Best Western Dorchester Hotel

Hotels
Best Western
8.1 (1452 reviews)
70 Church St. , Nanaimo , ca

Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Location
Friendly staff
Good breakfast
Cons:
Poor cleanliness
Service inconsistencies
Small rooms

Categories

Cleanliness
6.8
The floors were sticky and the room smelled foul, indicating poor cleanliness.
Service
7.77
Mixed experiences; some found staff helpful while others faced issues at checkout.
Location
9.3
Multiple reviews highlighted the great central location.
Room Quality
7.26
Some rooms were comfortable and nicely renovated, but others were too small and had maintenance issues.
Amenities
7.79
Basic amenities noted, but some users mentioned missing items like body wash.
Value for Money
8.74
Many found it to be a fair price considering the location and services.
Food and Beverage
8.79
Guests enjoyed the restaurant's breakfast and meals, though not included in price.
Overall Experience
8.37
Overall guests appreciated the location despite some service and cleanliness issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 14:32

Property Description

Stunning Waterfront Views

Luxurious Amenities

Delicious Dining Options

Experience the breathtaking waterfront views at the downtown Nanaimo hotel, overlooking the Inner Harbour. Stay connected with free WiFi and take advantage of complimentary parking. Relax in rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs and enjoy the convenience of in-room coffee makers and free local calls. Indulge in delectable dishes and impeccable service at The View restaurant or grab a bite at Top Notch Burgers. With the Departure Bay BC Ferry Terminal and the Bastion Museum just a short distance away, adventure is at your doorstep. Book now for an unforgettable stay at the Best Western Dorchester Hotel.

Important information:

Upon check-in photo identification and credit card is required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: YCD

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.1
Based on 1452 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.8
Service: 7.77
Location: 9.3
Room Quality: 7.26
Amenities: 7.79
Value for Money: 8.74
Food and Beverage: 8.79
Overall Experience: 8.37
L
Leo couple ca
8
2026-04-25 via Nuitee
J
Jason couple ca
7
Great location!
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Parking was tricky, no breakfast included. We knew this, but for the price it would have been nice.

2026-04-25 via Nuitee
D
Dianne solo_traveller ca
7
Pros:

The room and the location.

Cons:

It wasn’t cleaned properly and the evelator was on maintenance that time no one helped us with our luggage.

2026-04-23 via Nuitee
G
Gowman solo_traveller ca
10
2026-04-21 via Nuitee
A
Andrea couple ch
8
2026-04-20 via Nuitee
K
Karen couple ca
10
We really loved being so close to the downtown area and the harbour.
Pros:

It was so close to the water and all the restaurants and shopping.

Cons:

The outside parking was tight but we eventually put our car in their lot and then it was secure for 24 hours.

2026-04-18 via Nuitee
A
Anna solo_traveller ca
10
2026-04-18 via Nuitee
D
Diane solo_traveller ca
9
Great value
Pros:

Clean, friendly, right downtown

2026-04-16 via Nuitee
K
Karina solo_traveller ca
7
2026-04-15 via Nuitee
K
Ken couple ca
5
Ok
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Microwave and kettle in the room.

2026-04-14 via Nuitee
H
Helen family_with_children us
9
We really enjoyed our stay and would recommend it to anyone .
Pros:

Location, quaint, free parking

Cons:

Old building smell

2026-04-14 via Nuitee
M
Marlies solo_traveller de
9
2026-04-14 via Nuitee
B
Bob couple ca
7
It was fine.
Pros:

Location convenient to Hullo ferry. Liked our upgraded suite with a view over the harbour. Loved the calamari appetizer in the bar.

Cons:

Los of steps. Longer walk to get to parking.

2026-04-11 via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth solo_traveller us
10
2026-04-11 via Nuitee
V
Vladimir family_with_children ca
8
Pros:

The location is amazing
The room was clean and nice
No carpet so it's a huge bonus

Cons:

The view from our window was the roof

2026-04-08 via Nuitee
S
Sherry couple ca
8
2026-04-06 via Nuitee
T
Teri solo_traveller us
5
Basic hotel stopover close to harbor but parking a hassle
Pros:

Location close to harbor was pleasant. Room was very small but clean and comfortable. Basic place to stay for one night.

Cons:

Parking an issue as you must park on street or around the corner at a parking lot which makes it difficult if you have luggage and a dog. The hotel is like a maze with long corridors and only one elevator as it is an old building. Decor is pretty dated.

2026-04-06 via Nuitee
R
Rufus solo_traveller ca
9
Cons:

There was no microwave

2026-04-06 via Nuitee
S
Steven couple ca
8
Great stay from start to finish
Pros:

The front desk clerk at both check in and check out was super friendly with a smile. He was the best part of the stay

Cons:

The air conditioning was on when i arrived and took a bit to warm up. Also the bathtub drain was super slow. Might benefit from a draino purge

2026-04-04 via Nuitee
R
Rebecca extended_group ca
10
When I go back, it’s where I want to stay!
Pros:

I loved staying here! I loved the location, the size of the rooms and the friendly staff!

Cons:

The accessibility is an issue from the parking lot to the closest door. Many steps you have to go up with your luggage unless you want to walk around the block to the other side

2026-04-02 via Nuitee