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Best Western Dorchester Hotel

2.5 star property
Hotel near Departure Bay Ferry Terminal in Nanaimo

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Photo gallery for Best Western Dorchester Hotel

3 restaurants, breakfast served
Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Refrigerator, Harbour View | View from room
Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking (Living Room) | Room amenity
Exterior
Suite, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbour View (with Sofabed) | Room amenity

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Gym

Explore the area

View in a map
70 Church St, Nanaimo, BC, V9R5H4
  • Place, Bastion
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Nanaimo Museum
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Old City Quarter
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Nanaimo, BC (YCD)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Junior Suite, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbor View

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbor View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(22 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator | View from room

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(15 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Refrigerator, Harbor View

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Refrigerator, Harbour View | View from room

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Refrigerator, Harbor View

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(18 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbor View (with Sofabed)

Suite, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbour View (with Sofabed) | View from room

Suite, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbor View (with Sofabed)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Family Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Executive Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Executive Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Nanaimo

Heart of Nanaimo.Your stay at this hotel will put you steps from Bastion and a 5-minute walk from Vancouver Island Military Museum. Nanaimo Museum and Maffeo Sutton Park are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Bastion - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Casino Nanaimo - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Nanaimo Museum - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Old City Quarter - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Vancouver Island University - 4 min drive - 2.7 km

Getting around

  • Nanaimo, BC (YCD) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Red’s Bakery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Brix & Mortar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Mrs. Riches - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Old City Station Pub - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Best Western Dorchester Hotel

Hotel near Departure Bay Ferry Terminal in Nanaimo
There are 3 restaurants on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Business amenities include a business center and 5 meeting rooms.

WiFi is free in public spaces. Event space at this hotel measures 5000 square feet (465 square meters) and includes a conference center. A fitness center, a vending machine, and coffee/tea in a common area are also featured at the business-friendly Best Western Dorchester Hotel. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This Nanaimo hotel is smoke free.

  • 71 guestrooms or units
  • 3 dining venues
  • 5000 sq ft of conference space
  • 465 sq m of conference space
  • Conference center
  • Business facilities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Beauty salon
  • Onsite shopping
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
Best Western Dorchester Hotel offers 71 accommodations with safes and coffee/tea makers. Accommodations offer separate sitting areas. Beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free 24-hour offsite parking
  • Street parking available
  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking
  • Onsite parking options include a carport

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: CAD 10 to 22 for adults and CAD 10 to 22 for children
  • 3 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Designer stores
  • Gym
  • Shopping
  • Wine tours

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 19

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: CAD 30 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 35 lbs per pet)
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately CAD 10 to 22 for adults, and CAD 10 to 22 for children
  • Pet fee: CAD 30 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of We Care Clean (Best Western)
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in each accommodation. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of We Care Clean (Best Western).

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children 12 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Best Western Dorchester
Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Best Western Hotel Dorchester
Best Western Plus Dorchester
Best Western Plus Dorchester Hotel
Best Western Plus Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo
Best Western Plus Dorchester Nanaimo
Dorchester Best Western
Best Western Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo
Best Western Dorchester Nanaimo
Best Western Nanaimo
Nanaimo Best Western
Best Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo
Best Western Dorchester Hotel Hotel
Best Western Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo
Best Western Dorchester Hotel Hotel Nanaimo

Best Western Dorchester Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 433 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 331 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 141 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 64 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1002 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service

Excellent staff

Hotel is a bit dated and could use a refresh. Hotel staff were excellent to the point of contacting us for an item we left at hotel and offering to ship to us. Staff would make us return to this location given the chance. Central location to Nanaimo.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Michael

Travelled with partner
The property was fair to average. But it seems all the hotels in Nanaimo are this way. Hallway floors are really unlevel. You can't take your luggage cart to your room because of stairs. The rooms are ok but older tvs, not smart TVs. Meh is really the best description
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

David, Edmonton

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice downtown location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Awesome place to stay as always
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michale M

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The check in staff was amazing. Friendly and lovely and made our check in smooth and quick. I will definitely stay there again
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was comfortable and it was very quiet. Great value!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s a great location with good eating options.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Scott

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What you would expect from a Best Western hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Filipinas

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful views. I reported a broken desk chair which I badly needed to do work and non working floor lamp. They promised to send maintenance but didn’t. I had to report it again at night and the front desk clerk replaced the chair.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient downtown location. Lots to do within a short walk.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michelle

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was great, but we had to wait for an hour after check in time for our room. After 20 hours of travel, waiting that other hour was dreadful. Parking was very inconvenient. There was a small lot close by, but it was also public and often full. The other parking was a short drive away but with kids and my elderly mother it took 10 minutes to get there and back. On top of that, I got 3 parking tickets during my stay even though they took my car information. The building was old. Thin walls and heard everything. I will not be back or suggest it to family and friends.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Jasmeen

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Jay

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Anne

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gibrahan

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Justinne

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

QI, Vancouver

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is easy to city walk.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Sarbjeet

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Dirty pillows, old widows painted, not like showing in pictures. Little smelly due to old wood.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Dianna

Beautiful location!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dawn

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities
Wonderful and helpful staff. Would return.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Raymond Wai Man

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Pro: very good view. We booked harbour view. Nice restaurants around. The view Oceanside restaurant has a good atmosphere but too expensive for the food quality. Wife can’t taste the liquor in the flambé we ordered. It doesn’t come with complimentary bread. You have to pay $8.50 for it. Cons: restaurant food wasn’t enough for us afterwards but the demonstrations with the flambé and the service was good along with the atmosphere with the lighting. Tips: make sure you reserve for a table by the little room with lots of lights decorated. So romantic. The other cons is that the street is really quiet and no street light for a section of the area so kinda scary if you come here in the fall or winter. The room was big enough for us. Can’t wait to go back.
During the airshow
Order the flambe
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

mahir

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Overall good stay they could invest in better beds as it wasn’t easy on my back and would use swimming pool
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Pleasant stay

Great stay. Very walkable. Loved the harbour view.. Snigdha at front wasmost helpful. Would definitely stay again. Everyone very friendly..
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025