The Spot

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Spot

King Studio Suite | Premium bedding, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker
Family Kitchenette, 2 Queen bedrooms suite | Premium bedding, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
King Studio Suite | Living area | 50-inch Smart TV with cable channels, TV
Front of property

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

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

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Room options

2 Queen Room

  • 210 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

King Studio Suite

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Nanaimo

The Spot is located within a mile (2 km) of Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Maffeo Sutton Park. This 10-room motel has in-room conveniences like kitchenettes, refrigerators, and microwaves.

What's nearby

  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Nanaimo Regional General Hospital - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Nanaimo Aquatic Centre - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Vancouver Island University - 4 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Duke Point Ferry Terminal - 20 min drive - 12.6 miles

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
At The Spot, guests have access to free WiFi in public areas, express check-in, and express check-out. If you drive, take advantage of free parking. Multilingual staff is on hand to answer questions. Additional amenities include a garden and a picnic area.
50-inch Smart TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Other amenities include kitchenettes, refrigerators, and microwaves.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

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

Things to do

  • Bicycle tours

Family friendly

  • In-room kitchenette
  • 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
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 50-inch smart TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
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

  • This property welcomes pets for CAD 20 per pet, per night
  • Dogs and cats only
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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
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-authorize 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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-midnight
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.
Property Registration Number 5032890

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. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Are free cancellation options available at The Spot?

The Spot provides free cancellation on select room rates. To learn more, review the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Spot?

As of Jun 5, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Spot on Jun 15, 2025 start from $113.81, excluding 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.

What can I see within easy reach of The Spot?

This motel is located in Nanaimo, a short 20-minute walk from Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and also 18 minutes on foot from Maffeo Sutton Park. You'll also find Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park and Beach Estates Park within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at The Spot?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the motel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does The Spot have a casino on the premises?

No, The Spot doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Spot?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What do couples enjoy most about The Spot?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this motel include a kitchenette, premium bedding, and a rainfall showerhead.

Are there hot tubs at The Spot?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does The Spot have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, The Spot doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will The Spot allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at The Spot for a fee of CAD 20 per pet, per night.

Are there connecting rooms at The Spot?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

How close is the airport from The Spot?

The closest major airport to The Spot is Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome), which is 1.3 mi away (3 minutes by car). Another top airport is Nanaimo, BC (YCD), which is located 10 mi away (16-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Spot?

Yes, some guestrooms at The Spot offer a patio and may feature garden views.

The Spot Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 288 out of 571 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 161 out of 571 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 67 out of 571 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 571 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 571 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

8/10 Good

Jennifee

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled 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

Business traveler, Traveled with family
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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

4/10 Poor

Stephen

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Traveled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Carmen

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Definitely a secret gem! Totally unassuming on the outside, and an amazing luxurious surprise on the inside. Close to absolutely everything, Transit is right there, and there's even a laundromat like a 3 minute or less walk away. The gas station and Corner Store beside it is open 24/7, and just a little bit farther away throughout several other stores and food options. The lower star rating makes no sense to me because this place is top notch!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024