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Reviews of Joya Garden & Villa Studios

4 out of 5
Joya Garden & Villa Studios
49 Brougham Street, Nelson

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 69 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 86 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely property with great personality.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Response from Paulina on 4 May 2024
Thank you Jennifer, for being so positive about this place. Much appreciated!

10/10 Excellent

Georgia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Paulina’s place was above and beyond! I can’t say I was expecting much for the affordable price but once I was welcomed onto the property I felt cared for and safe. The apartment was spacious and well equipped. It was the perfect place to wait out a storm running through Nelson. There are walking trails just a few blocks away and it is just a short distance from downtown. I highly recommend anyone stays in the villa! It was awesome!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from Paulina on 13 Apr 2024
Thank you so much for your kind words. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Jaimee

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Wonderful friendly and helpful hostess. Complementary chocolate was such a lovely touch. Room is beautifully set out and the deck with pond and surroundings are absolutely lovely. Was quiet and inviting. Let downs were that the beds arent particularly comfortable but realise thats a matter of taste. No sugar- note that the coffee provided was lovely though. Shower floods quite bad and the head will not stay flat, it flicks upright. Found no way to tighten in in place. Cleanliness as far as dusting etc could be improved. These are minor inconvenience that are easily rectified. Overall would definitely return!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

6/10 Okay

Carol

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely and peaceful, real chill out place.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Paulina on 22 Dec 2023
Thank you for these kind words Kathryn.Enjoy the remainder of your journey here.

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Special Place
My wife and I had a wonderful stay. The room and balcony were a very unique setting looking out on to beautiful garden including two ducks. Paulina was very friendly and accomodating. Great Location
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

yolande

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Memorable Stay
My stay was a very pleasant one. I was very warmly received by the hostess who made me feel very much at home in the beautifully restored villa. The room for a single person is very adequate, spacious, well presented and comfortable including TV, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities and a heater. The single bed is also very comfortable. The breakfast supplied each morning in the dining room was beautifully presented and the food offered excellent. The omelettes were yummy! The shared washroom is very spacious, adequate and clean. There is also safe off street parking available.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Paulina on 26 Oct 2023
Thank you for your kind words David. Glad that you liked what was on offer and that our in fact smallest and most modest room was to your liking. So again, much appreciated! Paulina

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Paulina on 28 Aug 2023
Thank you for your appreciation Alan.

10/10 Excellent

Martha

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic experience with such a warm and inviting host. Beautiful place, good for the soul!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Paulina on 25 Aug 2023
"Good for the soul" How wonderful is that. Thank you!

10/10 Excellent

ALAN

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The minute we arrived it felt so peaceful and tranquil, Paulina was just lovely and helpful and then just let us do our own thing. It was just so nice to come back from our sight seeing and relax in the studio. Will be recommending it to anyone visiting Nelson.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Response from Paulina on 28 May 2023
Thank you Alan and Mandy. It was a privilege to host you. Hope to meet again.

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
gorgeous serene place filled with real warmth and a wonderful host. great views across nelson, beautifully appointed in well designed timber, relaxing and tranquil. very highly recommended!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Paulina on 20 Apr 2023
Thank you, Sean. What can I say besides a big thank you! Perhaps it's good to mention which of the four spaces (2 B&B rooms and two independent studios) you had. You stayed in the Villa Room, the one with the balcony on the top floor of the house. Thanks again!

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Victoria

Beautiful, quiet, peaceful spot within easy walking distance of the city centre.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bedroom in a Garden
The Joya Garden Cottage is a gem. Such a great find. Large private accommodation in a lovely garden with a pond, porch, hammock and a well equipped studio kitchen. The owner is extremely accommodating and helpful with recommendations for things to see and places to eat. We are so glad we stayed here.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from Paulina on 29 Jan 2023
Thanks for these kind words, Carol. Glad you lied it here.Warm regards and a safe journey home.Paulina

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Warm, friendly host; affordable, value for money; delightful garden; genuinely eco-conscious. The delicious vegetarian friendly breakfast provided was a real surprise. The tasteful decor and quality furnishings round off this venue as an ideal place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Response from Paulina on 29 Jan 2023
Thank you, John. Your words are much appreciated. Wishing you all the best!

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoyed staying at this property. It was very calm and relaxing and good access to town.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Response from Paulina on 23 Jan 2023
Thanks for your appreciation for this place, Andrew. Just so readers know, you stayed in the cottage/ the Garden Studio. Hope to meet again, Paulina

10/10 Excellent

Molly

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My cousin and I had such a wonderful stay in the cottage - so peaceful and serene with a beautiful garden!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Response from Paulina on 19 Jan 2023
Dear Molly, Glad we lived up to your expectations and that your time here was a peaceful one while catching up with your cousin. Warm regards, Paulina

10/10 Excellent

Ben

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A beautiful house on a stunning section, very relaxing and felt rather like a zen retreat inside and out. Great hosting to boot and a marvellous breakfast the next morning. A shame I didn’t have longer but I will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
Response from Paulina on 20 Nov 2022
Thank you Ben, your review is much appreciated. Perhaps it is worth mentioning that you stayed in the Villa Room, on the top floor of the house. Hope to see you again. Regards, Paulina

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Joya Gardens is very unique,there are a number of small ponds joined by small little running brooks.The area is planted out with lush planting.The studio is a lovely building with all one needs for a stay.Paulina is a wonderful host and provides a delicious breakfast.A most enjoyable stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Response from Paulina on 31 Oct 2022
Thank you Karen, your kind words are much appreciated.Hope to meet again & be well, P

6/10 Okay

Jane

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No quiet heating during the night. Milk supplied in an open unclean glass bottle. Host provided extensive excellent breakfast and gave a supper snack impromptu for free, which showed excellent hospitality. Comfortable bed and stylish, clean bathroom.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from Paulina on 28 Jun 2022
My apologies for not having succeeded in giving you the best possible experience. I know the little retro bottle I served the milk in was clean. I had sterilized it, as I always do. I could have easily remedied everything in fact. I could have bought you different container and could have brought you a different heater in no time, since these are services that are all part and parcel of the job. If only I had known.

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Thank you for the stay, it was extremely peaceful and warm, I'd stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
Response from Paulina on 3 Jan 2021
You'd be more than welcome, Alexandra. The appreciation is mutual:-)

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nelson’s gem
Warm and cozy home with lot of character in a peaceful neighborhood. Walking distance to Nelson’s best restaurants, supermarket, etc. Pauline is truly fantastic! She went above and beyond for my comfort. Merci!!! :-)
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely little Oasis with the trickling water and even a kereru sitting nearby while I swung in the hammock. Everything you need and nice and private
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Paulina on 27 Oct 2019
Thank you for your kind and appreciative words. Much appreciated! Hope to see you again some day.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful deck and outdoors area, very quiet and peaceful, and well located.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Paulina on 26 Mar 2019
Thank you for these kind words. You certainly are correct regarding the location of Joya. It's in a relatively quiet area of town, yet close to the CBD with its parks, restaurants and cafes.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Paulina Is the hostess with the mostess.. Spent my first night in a room in the house which was cozy and comfortable.. And tonight I’m spending it in the private cottage which is a little slice of paradise.. Little tropical oasis..
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Response from Paulina on 26 Mar 2019
You really made it easy for me to be hospitable:-) You were the ideal guest. I do appreciate the FB video you made while spending time in the cottage. Have a safe journey home.

8/10 Good

JANE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unusual apartment in a beautiful setting
The apartment was individual and slightly quirky. The garden is beautiful and also the view. Paulina is a lovely lady, very helpful and kind. The bed was comfortable as well.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2019
Response from Paulina on 18 Feb 2019
Glad you liked staying here and that you could appreciate the 'quirky' environment. To some that is what Nelson is about:-) Hope to meet again! And thanks for taking the trouble to write a few words. Much appreciated. Best,

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
very friendly and clean. it is a beautiful house and the breakfast was realy great
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
Response from Paulina on 17 Oct 2018
Thank you for this kind review, Mr or Mrs Anonymous:-). It's much appreciated! Best wishes, Paulina

8/10 Good

Jo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed as house guest with breakfast option that set us up for the day.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Paulina on 19 Sept 2018
Thank you Jo, for this '4 out of 5' . Always happy when a guest takes to trouble to write something Glad you had a good time! Regards,

10/10 Excellent

PETER

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
best place
very nice and comfortable place. Beautiful garden and fantastic host. Very good breakfast.
Response from Paulina on 20 May 2018
Thank you for your kind words and appreciation, Peter! Wishing you well, Paulina

10/10 Excellent

Dave, Morrinsville

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent
Very friendly, the breakfast was good and the bed very comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Valerie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A hidden gem in Nelson
We absolutely loved this villa studio in Nelson run by Paulina and her family The room is the lower part of the house all of the furnishings and fittings were of good quality and individual it was so peaceful There was a lovely private sitting area where we watched the sun go down We walked into town but it is a good strech and could easily be done by car All in all a good choice for our first night on the South Island
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2018
Response from Paulina on 1 Feb 2018
Thank you Valerie, for your kind words. Much appreciated! Happy you enjoyed your stay.

8/10 Good

Barney, Melbourne, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paris end of Nelson
Dutch born Paulina and her sons are very friendly and welcoming hosts. Nestled in the foothills of Nelson near the beautiful Fairfield House, their hotel is located in the "Paris end" of Nelson. The hotel is quite unique with peaceful views of the surrounding ranges. It is well located - a ten minute walk to the centre of Nelson and about half an hour walk to the "Centre of New Zealand" monument. If you love arts and crafts and fine food you will love Nelson and Paulina's recommendations are usually spot on.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2018
Response from Paulina on 5 Feb 2018
Thanks Barney, for this most gracious revies. "the Paris end" of Nelson, I like that :-)

10/10 Excellent

simon, sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly host and fabulous surroundings
Great welcome by hosts. The location is within a couple of km of nelson Isite but feels rural. Lovely grand house beautifully restored. The bed was a comfy futon, the tea/ coffee/ fridge facilities were much appreciated. Excellent healthy breakfast was a great start to the day.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018
Response from Paulina on 28 Jan 2018
Thank you Simon, for this very kind review. I A futon (New Zealand brand) isn't for everyone. So I am glad you liked it. Hope to have a chance to meet again. Best,

8/10 Good

wilma, otaki beach wellington

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly host, informative of local events
With sunshine weather,I walked into nelson town,experienced friendly shop assistants and reasonably priced food,highlight was the market held on the Saturday. I mean to return for a longer stay at this villa,and visit museums and art galaries

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay
Lovely warm welcome from Pauletta. Room was spacious and comfortable with a small terrace overlooking a beautiful garden. Breakfast included her own cereals, fruit drinks and breads plus a delicious herb omelette

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location relative to downtown
Stayed for five nights. Close enough to downtown to walk to activities but without the noise of a downtown location. Very peaceful, great room, great breakfasts, great host. Only reason not a 5 overall rating was TV was antenna only with 0 channels without significant reception issues. More significant for as we were there five nights. Otherwise exceptional!

2/10 Terrible

Bill, California

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Paid for room...Slept in car
Tried to get in to my room for 90 (ninety) minutes.No one there.Left disgusted by their apathy.Bad deal. :-(

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paulina is a amazing host giving total privacy while being on hand should you require anything The breakfast was the best I have come across in my travels to date

10/10 Excellent

Terence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our host, Paulina, looked after us extremely well and gave us lots of information on places to go and to visit. A very enjoyable stay.

10/10 Excellent

Stu

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful discovery
I travel hopefully. A last-minute booking led me to this beautiful accommodation. Quiet, secluded, private. A huge room with interest in every corner. Bird song. A breakfast so large and varied I could only sample, not devour. Refreshed, invigorated and rewarded. Thank you. A perfect host.

10/10 Excellent

Shihab, Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Place to stay in Nelson!!!
Was upgraded at no additional cost. Had an absolutely wonderful time and the breakfast was superb. Highly recommend.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Home away from Home in a peaceful Surrouding
Our host was very welcoming. The open plan studio had a warm feel to it and the bed was very comfortable. The view from the bed was into the garden. The outside sitting area is very cosy and sunny.

8/10 Good

Lisa, Bangkok

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A pleasant stay in Nelson
Paulina, the owner, warmly welcome us and made us feel at home. She also provide good tips for restaurants and what to do during your stay. Her homemade breakfast is quite a treat.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pretty garden oasis
Wonderful quite and comfortable villa with a delightful garden outlook.

4/10 Poor

Pam, Auckland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Joya Gardens
It really wasn't what we were expecting. The hostess was very welcoming and helpful. The breakfasts were excellent

10/10 Excellent

Mary, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful house
Our stay with Paulina was excellent. The breakfast was organic, fresh and absolutely delicious. Pauline couldnt do enough for us. We loved her georgeous house and our interesting conversations with her. We loved the view from our room and the private balcony. We would definitely recommend a stay at Joya Gardens.
View from Joya Gardens