026-03-22 • via Nuitee
T
Tony • extended_group • nz
10
great staff very accommodating
Pros:

the staff and front desk are very helpful

Cons:

Nothing

2026-03-18 • via Nuitee
X
XIAO KANG • solo_traveller • cn
9
2026-03-18 • via Nuitee