Joya Garden & Villa Studios — Hotel in Nelson

Wasn't impressed with the Den. The mattress was super lumpy, it didn't even look like a proper bed. Just a wooden frame with a lumpy, saggy mattress on top. When I looked under the frame itself there was a thick layer of dust on the floor, as if it hadn't been cleaned in years, and I was sleeping on top of it! The neighbours right outside my windows left lights on all night and let their dog out early evenings to have a good solid barking session, which was even louder as it was in a confined space. So it was not possible to relax after a day out until the dog was happy. The breakfast looked impressive but the bread was stale. At least the coffee was good, and that was available in my room too which was a plus. I wasn't impressed the host went into my room when I was out to "empty the bin", when the bar fridge was dirty inside and the freezer tray full of water. The place was about 15 minutes walk from town but at the base of Grampians Walk, which was a good workout. Lovely old house though, the host was gracious and the bathroom was the best room in the house, but I expected a different standard for all that...

I couldn't have had a nicer stay. My only disappointment was that I could stay for only one night and arrived late, so didn't have time to enjoy the house and Paulina's extraordinary hospitality more. The house and my room were beautiful and immaculate, and the small balcony off my room, with a view down the hill over Nelson and to the harbor, made for a peaceful end to a full day. The shared bathroom is its own gem of stained glass and woodwork and a good shower. Breakfast was diverse and spectacular - perhaps the best muesli I've ever had, good yoghurt, nice bread, several kinds of cheese, a delicious omelette, and more. Other nice touches were great, soft towels, beautiful, interesting art and furniture, a bar of New Zealand chocolate waiting in the room, a sheet with suggestions of restaurants and things to do and see, a choice of pillows. I don't always like to socialize when I stay at a bed & breakfast, but Paulina was fun and interesting to talk with. The house is on a quiet street, but it's a 15-minute walk down the hill, past century-or-so-old houses, to the...

I stayed here for three nights with my two children in the garden studio. We had the most incredible stay! The studio is just beautiful! It has such a peaceful energy and so much love has been put into its’ creation and decoration. We were given gorgeous local chocolate on arrival, the drawers were stocked with organic teas and coffee, and the soaps etc are all eco friendly. The grounds are so beautifully planted with flowers and old established trees filled with native birds feasting on fruit and there is a pond with lotus flowers floating on the surface. It didn’t feel like a business, it was more like a retreat or like a home. The host is such a kind, caring woman and she couldn’t have done more to help during our stay. This place is an absolute gem! Treat yourself- you...