Nelson hotel named second best in country

A Nelson hotel and eatery has something to celebrate after being named the second best hotel in the country.

TripAdvisor announced their Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards last week, naming Tides Hotel second top hotel in New Zealand.

Formerly known as Trailways, Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery general manager Toby Munro says the team are “extremely proud and equally humbled” to claim the title.

“Tourism in New Zealand is an extremely competitive market and to win an award which is decided by those who stay with us and experience our hospitality is truly rewarding,” he says.

The win also places them as the number 25 hotel in the South Pacific.

Having recently gone through a major soft refurbishment and full rebrand he says it’s great to see the hard work has paid off through guests’ comments and heart-warming reviews for the transformation.

Toby’s grandparents purchased Trailways Hotel Nelson in 1993. After 28 years of manging the business, Toby’s parents, Garry Munro and Alexa Wilson, purchased the hotel along with neighbouring property, DeLorenzo’s Studio Apartments.

Toby says together, Garry and Alexa have moved Trailways Hotel into a new era - a rebrand to Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery with a modern vision and eccentric vibe in the heart of Nelson.

He says it appears that the updates are being well received by both their guests and the industry, with both Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery and DeLorenzo’s Studio Apartments also being awarded Qualmark Enviro Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award.

A Gold Sustainable Tourism Award identifies those businesses leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

Toby says, changes aside, for over 25 years the Munro focus has been their guests.

“From booking to departure, our team work meticulously to ensure every customer has an easy, stress-free and enjoyable experience in the Nelson-Tasman region.

To have this work acknowledged through such an award with TripAdvisor is the best reward for our small and dedicated team,” he says.

“We would like to take this opportunity to not only thank all our wonderful guests, but to thank our incredible team at Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery. Their diligence and attention to detail - without which, the reviews and in turn this prestigious acknowledgement wouldn’t happen.”