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

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Gym
The current price is AU$171
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct

Explore the area

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

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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
(21 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • Sleeps 4
  • 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

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Red’s Bakery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Brix & Mortar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Mrs. Riches - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪The Nanaimo Bar - ‬1 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, 1,455 reviews
The price is AU$212
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
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

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 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Best Western Dorchester Hotel on 26 Oct 2025 start from AU$171.39, 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. 438 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 338 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 142 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 63 out of 1017 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 36 out of 1017 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

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Great location. Easy walking area with lots of restaurants and shopping. Only disappointment was there were no easy chairs in our suite as shown in the picture.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara, Delaware

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location downtown Nanaimo - close to restaurants and shops and the boardwalk. Room was basic but nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

emma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Joycelyn

Liked: Cleanliness
Construction outside to doors of the hotel. It was terrible
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terrence

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Madison

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed for one night and the smell of the hotel wasn’t great. It smelled old and musty in both the hotel and our room. Our bed had some weird white residue that was on my hair and pajamas after I woke up. The floor were clean of crumbs but I had to wipe up something after my toddler and my wipes were dark brown, I don’t think the floors were washed. It just felt dirty. I wouldn’t choose this hotel again, especially travelling with a 11 month old, it just didn’t feel clean. I would not recommend. Dinning in walking distance was limited. Pro’s: They did have two heat pumps which was nice because it was hot while we were there and there was free parking.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So close to waterfront for walking. Interesting shops on Chapel St. Not far to mall with groceries and liquor store. Free parking. Good food & drink available on site.
Early morning view from our 6th floor room.
Accessible waterfront walking.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Raquel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is well situated but we didn’t know there was construction outside the hotel which was annoying because we couldn’t get into the parkade and street parking was difficult.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Tessa

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Donna

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed the restaurant, tasty.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

KAREN

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

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s in a great location. You’re in walking distance to everything. The bed was very comfortable and I love the dispensers for shampoo and conditioner in the shower. I’ve never seen that before, but then again I do t travle a lot. Nanaimo is a lovely city and the people are friendly. We will be back
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ji

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice location.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Zack

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First room the fridge was leaking all over the floor , brown goo . And the hall and room smelled horribly like pee and the toilet was covered in pee stains . They moved our room after we complained and the new room was cleaner but noticed there was blood stains on the blankets . Never going back
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Janice

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Alanna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Barry

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. The parking was limited because the hotel is downtown.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Less than stellar!

Toilet wouldn’t flush, bathroom door didn’t lock, air conditioner did not keep the room cool, hallway stunk.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Staff was excellent. Room clean. Restaurant had great options. Perfect stay for our family. We appreciated the access to laundry as well as the 3rd floor deck. Thank you , especially, to Hayden.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Dominic

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
(like) cozy and clean room (like) nice harbour view from the room (like) friendly staff (don't like) the washroom door lock would not function properly
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

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

Central with lots nearby !

Great location with access to many restaurants and local interest spots. Staff was incredibly helpful and very welcoming. Room was very comfortable with lovely light decor - very airy and inviting! Took advantage of the guest laundry as we have been travelling for many days - they only have one washer & dryer unit and to purchase products need to go to a vending machine down the hall. Aside from this would recommend as an option for anyone looking to be central.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

One night stay

One night stay waiting for a ferry, quiet comfortably clean what is more is there to say and free parking. I would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shelli

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel. Lovely staff, nice area, great restaurant options close by. We will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

PAM, Vancouver

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
For a 24 hour sojourn in Nanaimo (from Vancouver) the Dorchester provided ideal accommodation in terms of location, safety (women alone), and amenities.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025