See all properties

Best Western Dorchester Hotel

2.5 star property
Hotel in Nanaimo with 3 restaurants and a fitness center

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Best Western Dorchester Hotel

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

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Gym

Explore the area

View in a 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)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbor View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Refrigerator, Harbor View

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(18 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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

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

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

  • 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)
  • 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)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Nanaimo

Best Western Dorchester Hotel places you next to Bastion and within a 5-minute walk of Vancouver Island Military Museum. This 71-room hotel has 3 restaurants along with conveniences like free in-room WiFi and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Bastion - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Casino Nanaimo - 6 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Nanaimo Museum - 6 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Old City Quarter - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Vancouver Island University - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles

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 a fitness center
Guests of Best Western Dorchester Hotel enjoy a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and a conference center. Free parking is included with your stay. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with securing valuables and luggage storage. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Additional amenities include a business center, coffee/tea in a common area, and laundry facilities.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers. Sitting areas, coffee makers, and free local calls are other standard amenities.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Room, 1 King Bed, Harbor View (Coast Premium King with Ocean View) | Room amenity
Coast Bastion Hotel
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,472 reviews
$126 nightly
The price is $147
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Coast Bastion Hotel

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free 24-hour offsite parking
  • Street parking available
  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited onsite 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 center
  • Conference center (5,000 square feet 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.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator

More

  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

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

  • This property welcomes pets for CAD 30 per pet, per night
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 2 total (35 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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 list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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-authorize 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)
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-midnight
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 19
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features 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).

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

What is there to do within easy reach of Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

Guests positively rate the hotel's walkable location in Nanaimo, just steps from Bastion, and within a 10-minute walk of Nanaimo Museum and Maffeo Sutton Park. You'll also find Casino Nanaimo and Old City Quarter less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Best Western Dorchester Hotel include a casino on the premises?

No, Best Western Dorchester Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What do couples enjoy most about Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including a bar, an ocean-view restaurant, and public winery tours.

Are there hot tubs at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Best Western Dorchester Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Best Western Dorchester Hotel has 3 restaurants, and serves a cooked-to-order breakfast each morning for a surcharge.

Will Best Western Dorchester Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at Best Western Dorchester Hotel for a fee of CAD 30 per pet, per night. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Are there connecting rooms at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

The closest major airport to Best Western Dorchester Hotel is Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome), which is within a mile. Another top airport is Nanaimo, BC (YCD), which is located 8.7 mi away (13-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Best Western Dorchester Hotel.

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 1007 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 334 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 143 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 65 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 34 out of 1007 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Raymond Wai Man

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Pro: very good view. We booked harbour view. Nice restaurants around. The view Oceanside restaurant has a good atmosphere but too expensive for the food quality. Wife can’t taste the liquor in the flambé we ordered. It doesn’t come with complimentary bread. You have to pay $8.50 for it. Cons: restaurant food wasn’t enough for us afterwards but the demonstrations with the flambé and the service was good along with the atmosphere with the lighting. Tips: make sure you reserve for a table by the little room with lots of lights decorated. So romantic. The other cons is that the street is really quiet and no street light for a section of the area so kinda scary if you come here in the fall or winter. The room was big enough for us. Can’t wait to go back.
During the airshow
Order the flambe
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

mahir

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Overall good stay they could invest in better beds as it wasn’t easy on my back and would use swimming pool
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

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

Pleasant stay

Great stay. Very walkable. Loved the harbour view.. Snigdha at front wasmost helpful. Would definitely stay again. Everyone very friendly..
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Corey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice and close to sea planes.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Boyang

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

8/10 Good

James

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jack

Traveled 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

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

2/10 Terrible

Melissa

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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