Step into Best Western Dorchester Hotel, where the charm of Departure Bay's ocean views meets modern comforts. Enjoy a fitness session at the gym, indulge in breakfast with a view at one of two restaurants, and unwind with dry cleaning/laundry services or a visit to the on-site hair salon.
Reviews
8.28.2 out of 10
Very good
Popular amenities
Bar
24/7 front desk
Gym
Pet friendly
Non-smoking
Laundry facilities
Main amenities (12)
Daily housekeeping
3 restaurants and bar/lounge
Breakfast available
Fitness center
Conference center
Business center
5 meeting rooms
24-hour front desk
Coffee/tea in a common area
Front-desk safe
Vending machine
Laundry service
Feel at home (6)
Children stay free
Private bathroom
Separate sitting area
Premium TV channels
Daily housekeeping
Laundry facilities
$107 nightly
The total price is $124
$124 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Total with taxes and fees
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms
View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator
Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator
8.28.2 out of 10
Very good
20 reviews
(20 reviews)
Highlights
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
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
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
15 reviews
(15 reviews)
Highlights
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
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
8.88.8 out of 10
Excellent
13 reviews
(13 reviews)
Highlights
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Sleeps 4
2 Double Beds
Family Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed)
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
2 reviews
(2 reviews)
Highlights
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Sleeps 6
2 Queen Beds
View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbor View (with Sofabed)
Suite, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbor View (with Sofabed)
Highlights
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed
View all photos for Executive Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed)
Executive Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed)
10.010.0 out of 10
Exceptional
1 review
(1 review)
Highlights
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed
View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed)
Junior Suite, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed)
8.08.0 out of 10
Very good
3 reviews
(3 reviews)
Highlights
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Sleeps 4
1 Queen Bed
View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbor View
Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator, Harbor View
Vancouver Island University - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - 5 min drive - 3.5 km
Duke Point Ferry Terminal - 18 min drive - 18.4 km
Getting around
Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome) - 1 min drive
Nanaimo, BC (YCD) - 13 min drive
Maple Bay, BC (YAQ-Maple Bay Seaplane Base) - 57 min drive
Ganges, BC (YGG-Ganges Harbour Seaplane Base) - 81 min drive
Sechelt, BC (YHS-Sunshine Coast Regional) - 176 min drive
Restaurants
White Sails Brewing - 5 min walk
Starbucks - 7 min walk
Red’s Bakery - 3 min walk
Subway - 6 min walk
Flamez - 5 min walk
About this property
Best Western Dorchester Hotel
When you stay at Best Western Dorchester Hotel, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Duke Point Ferry Terminal. Guests can visit the fitness center for a workout or grab a bite to eat at Top Notch Burgers, which is one of 3 restaurants and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fellow travelers like the helpful staff and location.
Languages
English
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
71 rooms
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 19
Check-out time is 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 19
DONE
Children
Up to 2 children (12 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets allowed (dogs and cats only, 2 total, up to 35 lbs per pet)*
Service animals welcome
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply*
Pets must be supervised
Food and water bowls available
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free uncovered onsite self parking
Onsite parking limited
Free 24-hour offsite parking within 98 ft
Street parking available
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge) each morning 8:00 AM–11:00 AM
3 restaurants
Bar/lounge
Coffee/tea in a common area
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
Public winery tours
Shopping
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Whale-watching nearby
Fishing nearby
Working away
Business center
5 meeting rooms
Conference center (5000 square feet of space)
Services
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Hair salon
Free newspapers in lobby
Luggage storage
Facilities
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Fitness center
Designer stores on site
Banquet hall
Accessibility
Elevator
Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
Room amenities
Be entertained
Flat-screen television
Premium TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Coffee/tea maker
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
What to enjoy
Separate sitting area
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Free local calls
Desk chair
Food and drink
Mini-fridge
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Special features
Dining
Top Notch Burgers - This restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
The View Oceanside Grill - Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant serves dinner only. Reservations are required. Open daily.
Embers Wine & Charcuterie - Onsite fine-dining restaurant. Open daily.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately CAD 10 to 22 for adults, and CAD 10 to 22 for children
Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of CAD 30 per pet, per night
Policies
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of We Care Clean (Best Western).
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
Are pets allowed at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Yes, cats and dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 total and maximum weight of 35 lbs per pet. There's a charge of CAD 30 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Food and water bowls are available.
Is parking offered on site at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Yes, there's free self parking. Parking spots may be limited.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability).
Is there an onsite casino at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Casino Nanaimo (6-min walk) is nearby.
What is there to do at Best Western Dorchester Hotel and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities like fishing and hiking. Additional recreation nearby includes casino gaming. Best Western Dorchester Hotel also has a fitness center.
Are there restaurants at or near Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Yes, there are 3 onsite restaurants, featuring ocean views.
What's the area around Best Western Dorchester Hotel like?
Best Western Dorchester Hotel is a short 1-minute drive from Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome) and 4 minutes' walk from Nanaimo Museum. Travelers recommend the hotel for its walkable location.
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Best Western Dorchester Hotel Reviews
Reviews
8.2
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.6/10
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Staff & service
8.0/10
Amenities
8.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.2/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Location
Restaurant
Parking
View
Bed
Port
Water
Bathroom
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Aug 9, 2025
Staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the area.
Ricardo
Ricardo, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Aug 18, 2025
Nice and close to sea planes.
Corey
Corey, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
Aug 1, 2025
Beautiful view, great harbour walks and shops. Great restaurants in the hotel and the immediate vicinity.
SYDNEY E
SYDNEY E, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 22, 2025
Great for an overnight stay before the ferry!
Scott
Scott, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 5, 2025
The lady who checked us in was so nice and helpful.
Charmaine
Charmaine, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 1, 2025
Great location! The room was nice and clean, beds were comfortable, and staff were super nice.
Tina
Tina, 1-night trip
6/10 Okay
Aug 3, 2025
In a nice area
Timothy
Timothy, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 20, 2025
Wonderful and helpful staff. Would return.
Dawn
Dawn, 5-night trip
6/10 Okay
Aug 19, 2025
Overall good stay they could invest in better beds as it wasn’t easy on my back and would use swimming pool
mahir
mahir, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 11, 2025
Nice job lace in the downtown. Close to harbour and great restaurants
Jack
Jack, 4-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 16, 2025
Outstanding. Tons of character, super clean, awesome helpful staff.
Brian
Brian, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Jul 11, 2025
We enjoyed the restaurant, tasty.
Donna
Donna, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 23, 2025
Central, renovated room and reasonably priced.
JUDITH
JUDITH, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 1, 2025
Older building but nicely renovated. Very close to the waterfront and our room had a wonderful harbour view. Staff were friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay here again.
Mark
Mark, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 22, 2025
All over we had the best time!
Viral
Viral, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 27, 2025
This was a great place to stay. The parking is tricky unless you get there early. Really great people.
Janet
Janet, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
Jul 20, 2025
Top Notch restaurant is great, Angela is super host
Yonghong
Yonghong, 3-night trip
6/10 Okay
Aug 15, 2025
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.
Hannah
Hannah, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 9, 2025
Nice location.
Ji
Ji, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Jul 15, 2025
Great location downtown Nanaimo - close to restaurants and shops and the boardwalk. Room was basic but nice.
Mark
Mark, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Aug 17, 2025
The parking lot near the hotel is always busy. Have to park a few blocks away
James
James, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 20, 2025
We had a really good stay at this hotel. The location is central and the room is very nice and clean. We would come back.
Steve
Steve, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 4, 2025
Great
ye
ye, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 17, 2025
Beautiful location.
S
S, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Aug 13, 2025
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.