The Sails – Locally owned, city fringe, luxury accommodation
I’m greeted at reception by the owner Mark. He’s a tall fellow with a genuine vibe and warm smile. He’s got a strong handshake and was born and raised in the Nelson region. Wakefield was where he spent most of his time, then he attended Waimea College and decided to give farming a go. (That explains the good handshake!)
His grandfather’s brother owned a popular bike shop in the 1950s. It was called Shuttleworths and Mark chuckles that he is now the second in his family to own a business in Trafalgar Street.
His wife Cecilia was born in Malaysia and moved to Nelson when she was 12. Cecilia works with Mark in managing the motel and has worked in some big hotels overseas like the Shangrila in Taiwan.
Mark recalls when they first moved into the Motel and took over the ownership, Celia was about to give birth to their second child. They were still unpacking and getting familiar with the new business and on the day of the Christchurch earthquake, she went into labour and was flown to Wellington to give birth. How is that for timing?
“Looking back I don’t know how we managed all of that but we are still here and we love it. 5 years on, we have settled in and love meeting the new and returning guests. We have some very happy locals who live nearby who often book out a few nights just so they can have a break from their normal routine,” says Mark.
“Running a motel requires a lot of commitment as we are on call all day. It’s always great to chat with our regular guests and hear what they have been up to. We love to drive the family down south to Wanaka for holidays so we can stay refreshed.”
The Sails Nelson is taking luxury, comfort and technology including a purpose-built commercial-grade kitchen so that they can provide a breakfast menu for their guests’ enjoyment. They have a wide range of rooms available to suit most people. One Bedroom Apartments, Executive suites and Studio suites will impress and leave you feeling refreshed after a busy day of local activities. You can even use one of their complimentary bikes to zip around town, use their free wifi or wind down with local wine and movie on a modern Smart TV.
There are loads of other benefits to make your life easier, like ordering a yummy cooked breakfast to fuel you up for the day or use their guest laundry. Rooms even have local Pomeroy’s Tea & Coffee, Minibars in all rooms and cooking facilities. “Our goal is to deliver the best accommodation experience so our guests can wake up feeling refreshed to take on the day’s activities.” The Sails is Nelson’s only Qualmark 5-star rated Motel. Located on lower Trafalgar St (near Trafalgar Park)
There’s a lot to do here and for someone flying in for a weekend with a limited time window, location is key. Browse the Saturday morning markets, grab a coffee, wander the walkway near the river, head up the church steps and soak in some sunshine – the list goes on… If you have family or friends coming to visit and the couch just won’t cut it!
Book them in at The Sails, give them a memory of Nelson they will never forget. Visit their website www.thesailsnelson.co.nz for bookings and details.
Like their Facebook page www.facebook.com/thesailsmotelnelson
Instagram www.instagram.com/thesailsmotelnelson
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