8/10 Good
Jeff
Business traveller
1 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
After a four-hour drive, I pulled into the Villa Motel in scenic Nelson, British Columbia just before 8 PM. I wasn’t sure if I was checking in to a motel or stepping into the Twilight Zone—what a fantastic surprise. The glowing red neon sign lit up the night sky like a retro beacon, and parking right at my door was an immediate win.
The front desk gentleman greeted me warmly and proudly mentioned the motel’s 1950s-era roots. That explained a lot, but only added to the intrigue. Before heading inside, I explored the grounds. The lower “park” seemed equal parts playground and obstacle course: stub your toe on a rogue stair, sprint through a gauntlet of thistles, then stop just short of the highway—or don’t. For adults, the highlight is a massive pine tree viewed from what I like to call the “Bench Cone Colonoscopy Armageddon,” a dusty seating area with Cold War test-site vibes. Think of it as Nelson’s quirky answer to Disneyland—minus the safety standards and Mickey Mouse.
Inside the room, I found not a dim retro den but a brightly lit, spacious setup with two queen beds, an efficient kitchenette, and a nicely updated bathroom. The rain-head shower, new tile, and plentiful towels felt downright luxurious after a long day. The laminate floors and blackout blinds brought a modern touch, while the dresser and stove whispered sweet 1980s/90s nostalgia. It was an eclectic mix, but clean, comfortable, and exactly the kind of charm that makes a roadside motel memorable!
Jeff
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025