The Best Hotels and B&Bs to Book in Nelson, Canada
Once dubbed the “prettiest small town in Canada” by the New York Times, Nelson is a charming base for a vacation in the mountains. Think cozy coffee shops, vibrant restaurants and boutique stores, set against a backdrop of the Selkirk Mountains and Kootenay Lake. Outdoor adventurers flock to this natural playground for powder skiing in winter and boating during summer. Read on for the best places to stay in Nelson, bookable on Culture Trip.
1. Prestige Lakeside Resort, for jaw-dropping vistas
Resort
With the Selkirk Mountains to one side and Kootenay Lake to the other, Prestige Lakeside Resort offers spectacular views from every direction. The waterfront location of the resort also makes it ideal for kayaking, boating and fishing. Port 701 Marinaside Dining and Lounge offers a spacious patio with harbor views, making it the ideal spot to relax with a glass of fine BC wine, a creative cocktail or local craft beer. The Mountain Waters Spa offers everything from a romantic couple’s massage to Cupcake Manicures for kids.
2. Cloudside Hotel, for friendly local charm
Hotel, Villa
With no pub, restaurant, bar or pool, you know the rooms at Cloudside Hotel will be great – that’s why it’s so popular. This large character home has been divided into rooms and suites of varying sizes, several with their own porch. However, the real draw is the warm, welcoming staff who offer unparalleled service. During the warmer months, kick back with a good book on the secluded sun deck, complete with loungers and umbrellas.
3. Savoy Hotel, for a post-ski hot tub session
Boutique Hotel
A rooftop hot tub overlooking Kootenay Lake – need we say more? This boutique hotel has only 12 rooms, many with reclaimed red brick and warm wood detailing. Some also have full kitchens, making it easy to unwind in your cozy room, especially after a day in the mountains. A visit to the cedar sauna is another way guests relax after a day of outdoor adventures. Those with a little more energy left after rock climbing or skiing can visit on-site Bloom Nightclub.
4. Hume Hotel & Spa, for a luxurious spa retreat
Hotel
5. Best Western Plus Baker Street Inn, for excellent pizza
Hotel
Located on historic Baker Street, this Best Western is one of the best places to stay in Nelson for exploring all that the town and its surrounding mountains and lakes have to offer. After a long day skiing the best powder imaginable at nearby Whitewater Ski Resort, soak in your in-room hot tub or indulge in artisan pizza and handmade pasta at Marzano, created by chefs who trained under the legendary pizzaiolo Enzo Coccia in Naples, Italy. Kids stay free.
6. The Adventure Hotel, for outdoors folk
Hotel
When the Adventure Hotel opened in Nelson more than a century ago, it provided high-end accommodations during the mining boom. Today, the hotel is still among the more premium places to stay in Nelson, but also offers affordable options, including rooms with bunk beds. The hotel is still an important historical landmark in the town, and the original 1914 structure remains at the heart of the building. A piece of the original boiler is showcased in the hotel coffee house, the Empire. Head down to Louie’s Steakhouse for dinner – and sample the largest scotch and rum collection in Nelson.
7. Creekside B&B, for a homey night’s sleep
Bed and Breakfast
If an accommodation can be judged by its home-made breakfasts, Creekside B&B would be an award winner. This affordable B&B is located on a quiet hillside in Nelson offering both mountain and lake views. Outside, there’s a spacious garden, which is just as beautiful covered in snow as it is in full bloom in the spring and summer. Creekside B&B is located halfway between Nelson and the Kootenay Lake Ferry.
8. Lakeshore Boutique Inn, for waterfront tranquility
Hotel
This lakefront estate offers all of the comforts of home – that is, if your home includes a large private beach on Kootenay Lake, complete with a volleyball net and vistas of Elephant Mountain. Two large communal lounges offer space for guests to gather, with one showcasing views of the lake and the other sporting an official-size billiards table. Some rooms include accessible showers and there is an accessible lift on the short staircase.
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