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

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Gym
The current price is AU$150
includes taxes & fees
28 Dec - 29 Dec

Explore the area

View 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

1 King Bed, Non-Smoking, Harbor View, Refrigerator, Wi-Fi

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Queen Room

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

Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

Queen Room with Sofa Bed

  • Sleeps 4

King Suite

  • Sleeps 4

Harbour View Room With Two Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4

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)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbour View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
  • 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
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
  • 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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(18 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double 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
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Sleeps 4

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

  • Sleeps 4

Guest Room With 2 Double Beds, Non-Smoking, Harbour View, Refrigerator And Wi-Fi

  • Sleeps 4

2 Double Beds, Non-Smoking, Refrigerator, Wi-Fi

  • Sleeps 4

Two Double Bed Suite

  • Sleeps 6

Premium Queen Suite with Harbor View

  • Sleeps 4

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

  • 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

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Red’s Bakery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Brix & Mortar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Old City Station Pub - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Mrs. Riches - ‬8 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
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Beauty salon
  • On-site shopping
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • 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, 1,495 reviews
The price is AU$214
includes taxes & fees
25 Dec - 26 Dec
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
  • 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

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
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • 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
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 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 16 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Best Western Dorchester Hotel on 28 Dec 2025 start from AU$149.86, 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.

Reviews

Best Western Dorchester Hotel Reviews

8.2

Very good

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 437 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 331 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 139 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 64 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1004 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

john

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

1 week stay in Nanaimo bc

the stay was good the staff were very friendly and helpful the biggest problem was the fact that i booked on-line with what was supposed to be the hotel site only to be informed at check in that it was booked through Expedia which i didn`t i think Expedia hijacked my booking which should be illegal is there a way for the Hotel to block them from doing so ? we didn`t get the ocean view room that we wanted ,street side was a little noisy at times, the Hotel manager was very helpful in compensating us for this inconvenience, Thank you, John Leese
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is great right on the harbour front.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were A-one. Went above and beyond in service. Would definitely recommend staying at BW Dorchester .
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
N/a
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Tracey

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort

No hot water

Hotel is old with alot of character however no hot water at all. When i mentioned it at checkout the only response was the breaker had beem off and was back on and water would be warm soon. That didn't help us as we had to check out to catch a ferry. No apology or compensation of any sort. This was not a cheap hotel and therefore will not stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thank you in particular to Adam in the restaurant who mentioned stopping off in Coombs . . we saw the Goats on the Roof !
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Paul

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is past its best by a number of years. Furniture is ready for the skip, maintenance isn’t a good as new approach, and we were issued a room when checking in late in the evening, tired and ready for bed and only when it was too late we realised the air conditioning was faulty in an already very smaller than average hotel room, stay in any of the other hotels near here as we have before and it’s chalk and cheese. Best western didn’t even respond to my messages raising the issue with them.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zachary

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

10/10 Excellent

shane, Mississauga

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Old with a great location

The hotel offers a seamless check-in process and boasts a fantastic location, along with being nicely updated. However, due to the building's age, there is a noticeable slant of a few inches in the family suite. This can impact the balance of elderly parents, which became a concern during our stay. Within just a few hours, we received a noise complaint because of their difficulty in moving about.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cindy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Pros: Best night's sleep I ever had in a hotel. SUPER quiet. Didnt hear anything all night, wasnt woken up by the AC nor the refrigerator, as is usually the case in hotels! Bed was quite comfortable as well. View was absolutely beautiful. Staff was friendly. Even though we had to evacuate because someone pulled a fire alarm one morning, it was still one of the best hotels I've stayed in Cons: parking is on another street. No cold drinks (drinks are in same vending machine aa chips)
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

geraldine

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

8/10 Good

Valerie

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ishita

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were very clean and very ideal location to walk around the town centre
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Small hotel super location. Great transport to Hullo ferry to Vancouver. Great views from room. Bed bedding etc good.Breakfast Excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Lisa

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The harbour is beautiful. The panhandlers are annoying. The hotel is very old and the floors in my room were dirty. The fire alarm going off in the morning was really unfortunate and it took quite some time for the fire department to resolve it. Was told two different things - front desk said there is no issue and it’s a false alarm and later I was told that there was an electrical issue in the basement.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Fan

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, a bit of walk to the parking, but it's free
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cletus

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

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