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Best Western Dorchester Hotel

2.5 star property
Hotel in Nanaimo with 3 restaurants and fitness centre

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
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
The current price is AU$203
includes taxes & fees
18 Sept - 19 Sept

Explore the area

View map
70 Church St, Nanaimo, BC, V9R5H4
  • Old City Quarter
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Duke Point Ferry Terminal
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Nanaimo, BC (YCD)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

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

1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, desk

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(20 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Refrigerator, Harbour View

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

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

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

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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

1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, desk

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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

1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, desk

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbour View

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Nanaimo

Best Western Dorchester Hotel places you in the centre of Nanaimo, steps from Bastion and within a short 5-minute stroll of Vancouver Island Military Museum. Highlights at this hotel include 3 restaurants, free self-parking and a bar/lounge. .The restaurant, Top Notch Burgers, is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. 5000 square feet (465 square metres) of event facilities include 5 meeting rooms and a conference centre, and other business amenities include a business centre. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a gym and coffee/tea in a common area. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available daily between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls. There's also the convenience of limited parking. .Attractions within a 15-minute drive of this Nanaimo hotel include Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Duke Point Ferry Terminal.

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 - 18 min drive - 18.4 km

Getting around

  • Nanaimo, BC (YCD) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪White Sails Brewing - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Red’s Bakery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Vault - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Best Western Dorchester Hotel

Hotel in Nanaimo with 3 restaurants and fitness centre
There are 3 restaurants on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Business amenities include a business centre and 5 meeting rooms.

WiFi is free in public spaces. Event space at this hotel measures 5000 square feet (465 square metres) and includes a conference centre. A fitness centre, a vending machine, and coffee/tea in 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 centre
  • Business facilities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Beauty salon
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • On-site shopping
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
Best Western Dorchester Hotel offers 71 accommodations with a safe and coffee/tea makers. This accommodation offers separate sitting areas. Beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Room, 1 King Bed, Harbour View (Coast Premium King with Ocean View) | Room amenity

Coast Bastion Hotel

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,358 reviews
The price is AU$251
includes taxes & fees
3 Sept - 4 Sept
Coast Bastion Hotel

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free 24-hour offsite parking within 30 metres
  • Street parking available
  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking

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

Restaurants on site

  • Embers Wine & Charcuterie
  • The View Oceanside Grill
  • Top Notch Burgers

Things to do

  • Designer stores
  • Gym
  • Shopping
  • Wine tours

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • 5 meeting rooms
  • Business centre
  • Conference centre (5,000 square foot of space)

Accessibility

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

More

  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium channels

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 lb 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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-authorise 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-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in all accommodation. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of We Care Clean (Best Western) guidelines.

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children aged 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

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

Yep, Best Western Dorchester Hotel has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited.

How much does it cost to stay at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

As of 28 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Best Western Dorchester Hotel on 18 Sept 2025 start from AU$203.31, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Are there any beaches close to Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

The closest beach to Best Western Dorchester Hotel is Departure Bay Beach (4.9 km).

What makes Best Western Dorchester Hotel a romantic place to stay?

Ocean-view dining and a lounge bar, as well as premium bedding in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Best Western Dorchester Hotel.

Does Best Western Dorchester Hotel serve breakfast?

You bet, cooked-to-order breakfast is offered daily between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

No, Best Western Dorchester Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and 3 restaurants. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

Cats and dogs are welcome at Best Western Dorchester Hotel, with food and water bowls on offer. Just so you know, there's a limit of 2 pets, with a maximum weight of up to 16 kg per pet.

Best Western Dorchester Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 431 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 347 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 137 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 64 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 36 out of 1015 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

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Walter

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

John Richard

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Natan

Liked: Cleanliness
Air conditioner not working. Very uncomfortable sleep
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
located near the waterfront and walking distance for many interesting activities - close to ferries. Older building but beautifully updated.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Kim

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Beautiful view from the suite but no door on the bedroom and the only bathroom in the bedroom
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Dan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice location , can walk to a lot of restaurants
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Katrina

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Tired hotel with definite odours. Rooms need updating. Very, very slow to flip rooms (despite low turn-over)
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maja

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean hotel, 3 great restaurants on the property. Overlooks the harbour. Walking distance to shops and restaurants downtown
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Carli

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
The room itself is really nice and bright. With such a great view. You can watch sea planes take off and land. You can see mountains from your bed. I was just disappointed in the customer service at check in. It was mainly one person who was quite rude. But others were friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Jessica

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janis Marcia

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
The building is older but clean and the staff are friendly.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

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

Location, location, location

Clean, comfortable and great location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joel

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great access to waterfront, walking paths etc. Good restaurant in site for pub-style fare. Best option in downtown Nanaimo!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Kristen

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good quality for the price. Rooms are bright and clean. Lots of restaurants and the pier close by. They were very friendly and accommodating to our dog.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Todd

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Noisey/loud hotel but clean and good service

Clean room, friendy service, comfy bed. Unfortunately, it's a very loud hotel and I heard everyone around me all night. Even with custom sleep earplugs I was woken up several times by people walking by in the hall--the room's door didn't keep out any sound. It sounded like people were walking right by my bed. Horrible sleep.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Birgit

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall we had a great experience at the Dorchester BW. We were guaranteed a 4pm check in but had to wait 30 minutes. However we were given Starbucks gift cards for the inconvenience which we appreciated. The junior suite we had was very comfortable, large, had great bedding and the bathroom was large with all the amenities we needed. The location was perfect as we could just cross the street to the wonderful water side walkway. We would recommend the BW Dorchester and thank them again for compensating for the late check in.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Bob, Invermere

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Due to street upgrading so access to the hotel was confusing.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Herb

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautifully renovated property with stunning harbour views. Helpful and friendly staff. Great restaurant on site.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Stewart

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking was challenging. Construction blocks church street.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Birgit

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

10/10 Excellent

Sally-Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Deborah

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bobby

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

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