Nelson’s Hotels & Motels
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Nelson, British Columbia.
Why visit Nelson, British Columbia? Why not? Tucked away in the southern part of the province, the town is a popular, if hidden, destination for both its beautiful setting on the shores of Kootenay Lake and its artsy vibe. The lake is blessed with white sandy beaches that make great spots to soak up the sun in summer, and water sports, skiing, hiking, biking and golf are all close at hand. And if that isn’t enough to tempt travellers, Nelson has a burgeoning local art scene, well-preserved historic buildings, sidewalks cafes and a relaxed, progressive atmosphere, making it as much a delight to stroll the town centre as to explore its surroundings.
Located 240 km (149 mi) north of Spokane, WA and approximately half way between Vancouver, BC and Lethbridge, AB, Nelson enjoys a relatively isolated location, which means it provides its own wealth of accommodation options. In addition to a host of bed and breakfasts, hostels, campgrounds, guesthouses and vacation rentals the town is home to around 15 different hotels and motels. Visitors can choose from century-old historic properties or contemporary boutique-style hotels to family-friendly suites, budget motels or upscale luxury stays.
ACTIVITY PACKAGES
Those visiting Nelson and wishing to be active during their stays might consider one of the many bundled packages that most area hotels and motels provide. There are numerous special rates that include accommodation and activities like skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, rafting, sailing and golf, or even a soak at the Ainsworth Hot Springs depending on the time of year. The Kokanee Glacier Resort provides kayak rental and visits to the hot springs while the Mountain Hound Inn has several options that include ski lift passes at the nearby Whitewater Ski Area
A TASTE OF HISTORY
If history is what draws one to the town, Nelson has an attractive main street with many restored and renovated period buildings that date from the last 120 years, including a couple of historic hotel options. Blaylock’s Mansion, designed and built in the 1930s and 40s, is a fine mock Tudor building with five ha (13 acres) of manicured gardens and a full health spa on site. The historic Hume Hotel, located between the downtown and the waterfront, dates from the late 1890s and affords stays with period features and reminders of yesteryear.
UPSCALE LUXURY
High-end properties with a touch of class are also an option for those with larger purses and a desire to enjoy a more luxurious stay. The four-star Prestige Lakeview Inn is a French country-style hotel with conferencing and banqueting facilities. Guests at the Inn have access to the amenities—such as the spa, indoor swimming pool and marina—at its sister location, the Prestige Lakeside Resort and Convention Centre on the waterfront. The Resort is a 4½-star property with deluxe rooms, designer suites and kitchenettes, as well as boasting an on-site cappuccino bistro and fine dinging. Blaylock’s Mansion also provides the ultimate in get-away-from-it-all luxury with a presidential suite, massage and detoxification treatments, a steam room and a full billiards room.
MID-RANGE TO BUDGET LODGING
Many options present themselves for those looking for more moderately priced accommodation while visiting Nelson, whether in the downtown area or on the lakefront. Some properties, like the Kootenay Lakeview Lodge (with a golf course on its grounds), the Northshore Inn and the New Grand, all furnish guests with views over the lake. The Alpine Motel and Best Western have some suites with Jacuzzis and the latter also features a fitness centre and indoor whirlpool.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Families visiting Nelson have a couple of options including family suites at the Prestige Lakeview Inn, which includes access to an indoor swimming pool at the Prestige Lakeside Resort. An indoor swimming pool and communal hot tub are available at the Villa Motel, which is located on the north shore just over the Nelson Bridge, and the Best Western has adjoining rooms suited to family guests.
Located 240 km (149 mi) north of Spokane, WA and approximately half way between Vancouver, BC and Lethbridge, AB, Nelson enjoys a relatively isolated location, which means it provides its own wealth of accommodation options. In addition to a host of bed and breakfasts, hostels, campgrounds, guesthouses and vacation rentals the town is home to around 15 different hotels and motels. Visitors can choose from century-old historic properties or contemporary boutique-style hotels to family-friendly suites, budget motels or upscale luxury stays.
ACTIVITY PACKAGES
Those visiting Nelson and wishing to be active during their stays might consider one of the many bundled packages that most area hotels and motels provide. There are numerous special rates that include accommodation and activities like skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, rafting, sailing and golf, or even a soak at the Ainsworth Hot Springs depending on the time of year. The Kokanee Glacier Resort provides kayak rental and visits to the hot springs while the Mountain Hound Inn has several options that include ski lift passes at the nearby Whitewater Ski Area
A TASTE OF HISTORY
If history is what draws one to the town, Nelson has an attractive main street with many restored and renovated period buildings that date from the last 120 years, including a couple of historic hotel options. Blaylock’s Mansion, designed and built in the 1930s and 40s, is a fine mock Tudor building with five ha (13 acres) of manicured gardens and a full health spa on site. The historic Hume Hotel, located between the downtown and the waterfront, dates from the late 1890s and affords stays with period features and reminders of yesteryear.
UPSCALE LUXURY
High-end properties with a touch of class are also an option for those with larger purses and a desire to enjoy a more luxurious stay. The four-star Prestige Lakeview Inn is a French country-style hotel with conferencing and banqueting facilities. Guests at the Inn have access to the amenities—such as the spa, indoor swimming pool and marina—at its sister location, the Prestige Lakeside Resort and Convention Centre on the waterfront. The Resort is a 4½-star property with deluxe rooms, designer suites and kitchenettes, as well as boasting an on-site cappuccino bistro and fine dinging. Blaylock’s Mansion also provides the ultimate in get-away-from-it-all luxury with a presidential suite, massage and detoxification treatments, a steam room and a full billiards room.
MID-RANGE TO BUDGET LODGING
Many options present themselves for those looking for more moderately priced accommodation while visiting Nelson, whether in the downtown area or on the lakefront. Some properties, like the Kootenay Lakeview Lodge (with a golf course on its grounds), the Northshore Inn and the New Grand, all furnish guests with views over the lake. The Alpine Motel and Best Western have some suites with Jacuzzis and the latter also features a fitness centre and indoor whirlpool.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Families visiting Nelson have a couple of options including family suites at the Prestige Lakeview Inn, which includes access to an indoor swimming pool at the Prestige Lakeside Resort. An indoor swimming pool and communal hot tub are available at the Villa Motel, which is located on the north shore just over the Nelson Bridge, and the Best Western has adjoining rooms suited to family guests.
Scenic Views
Kootenay Lakeview Lodge Balfour
In the heart of the Kootenays surrounded by the area's best skiing and golfing!
Lake & Mountain Views
City & Lake Views
