Best Western Dorchester Hotel

Hotels
Best Western
8.1 (1471 reviews)
70 Church St. , Nanaimo , ca

Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
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 1471 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
M
Marc-André couple ca
9
2026-05-22 via Nuitee
C
Chris couple ca
9
Great experience
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Parking

2026-05-22 via Nuitee
A
Alison solo_traveller ca
8
2026-05-22 via Nuitee
T
Tamara solo_traveller de
9
Pros:

Super Lage zum Harbour. Komfortables und sauberes Zimmer.

2026-05-22 via Nuitee
A
Andrea solo_traveller ca
7
Somewhat dated hotel but great value in an excellent location
Pros:

Proximity to waterfront and downtown attractions, view from room of the harbour, good sleep,
Bright room

Cons:

Shower did not have a mixer—making it hard to coordinate hot and cold taps for the right temperature—and both taps were labeled “cold”! The rooftop balcony needs more comfy chairs—-perhaps loungers; maids’ supply closet down the hall from my room slammed loudly ever time someone opened it; no lights switch near the inside of my room’s door made it awkward to find light controls upon arriving; traffic noise from street and harbour made napping during the day impossible; hallways stuffy and smelly.

2026-05-21 via Nuitee
A
Anthony solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Perfect location, great and attentive members of staff, comfortable and very clean. Lovely coffee and tea in the room and good quality bath products.

Cons:

Our room was rather small compared to the ones of other members of our party. Other than that no problem at all.

2026-05-18 via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth couple ca
1
Nothing was resolved and it was a very stressful experience.
Pros:

It was a nightmare and nothing was resolved. I was stuck sleeping in my vehicle that night.

2026-05-18 via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth couple gb
8
Great value for money.
Pros:

Fabulous view over the harbour watching the sea planes. Very comfortable bed. Ideal location for waterfront walk and restaurants.

Cons:

Overflow car park was a 5 min walk away which might not suit everyone with a lot of luggage.

2026-05-18 via Nuitee
B
Brennan solo_traveller ca
4
Great location, overpriced, horrible parking
Pros:

Great location.

Cons:

Little to no sound proofing. The people staying above me were extremely loud. On the day of my check out, staff told me my vehicle would be fine in the overflow parking for the afternoon but I received a parking ticket.

2026-05-18 via Nuitee
B
Brendon couple nz
8
Pros:

All staff where really friendly and helpful

Cons:

No breakfast

2026-05-17 via Nuitee
S
Steve solo_traveller ca
8
2026-05-16 via Nuitee
J
Julia couple ca
2
Not at all what I would expect from Best Western, beds were atrocious
Cons:

Beds were atrocious. Didn't like having to park away from the hotel in a dicey area of town.

2026-05-15 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
8
2026-05-14 via Nuitee
N
Neale family_with_children mx
8
Pros:

Very good

2026-05-09 via Nuitee
M
Maria solo_traveller us
10
Pros:

Everything. Our room had an amazing view.

2026-05-09 via Nuitee
J
Joanne family_with_children ca
9
Pros:

The room was excellent and perfect for a late checkin and early checkout!

Cons:

Water pressure was very average and never became hot but given we needed to be out early, it helped with quick showers.

2026-05-08 via Nuitee
M
Melanie solo_traveller de
10
2026-05-06 via Nuitee
B
Bertrand couple ca
7
2026-04-30 via Nuitee
L
Laura extended_group it
8
Posizione centrale e staff accogliente
Pros:

Staff accogliente. Posizione vista mare. Pulizia della struttura e possibilità di usare la lavanderia per la quale ti forniscono anche il sapone

Cons:

La difficoltà di lasciare la macchina in strada appena arrivati prima di portare la macchina nel parcheggio della struttura dopo aver effettuato il check in

2026-04-29 via Nuitee
L
Leo couple ca
8
2026-04-25 via Nuitee