The Spot

2.0 star property
Motel with free parking, near Departure Bay Ferry Terminal

Photo gallery for The Spot

King Studio Suite
Front of property
Family Kitchenette, 2 Queen bedrooms suite
Interior entrance
King Studio Suite | Living area

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
The current price is AU$164
includes taxes & fees
23 June - 24 June

Explore the area

Map
950 Terminal Avenue N, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 4K4
  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Vancouver Island University
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Duke Point Ferry Terminal
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Nanaimo, BC (YCD)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Room options

2 Queen Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Smart TV
Renovated in 2022
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Fridge
Smart TV
Renovated in 2022
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

King Studio Suite

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Fridge
Smart TV
Renovated in 2022
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Nanaimo

The Spot puts you in the heart of Nanaimo, within a 20-minute stroll of Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Maffeo Sutton Park. Highlights at this motel include in-room free WiFi and Smart TVs. .This business-friendly motel offers free WiFi in public areas, a garden and a picnic area. Additionally, you'll find express check-in, express check-out and multilingual staff. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .With a stay at this Nanaimo motel, you'll be 17.1 km (10.6 mi) from Duke Point Ferry Terminal.

What's nearby

  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Nanaimo Regional General Hospital - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Nanaimo Aquatic Centre - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Vancouver Island University - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Duke Point Ferry Terminal - 20 min drive - 20.3 km

Getting around

  • Nanaimo, BC (YCD) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Off the Hook - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪White Sails Brewing - ‬19 min walk

About this property

The Spot

Motel with free parking, near Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
As a guest of The Spot, you'll find multilingual staff, a garden, and a picnic area. Public spaces have free WiFi. The business-friendly The Spot also features express check-in and express check-out. Free self parking is available. A complete renovation of The Spot was completed in April 2022.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Nanaimo motel.

  • 10 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
The Spot offers 10 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Beds feature premium bedding. 50-inch Smart televisions come with cable channels. Fridges and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include a shower with a rainfall showerhead, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

  • Bicycle tours

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Virtual front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 2 floors
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Renovated entire property - April 2022

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 50-inch smart TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email with special check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

  • Pets: CAD 20 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra 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.

  • Pet fee: CAD 20 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
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.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
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. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. 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 fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Property Registration Number 5032890

Property is also known as

Colonial Motel Nanaimo
Colonial Nanaimo
The Spot Motel
Colonial Motel
The Spot Nanaimo
The Spot Motel Nanaimo

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Spot?

The Spot offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Spot?

As of 10 June 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Spot on 23 June 2025 start from AU$164.11, 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.

Is parking available at The Spot?

Yep, The Spot has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to The Spot?

The closest beach to The Spot is Departure Bay Beach (3.2 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Spot?

No, The Spot does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Spot?

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

The Spot Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 288 out of 572 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 161 out of 572 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 68 out of 572 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 572 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 572 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Joe

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
I was very disappointed to say the least with my recent stay at The Spot Motel. There was the noise of footsteps coming from the room above me and it was constant from the time I got there around 7pm until about at least 2am in the morning. I needed to wake up at 3am for an early flight at the airport so as you can imagine, I did not have a very good sleep at all at night. This is now the third time that I have had the same experience staying at The Spot. I called the hot line number who said they would talk to the guests above but they did nothing to remedy the situation. It seems clear there was someone living up above on some sort of permanent basis. I had always like The Spot because of its location and that it was nicely appointed with recent renovations. But sadly, I will not be staying at The Spot again and will be sure to also advise friends to avoid this motel. Personally, I believe I should be getting a refund for my recent visit because it was such a very unsatisfactory stay.

8/10 Good

Jennifee

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natasha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was immaculate and the staff were so very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Neil

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

8/10 Good

Christie

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The spot was a great location for an overnight stay next to the ferry. Good location for some dining options. We stayed here during a snow storm and the only thing that sucked was their parking lot did not get plowed once while we stayed. Luckily it wasn't busy so it did not matter where we parked but it made getting in and out of the parking lot quite difficult.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

daniel, royston

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

daniel, royston

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I've stayed at this hotel three separate times, and each visit has been consistently great. The rooms are very clean, and the staff is incredibly helpful, responding quickly to any questions or issues. I really appreciate that you can communicate with staff via phone call or text, so there's no need to track someone down in person. The self check in and check out process is super convenient, making arrivals and departures hassle-free. The only minor downside is that some of the box springs are quite squeaky, so an update in that area would be nice. There is some road noise depending on where your room is but that's to be expected given the location. I will definitely be back!

10/10 Excellent

emma

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meridee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Well situated lovely rooms
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Xiao Margaret

Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Stephen

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room code incorrect / TV didn't work / no on-site security or support. Never again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

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

8/10 Good

Louis

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Kelly

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our connecting ferry home was cancelled so we needed last minute accommodations. Our room was only $105 total for two queen beds, so I was happy with the value. There was no staff on site, so hence my rating. The rooms were nice, beds were comfy but our room smelled terrible. It had a very potent noxious odour that gave me a headache. I opened a window and was able to sleep, but if I was staying longer I wouldn’t have been able to spend much time in the room due to the smell. Otherwise I would book again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zephyira

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great price for a great place close to the ferry
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mickey

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Camila

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We had a really nice stay, and the staff was so friendly and caring. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

April

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Dayna

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
The room was facing the Highway and was noisy otherwise good.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024