The Honest Lawyer Ascend Hotel Collection

2/10

Poor

25 Feb 2026

Sue

The property is long overdue for an update. Didn't realise we would have a room right above the door going into the pub. We had people arguing right under window. Nowhere comfortable to sit. Basic amenities. Mould in the bathroom. Music was on in the pub from 10 to 10 every day. And so close to the airport. The whole experience was aweful considering how much we paid.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2026

Bo Ingeborg E

This is my type of place, it was a small single room but homely and quirky with a comfy bed. All I needed. Staff was accomodating and friendly, room was clean and comfortable. TV is tiny but I was not looking to watch anything.

Self

8/10

Excellent

12 Dec 2025

Angela

Manager who welcomed us was very friendly. Easy check in , close to airport. Lovely pub on the premises. Comfortable room.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2025

Alan

Clean, comfortable room in a quiet area of town. Would definitley stay again.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Dec 2025

Brayden

Cute place with a fun vibe.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Nov 2025

heather

Lovely friendly hotel and bar. Good quality food
Excellent location with lovely views across the bay and ideal if needing somewhere to stay near the airport

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2025

Reiko

Check in guy was super friendly and sharp. Room was clean and beds were comfortable.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Oct 2025

jane

Rooms are above a pub . Music can be loud but quiet after 10pm
Need a car to get around as hotel is not near the center of town
Food very good in pub

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2025

Joshua

super cool spot, unique rooms with historic vibe. food was awesome, convenience of being able to walk to nelson airport was awesome. 10/10 would recommend

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2025

Daniel

Reception was hard to find at night, or I'm just a blind idiot whondidnt see the signs...

We were welcomed by the manager who was very friendly and helped us with the checkin and getting wine and dessert sent to the room, even thought the kitchen had already closed.

The room was large and clean. My wife said she felt like she was staying in an old castle room, in a good way. Im pretty sure we booked the larger room on the property. The bathroom was huge, and clean. The mattress was a little soft/lumpy but we were hiking so still slept ok. There are planes flying over at night since you are right by the airport but it stops from around 10pm-6am. Overall a comfortable stay. Of the mattress was new, i would have given 5 stars for comfort.

The pub was excellent, high quality and delicious food. Hailey, our server was friendly and attentive.

Thank you!

9/10 would stay again! 10/10 with a new mattress!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2025

John

Great meals. Comfy beds.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2025

David

We checked in late but were welcomed by a very helpful nice fella. Our room was excellent as was the parking and facilities, however.....in the morning we were a little late leaving our room, the cleaner was yelling through the door to \"hurry up\"..repeating this several times. When we excited here she was directly opposite our door, leaning up against the wall with her arms crossed giving a feral look. Most unpleasant check out ive EVER had .

8/10

Excellent

16 Apr 2025

bradley

Staff were friendly and helpful. Very unique setting for the hotel with terrific scenery.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

05 Apr 2025

Jill

Not great value for money

While the cleaning lady was nice, the room is in need of a makeover, the floor needed cleaning under the basin and considering it’s a hotel with a restaurant it would have been good to have the option of breakfast - even if just a continental one. $207 per night seemed a lot for what we got.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2025

Steven

Beautiful location

Beautiful location on the waterfront, lovely pub with plently of seating. Close to the city, airport and Richmond. Small amount of airplane noise during the daytime

Business

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2025

Kevan

Nice room and the staff are so helpful. Does externaly look a little tired in places . Would recommend though

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2025

SUSAN

Good value

A quaint hotel with lots happening on a Sunday afternoon from the guitar playing and singing group to the weekend long lunch crowd enjoying the beautiful outdoor area at the front. My single room (double bed) was very quiet.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2025

Shona

Great room so nice and peaceful and to a high standard Great garden bar and meal awesome hotel 😊

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Feb 2025

Anthony

Could use a refresh but clean and functional. Rooms are spacious but could use better cooling. Only floor fans provided.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2025

ivan

Unique property! Good pub. Great hiking.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2025

Donna

Staff and stay amazing.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2025

Peter

Nic accomodation. Lovely grounds

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Feb 2025

Doreen

When booking this accommodation they need to inform you that the rooms are upstairs. I spoke with a member of the accommodation as we were traveling to nelson for the night, we had just arrived in the south island by ferry arriving at 5-30 pm. On arrival We need to ask for help with our bags which did not go down well with the office staff. We enquired about meals at their restaurant and told the restaurant closed at 7pm. Three adults at 70 years plus of age. I should have been told when we made communcation that the restaurant would be closed on arrival. Office staff need better training dealing with public. The two girls that carried our bags to our room were very helpful to deal with. No help around in the morning to take the bags down to the car. A great welcome to the South Island. The two brothers have health problems that was why were making this trip around the south island. We had to drive back into town to find a restaurant open at this time of night, we could only find MC Donalds.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jan 2025

Randall

Charming place, beautiful grounds. Restaurant was excellent

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2025

Leslie

It’s a charming place to stay and very quiet. We found it to be a totally lovely and welcome relief after several days on the trail. They were extremely hospitable and accommodating. Dinner was fantastic.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2024

James

Great spot with character

Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2024

Richard

The staff were extremely helpful, and the pub downstairs has great quality food and drinks.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2024

Rebecca

Wr had a great stay. Ample parking, beautiful grounds, delicious breakfasts. The room was cozy and comfortable. I would defjnitely stay here again.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Nov 2024

Anthony

.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

28 Oct 2024

Ron

Great location, stayed in the cottage very quiet and private, good size room, bed getting a little old could do with an upgrade.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Sep 2024

Rob

Nice X-Factor to the place

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2024

Charlotte

Cosy attractive and warm room. Just where we wanted it to be.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2024

Brian

Very comfortable. Enjoyed our stay.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2024

David

3rd time staying.
Staff always friendly & welcoming.
Hotel is different from standard branded hotels which makes it a huge winner.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2024

Todd

Super convenient with comfortable room and a good restaurant for dinner.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2024

Lee

This property is lovely olde world hotel. Furnishings not modern but in keeping with the theme of the place. Clean and quiet room. The food in the restaurant was delicious.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2024

Susanne

Nice surroundings
Easy access

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2024

Michael

Fantastic value for money, lovely room, very comfortable bed, lovely quaint grounds and the lunch was delicious. We will be back!

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

29 Jan 2024

Karen

The honest lawyer was the perfect place to stay for an early departure at the Nelson airport – the best part was the friendly staff! Ian, the person that checked us in, was delightful – thank you!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

25 Jan 2024

KEVIN

The highlight was definitely the restaurant meal. While room was tidy, good range of coffes, teas, continental breakfast, it was very small, especially the shower. Staff were friendly at both reception and in restaurant. Massive outdoor dining and family area. Definitely will be back.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

16 Jan 2024

Alison

Left after one night, too, too rustic! Ugh!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Jan 2024

Philip

Nice beer garden by the sea

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

03 Dec 2023

Marilynn

This is the most wonderful old English-style hotel with a fantastic restaurant and pub. The internet was awful but everything else more than made up for it. Highly recommend it.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2023

Glen

Love the quirkiness about this place, lovely food and beverages to enjoy. Accommodation was great!

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2023

ross

Really enjoyed my night at the honest lawyer, room was very nice and comfortable, spacious ,nice view.

Self

8/10

Excellent

08 Nov 2023

Brad

Very quirky building, great bar and meals

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

07 Nov 2023

Gaynor

Quite a quirky old school pub. We enjoyed our stay here

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

06 Nov 2023

MAUREEN

Lovely old style hotel in lovely garden and surroundings - so close to the airport to be able to walk.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

23 Oct 2023

Win and Lyn

We enjoyed the spaciousness of the room, facilities and atmosphere of the whole complex.
The outside building maintenance has been neglected. The roof in particular needs attention. Very noticeable from our up stairs room.
The window boxes would have added the finishing touches had they been planted. The outside grounds were looking quite tired. I appreciate that to maintain a complex as you have takes time and money with little return.
We both enjoyed our short time with you and will definitely return for another stay some time.
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Lyn and Win Holdaway.

I

8/10

Excellent

01 Oct 2023

Ron

We were in cottage 15. Spacious room, bright and sunny room. Parking right outside

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Aug 2023

Johnny

Always great stay. Sure to be back again

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2023

Johnny

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay for the week I was there. My room was spacious and had everything I needed to make my stay a pleasure.
Only little thing I was not too impressed with is that the continental breakfast is not quite continental enough.
Sure to be back soon for my next business trip.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2023

Maria

Love the English style building, the service in general was really friendly, my room was just like in the pictures.

6/10

Pleasant

30 Apr 2023

shawn

bathroom rooms needs a good clean and a re paint

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

06 Apr 2023

Andrea

We were early for checkin, they were very nice and took care of our things so we could go about the day. I dropped rental car at airport and walked back (25 min) to the hotel. We always walk when we can, unfortunately it was too far to walk to central Nelson. So we had a quiet night and had one of the best steaks ever at their pub. It was some hot stone thing, and the meat really exceeded our expectations. Especially since it was our only option, things close earlier than we're accustomed to, 7:30 to 8pm! The whole property has the cute cottage feeling. The room itself was nice, but old shower not so great with stained grout and stained shower curtain. Also, there was dusty spiderwebs w spider behind the bathroom door. The fan provided (no a/c) was very dusty. Quite a pile of dust clumps on carpet once I was done wiping it down with some tissues. Enough to bring my room grade from an A to a C . If they just clean a bit better and get new shower curtains, it'd be close to perfect! Checkout was just dropping keys in a box, we had to leave before desk hours.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2023

Claire

Olde worlde charm with contemporary comfort, style

My one night stay was exactly the reward required after hiking the Heaphy track. I just loved the elegantly appointed room, my beautiful bath and the feeling that I was staying in someone's home albeit with the privacy my room afforded me.
Full marks to the chef for producing a spectacular quinoa chicken salad. It was a memorable bowl of food. Take it as a compliment that I am going to try to recreate it at home but I know that it won't measure up. The only option is a return visit it appears!

Self

8/10

Excellent

28 Feb 2023

Robert

Great staff and historic property, connected to great pub. Beautiful location. Quaint beer garden. Could use one more seating chair in room. Would definitely recommend this place.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

07 Feb 2023

Grant

This is a wonderful destination. Will definitely be back

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2023

Yvette

Checked in late with ease.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jan 2023

Jacobus

comfortable

great location, lovely old building. Nice to have a pub and restaurant on site. Unfortunately we did have a case of something that bit us in the night. We purchased our own insect spray and requested clean linen

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jan 2023

Peter

Out of Nelson

Nice Beergarden, location over all good.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Dec 2022

Paul

Nice view - when the tide is in.
Very quiet in the mornings

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Nov 2022

Chris

Really unique hotel. Right on the water and with a great pub and garden bar

Business

10/10

Exceptional

15 Nov 2022

John

We'd be happy to stay at The Honest Lawyer again

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2022

Sharon

Nice quaint hotel just out of the centre

Self

8/10

Excellent

11 Nov 2022

Robyn

Lovely historic property. Great food.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Nov 2022

Anne

All good bar check in. No one at reception. Long wait for assistance, despite using buzzer multiple times.
Room good size with parking outside a bonus. Complimently breakfast a nice surpise.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2022

Theresa

This hotel is gorgeous. The rooms are really lovely, the bed was very comfortable. Plenty of extra pillows and an extra duvet in the room. Everything you could possibly need was catered for. The shower had awesome pressure. Everything was clean, and it was an extremely comfortable stay. We booked two rooms, and our friends room had a clawfoot bath which was just gorgeous! Very happy with our stay and would definitely stay again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Aug 2022

shelley

We enjoyed the friendly, local staff and casual old style ambience of the property. The room was comfortable and quiet. We would definately stay there again.

Business_and_leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

17 Aug 2022

Alison

While our room was clean, quiet and the beds very comfortable, the inexperience of the staff left us with an overall feeling of disappointment. We had to navigate our way through the hotel to find someone to check us in and there was no apology or courtesy. We did not feel valued. The hotel is old fashioned in respect of defference to the environment and the only sign of any respect to it was Forest and Bird shampoo etc, in small plastic bottles that are thrown away. In these times thats not good enough. They could do a lot better. The parking area was full of potholes that turned into lakes in the rain making it impossible to keep dry feet while getting into a vehicle. Overall a very average experience.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2022

Verified traveler

Loved it!

We loved it. It was just like the photos show, full of English character. The bed was comfy, the bathroom was large, and there was a bath and shower available. The radiators put out plenty of heat.

It was very clean, far cleaner than more expensive places I’ve stayed recently. They must have a team that takes pride in their work.

We had dinner in the pub, a lovely meal. The staff were warm and welcoming.

An added bonus for the plane-lover in my life, was watching the lights of the planes land at the airport runway, across the estuary. We stayed on a Monday so it was very quiet.

They even provided a small box of breakfast cereal and milk in the room, a really nice (unexpected) bonus, that was so handy, with our jet lagged body clocks!

If I’m ever in Nelson again, I’d return. Thankyou!

Partner

4/10

Poor

27 Dec 2021

Trevor

They did not follow their own policy of turning down the music in the evening. It was a choice of be annoyed by the music or close the window on a very hot night. There was never anyone at reception and they did not bother answering the bell.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2021

Bruce

Liked the character of the venue and the friendliness of the staff

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2021

Pererika

Stay here all the time.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

It was very old english pub and lodging feel with the modern perks of heat, comfort and luxury.
It was themed in a classic and not tacky way.
They upgraded us to the Rose Cottege for our last night and it was beautiful.
Staff were awesome as the day we checked out NZ went into L4 lockdown and they allowed us to stay in the room until our flight to Auckland in the early evening and offered us to come back if our flight didnt go.
We wish you all the best during these next few weeks.
God bless

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

Loved the place. great food. only complaint I found the bed a bit uncomfortable

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2021

Jeff

Great place to stay.

Staff were very friendly and facilities were great. Meals were good at the restaurant too. Overall a very pleasant stay. Thank you.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

It’s been 10 years since visiting last - delighted to find there has been great maintenance and the hotel is as good as it was then. Beautifully decorated rooms with lots of elegant touches. Very authentic old English. Superb hospitality - especially from Roger. Great food. The smoked prawns in the seafood chowder were amazing. Highly recommended,

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

Friendly Staff, good food, nice setting.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2021

Verified traveler

Lovely comfortable bed. The room is very homely. A great place to stay.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

06 May 2021

Lisa

Food snd service was great. Unfortunately the boiler kicked in throughout the night keeping me awake. So I won’t be staying again as a good nights sleep is my no. 1 priority for my stays away.

Business

8/10

Excellent

08 Mar 2021

GRAHAM

A great place to have a few days to relax.

The place was great as the staff and food.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

Great place with lots of character especially for the money. Friendly check in staff. Quiet and lovely area right by the water with walking paths nearby.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

Neat themed tavern and accommodation which was very comfortable and in a great location.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2020

Bina

We really enjoyed the finishing touches to the room.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Oct 2020

Robert

Nicely appointed room with usual amenities for tea/coffee making. Small, well stocked guest kitchen at the end of the hall to help yourself. Great restaurant, friendly staff and very nice location. A bit noisy until the patrons went home but this was at a reasonable hour so not a big problem.

Friends_and_family Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2020

Bron

We stayed one night and can't fault it. The staff were excellent and very genuine. We enjoyed a good meal in the restaurant. The room had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The location is lovely.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Sep 2020

Julie

Very quaint , gorgeous place to stay , great location. Awesome restaurant and bar

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

16 Sep 2020

John

enjoyed our stay love come back again when in nelson area

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Aug 2020

Caz

Big room clawfoot bath. So close to Monarco which is lovely walk

Business Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2020

Stephen

Great character accommodation with fantastic atmosphere and good beer

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2020

Dianne

Loved the atmosphere and décor
Great meal at the restaurant/bar

Friends_and_family Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Quirky design. Good outdoor area. Spacious rooms upstairs.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

This place is remarkable! What a gem.
Situated on a tiny peninsula with an outdoor dining/lounging area right on the water, this is the perfect place to stay and relax. This property had the most charm of the 12+ places we stayed in NZ. Fantastic!

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

14 Mar 2020

Nancy

Great food at restaurant; staff was superb; choice of local craft beers

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2020

Neil

Well appointed room

Business

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2020

Tim

Next to the restaurant without being noisy. A character cottage-type bedroom and lounge tastefully furnished.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

the accommodation was clean and tidy.
I thought we would get more than two coffee sachets for morning coffee

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

31 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

The English themed pub and rooms are a bit 70s. comfy beds. Fans welcome in 30 degre heat. Restaurant food range good though typical bar type deep fried, found some vege options, salad and prawn tortilla.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

I loved everything about this place including the staff. There was a dog named Toby there that we absolutely loved. I don't remember the dogs owner name but she worked their and she was amazing! She showed us around the establishment and was just a great joy to be around!

Leisure Family