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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$160
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 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

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
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
  • 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
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
  • 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
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
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
Shower/bath combination
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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(18 reviews)

Highlights

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

  • 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

  • ‪Red’s Bakery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Brix & Mortar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Mrs. Riches - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Old City Station Pub - ‬2 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, 1,470 reviews
The price is AU$225
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 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 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Best Western Dorchester Hotel on 1 Dec 2025 start from AU$160.24, 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. 431 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 333 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 143 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 65 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 34 out of 1006 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Boyang

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

8/10 Good

James

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The parking lot near the hotel is always busy. Have to park a few blocks away
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding. Tons of character, super clean, awesome helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Hannah

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel is in a great spot in downtown Nanaimo. The new renovations are great but still need to renovate the bathrooms. The stay was okay, there is an unpleasant smell in the entire hotel maybe because it’s an old building.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Christine

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

Good location

Good location nice hotel to stay in before ferry
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Randa

Just ok, pass next time

Front desk didn’t offer the same compliments as the person in front of us. They were upgraded and offered bottle water and were super friendly. When they got to us they barely smoke a word. Very expensive hotel for what you get. Hall ways have no A/C with windows open at 30’C with a ton of flies. Had to be strategic to open your room door so no flies got in. A/C in room worked well and beds were comfy. Shortened ceilings and small room but that’s fine. No real ammenities at hotel, parking very hard to get a spot and very tight and we were there an hour after check in around 5pm. Location is the saving grace very close to lots of restaurants and coffee shops and views of the harbour. Seagulls are loud can hear them through the window as well as boats and float planes, but as to be expected. Would chose a different hotel next time.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Dean Seong Loong

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was clean, but the bed is a bit soft. No parking on site, but very accommodating to obtain other parking facilities as needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Curt

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Location is excellent however we had an issue with our key cards upon check in and also had a parking ticket that we had to deal with because our license plate was not properly registered despite providing the correct information. Bathroom could have been cleaned much better and hotel could use a refresh. Overall a decent value for the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aneta

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Wade

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Beverly

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jack

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice job lace in the downtown. Close to harbour and great restaurants
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Michelle

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with pets
N/A
Good View from the Harbour View Room
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Melissa

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
Horrible customer service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Nancy

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Thank goodness for the staff

The food from the restaurant downstairs was not very good at all. They didn’t give us any cutlery knowing that we were staying in the hotel. The best thing about the hotel was the bed and the staff. The bed was very comfortable, clean and had perfect pillows. The staff were sweet, helpful and gracious. The rooms really needs an up-date.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ricardo

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the area.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Denise Ann

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The room and linens was very clean. The hallways and carpet needs desperate replacement. Did not like the rules around linen replacement. No free breakfast offered considering price. Parking was free but not convenient for someone who cannot walk far or do stairs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Ariel

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking is a bit tight, especially if you get there late. Also the room is a bit tight but otherwise, everything was clean and fresh!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mahdis

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charmaine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lady who checked us in was so nice and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

ye

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

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Kathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Peter

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Parking was full. Was told be another guest that cars parking in the overflow lot often get vandalized or broken into. Lots of construction in the area made it hard to get around.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025