The owners know how to run a hotel business, a lot of Canadian owners could learn a lot from this couple. I nice place to stay, on waking distance from the ferry. It is a bit of an uphill hike, but just one street. Be sure to go east to the traffic lights after leave the terminal building. Otherwise you can not cross the ferry-feeding-roads. Great hike nearby in a park towards the sea.

Please get rid of the horrible cold-white lights and bring in some warm ones. This will improve the atmosphere in the room a lot.

The room was adequate for what I needed and clean. The bonus was having the fridge, microwave and coffee maker. So I was able to have my tea and keep some things cold. The room was nice and bright with A/C to keep the room cool and reasonably quiet as well as being pretty quiet for having the hwy. fairly close. The staff were very helpful, friendly and welcoming especially Krissy a very nice young lady who was very accomadating about my luggage and even called me when my room was ready as well as taking the time to chat with when I checked out. Also was a very convenient location, close to the hwy. and shopping center. I would definitely stay again, not the most glamorous motel but had everything that was needed.

The location was a little difficult to find but once you knew where it was it was easy to find again.

very comfortable, slept well, bed was great, loved the blinds, bathroom was newly renovated , well appointed and serviceable, staff was terrific, no real loud noise,

entry needs updating, as door was leeking air and should have seals replaced, and kitchette alto serviceable could use a little tender loving care, but otherwise everything was really good.

The room was comfortable and clean. The BC Ferry to Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver, is only about a 10 to 15 minute walk away. Very convenient.

When I arrived in the evening, the staff member told me that the hotel was actually closed (new owners); and that I had been sent an e-mail two days before advising me of this. Since I had not responded to their e-mail (I had not seen it yet), they would let me stay the night. Just to add to the confusion, they then told me that the hotel was actually open; but I would be the only guest. This was not true. There ended up being two other guests that night. The staff were very helpful, but seemed confused themselves. The motel was fine; but I would be cautious booking there again because of the weird turn of events.

We arrived late in the evening and were met with great hospitality. Also, the rooms were spotless. Overall, I was very impressed and think the Departure Bay Motel offers excellent value.

The mattress was good, but the frame seemed to tilt down a bit right at my head, leaving me with a weird sensation that my head was slightly lower than my body. In the end, it didn't matter and I had a great sleep anyway.

This is a classic style motel. Its beauty is it’s a short walk to the Nanaimo ferry to Vancouver and it’s clean. I found the bed very comfortable, as good as more expensive hotels. Staff is excellent, very friendly. I parked my Motorcycle out front of my room and it was safe all night. Just like the picture shows.

Nothing really. It’s not the Hilton so don’t expect that and you’ll be pleased.

Clean comfortable room with fridge and microwave in old fashioned style motel. Close to supermarket , some restaurants etc. Walking route through woodland beside waterfalls a few minutes walk from motel (accessed beside church carpark). We used it as a convenient base close to the ferry port from which to explore Vancouver island.

Personally we would have preferred a kettle to a coffee maker in the room.

Location from the ferry was the reason I picked this. Close to shops and bises. Very warm on a cold snowy day.

One of the vertical blinds were missing, if I had wanted company this would be a big mood killer as people walking past could look in. The hotel cleaner should have spotted this and the hotel with so many rooms should have had spares available as it is a quick fix.

The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating as I arrived to the island on the last ferry. The front desk stayed open late so that I could check in comfortably and even upgraded me to a suite since one was available. Would definitely stay again

Great for people coming to visit the island on foot. You walk off the ferry, short walk to departure bay motel. Then hook up with Island bus link at the ferry terminal which connects you to the rest of the island. Very convenient, and cost effective