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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
Suite, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbour View (with Sofabed) | Room amenity
Exterior

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

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Exterior

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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

  • 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
  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - 5 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Duke Point Ferry Terminal - 15 min drive - 18.1 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

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. 431 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 331 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 143 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 65 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 34 out of 1004 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

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding. Tons of character, super clean, awesome helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Hannah

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel is in a great spot in downtown Nanaimo. The new renovations are great but still need to renovate the bathrooms. The stay was okay, there is an unpleasant smell in the entire hotel maybe because it’s an old building.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Christine

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

Good location

Good location nice hotel to stay in before ferry
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Randa

Just ok, pass next time

Front desk didn’t offer the same compliments as the person in front of us. They were upgraded and offered bottle water and were super friendly. When they got to us they barely smoke a word. Very expensive hotel for what you get. Hall ways have no A/C with windows open at 30’C with a ton of flies. Had to be strategic to open your room door so no flies got in. A/C in room worked well and beds were comfy. Shortened ceilings and small room but that’s fine. No real ammenities at hotel, parking very hard to get a spot and very tight and we were there an hour after check in around 5pm. Location is the saving grace very close to lots of restaurants and coffee shops and views of the harbour. Seagulls are loud can hear them through the window as well as boats and float planes, but as to be expected. Would chose a different hotel next time.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Dean Seong Loong

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was clean, but the bed is a bit soft. No parking on site, but very accommodating to obtain other parking facilities as needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Curt

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Location is excellent however we had an issue with our key cards upon check in and also had a parking ticket that we had to deal with because our license plate was not properly registered despite providing the correct information. Bathroom could have been cleaned much better and hotel could use a refresh. Overall a decent value for the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aneta

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Wade

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Beverly

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jack

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice job lace in the downtown. Close to harbour and great restaurants
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Michelle

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with pets
N/A
Good View from the Harbour View Room
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Melissa

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
Horrible customer service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Nancy

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Thank goodness for the staff

The food from the restaurant downstairs was not very good at all. They didn’t give us any cutlery knowing that we were staying in the hotel. The best thing about the hotel was the bed and the staff. The bed was very comfortable, clean and had perfect pillows. The staff were sweet, helpful and gracious. The rooms really needs an up-date.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ricardo

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the area.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Denise Ann

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The room and linens was very clean. The hallways and carpet needs desperate replacement. Did not like the rules around linen replacement. No free breakfast offered considering price. Parking was free but not convenient for someone who cannot walk far or do stairs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Ariel

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking is a bit tight, especially if you get there late. Also the room is a bit tight but otherwise, everything was clean and fresh!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mahdis

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charmaine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lady who checked us in was so nice and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

ye

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Kathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Peter

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Parking was full. Was told be another guest that cars parking in the overflow lot often get vandalized or broken into. Lots of construction in the area made it hard to get around.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Timothy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
In a nice area
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Older building but nicely renovated. Very close to the waterfront and our room had a wonderful harbour view. Staff were friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025