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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

BBQ/picnic area
Front of property
Interior entrance
Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette | Premium bedding, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes
King Studio Suite | Living area | 50-inch Smart TV with cable channels, TV

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
950 Terminal Avenue N, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 4K4
  • Place, Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Old City Quarter
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Nanaimo, BC (YCD)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for 2 Queen Room

2 Queen Room | Premium bedding, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

2 Queen Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(36 reviews)
  • 210 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for King Studio Suite

Premium bedding, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

King Studio Suite

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(40 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette | Premium bedding, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 213 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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 refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.
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What's nearby

  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Old City Quarter - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Bastion - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Nanaimo Regional General Hospital - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Nanaimo Museum - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

  • Nanaimo, BC (YCD) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Drip Coffee | Social - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬8 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 refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Reception
Departure Bay Motel
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
7.8 out of 10, Good, 552 reviews
Departure Bay Motel

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 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
  • 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 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 within 24 hours before arrival with 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • 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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • 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 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 Feb 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Spot on Feb 11, 2026 start from $68.49, 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 Bastion within a short drive.

Is there parking available 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 amenities will couples enjoy at The Spot?

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

Are there hot tubs at The Spot?

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

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 (4 minutes by car). Another top airport is Nanaimo, BC (YCD), which is located 10.1 mi away (18-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. 355 out of 700 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 194 out of 700 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 83 out of 700 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 700 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 37 out of 700 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Valerie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, great shower.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Blair

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Was lots or road noise
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Didn’t use the air conditioner, but it looked to be in good condition. The parking lot was fine, but the area was a little sketchy. DEFINITELY lock up your car
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Awry

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
booked a stay at The Spot Boutique Hotel and was extremely disappointed with how I was treated. At the last minute, they cancelled my reservation without proper notice or explanation, leaving me completely stranded with nowhere to go. There was no effort made to help me find alternative accommodation or even a sincere apology. This kind of unprofessional behavior is unacceptable for a hotel that claims to care about its guests. If you’re looking for reliability and respect, I strongly recommend booking somewhere else. A business that treats paying customers this way doesn’t deserve your trust.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Darrin

Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was ok but very noisey. Lota if street noise So difficult falling asleep. Finally asleep and at 1 am some dude wanders in the room. Door was locked and no dead bolt. Dude says it was his room as i laying in ded and myndog runs out the door. Have to be up at 430 am for a 12 hour drive So i am not happy
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charmaine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room and area were great. Quite a bit of road noise though.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Awry

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Amanda

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
While this property has some nice upgrades… Building and doors are old and sound travels right through. Location is literally on the highway… so expect traffic noise and a lot of foot traffic around the building. While it worked for our short stay, would not stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Vijay

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant stay. No front desk. All check in done online. It's great for an introvert. The coffee machine did not work and even though i placed the card outside my door for "making my room" and replacing coffee pods, there was no service done. Communication for checkin and check out was great and convenient through SMS
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good location, good value, pet friendly. No cleaning service our entire 5 day stay. Maybe that is standard procedure but it wasn't communicated to us.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ranee

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved self check in no hassle every hotel motel should have this service. Enjoyed my stay & definitely will come back as I travel for work quite a bit.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Affordable, great large television, great beds, linens, bath towels, washroom, showers, heated mirror, large minifridge, lots of plugins. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and fast check in
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kai

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely room, nice staff
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The price point was amazing, and the experience was perfect for what we needed - a good night's sleep before traveling on the next day. It was clean and well kept. We would come back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aileen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, comfortable bed, great shower
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great space, very conveniently located. Room was quiet and clean, bathroom was very good. Could have used a desk? Otherwise very nice for the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maeva

Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's the perfect spot if you are arriving from the ferry and need a place to stay for the night. I arrived there at 11 p.m. Check-in was easy, and communication was great and helpful. It is not quiet, so it is probably not the best for a long stay, but it is definitely very convenient, and everything was efficient. Also, it is pet-friendly, and that was the positive part for us. We will return if we arrive late at night or leave with the early morning ferry.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Marvin

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very noisy no sound proofing
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Felix

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
the room was super nice and new, comfortable bed, super clean and in general a good price
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeannette

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, pet-friendly, enclosed yard with small outdoor table made our stay comfortable-thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

nichole

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025