Parautane Lodge — Hotel in Nelson

My experience was terrible! It was difficult to find, the gravel road was narrow, steep and bumpy for my car. I called the owner (Alan Donovan) who didn’t warn me of the road just said keep driving up the road and follow the signs. He advised no one would be there to greet us as they were having a swim, but that room allocation was on the door. We got to a fork at the top of the hill and parked the car at the sign saying “guests” My sister in law and I walked across the first set of stairs which were old and unstable. She walked further as I was unable due to a mobility problem. There two further sets of stairs. I could not enter the property. My sister in law viewed the property and noticed how untidy the property was and the lack of service. We arrived at 3pm (check in was after 2pm) and the owners chose to leave the property and go swimming. Having assessed the location to the property as being unsafe for me, we returned to the car and slowly drove away. We were in a quandary as there was limited vacancies in Nelson. It started to rain and the fog was setting in. I called Alan advising I could not access the property and outlined our experience. He said: return to the property (I said it was steep, now raining and poor visibility due to fog) I will show you another entrance (I said I have mobility problems) I should have told him when making the booking that I had a walking stick No one had ever complained about the access in the 20 years he has been running the business and that I was the first. No refund would be provided as he could now not rent the room out. I should take my complaint up with booking.com but that he would not allow a refund anyway. That I should have had travel insurance and make a claim against it for the unsuitable accommodation.

I lost over $364 AUD for the one night I booked. Supposed to check in on 3 January 2025 check out on 4 January 2025

I do not recommend this property. It is dangerous for people not used to that driveway. It is not luxury as advertised and the...

My experience was terrible! It was difficult to find, the gravel road was narrow, steep and bumpy for my car. I called the owner (Alan Donovan) who didn’t warn me of the road just said keep driving up the road and follow the signs. He advised no one would be there to greet us as they were having a swim, but that room allocation was on the door. |We got to a fork at the top of the hill and parked the car at the sign saying “guests” |My sister in law and I walked across the first set of stairs which were old and unstable. She walked further as I was unable due to a mobility problem. There two further sets of stairs. I could not enter the property. |My sister in law viewed the property and noticed how untidy the property was and the lack of service. We arrived at 3pm (check in was after 2pm) and the owners chose to leave the property and go swimming. Having assessed the location to the property as being unsafe for me, we returned to the car and slowly drove away. We were in a quandary as there was limited vacancies in Nelson. It started to rain and the fog was setting in. I called Alan advising I could not access the property and outlined our experience. He said:| 1. return to the property (I said it was steep, now raining and poor visibility due to fog)|2. I will show you another entrance (I said I have mobility problems) |3. I should have told him when making the booking that I had a walking stick|4. No one had ever complained about the access in the 20 years he has been running the business and that I was the first. |5. No refund would be provided as he could now not rent the room out. |6. I should take my complaint up with booking.com but that he would not allow a refund anyway. |7. That I should have had travel insurance and make a claim against it for the unsuitable accommodation. ||I lost over $364 AUD for the one night I booked. Supposed to check in on 3 January 2025 check out on 4 January 2025. ||I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS ACCOMMODATION. ||(And should not be selling liquor without a license [refer to other...

We stayed for 2 nights at Parautane Lodge, and from the moment you step out onto the spacious deck you will be swept away by the breath taking scenery. The property is located in the hillside over looking the Tasman Bay and the mountains of the Arthur Ranges.||There are four luxury mini suites. We stayed in the Pukeko suite which is tastefully decorated and clean with a modern en-suite bathroom. There are French doors that open directly onto the deck.||This place and location has so much to offer but sadly so many things let it down on our visit. Firstly there was no one to greet as on arrival and we were entrusted to enter the property and settle ourselves in. We didn't meet the owner until the next morning.||There is a breakfast menu on the website but unless you had done your due diligence you wouldn't know. Breakfast was enjoyable but little things were missing off each meal and we felt awkward asking for them.||The property is showing cracks with attention to minor maintenance missing. Decking boards bowed and decking lights hanging out of there sockets. The painting in our room remained on the floor our entire stay.||One highlight was the outdoor spa which is nestled into the hill which is private from the lodge and has spectacular views of the sunset while enjoying a glass or two.||The property is about 10 mins from Nelson city which wasn't an issue as we enjoyed the seclusion and privacy that this lodge offers.||Alan the owner is a friendly host who gave us some great insight to places to visit in the surrounding areas, which we took up.||We felt like we were a distraction and not a welcoming guest to share this fantastic property...