I liked having a room that did not have carpet in it. The bathroom was large and well lit. The bed was extremely comfortable and the bedding luxurious. I appreciated having a comfortable chair to relax in with an extra bonus of a footstool. The whole room was spacious. Having an ocean view was an added blessing.

The only thing that I did not like is that we had to wait a long time to have access to our room. I came for a conference and by the time my room was ready I had to leave for the commencement of the conference. No time to unpack and freshen up after a busy day of travellilng.

The staff were lovely and had our room ready for early check in. The room was small but very comfortable. The restaurant was nice with good happy hour and tasty breakfast. The #20 bus from departure bay went close to the hotel and the old quarter and waterfront was in close walking distance. The hullo ferry shuttle was right next door.

The lift was slow but the stairs were wide and easy. I didn’t like the digital information system as I like a physical book to browse through. There was a laundry but no washing powder.

The Best Western is a reliable choice for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and great value. With a widespread presence, you can often count on finding a Best Western wherever your travels take you. The rooms are consistently clean and well-appointed, and the amenities cater to both leisure and business travelers. The staff is friendly and accommodating, always ready to assist with any needs that may arise during your stay. While it may not offer the most luxurious experience, the Best Western excels at providing a comfortable and enjoyable stay at an affordable price, making it a go-to option for many travelers.

Hayden, the gentleman who checked us in, was absolutely exceptional. I don't think we've ever had better customer service anyway. I had completely messed up our reservation (it was our anniversary, we go every year, and stayed there the night we got married). Not only was Hayden kind and understanding about me messing up the reservation, he gave us an upgrade. When I visit Nanaimo for business or leisure, I'll never stay anywhere else. 5 stars put of 5. Thank you, Hayden.

There was nothing to complain about at all. Even the weather was good!

As an overnight stop if catching Duke Point Ferry to mainland BC, the location was convenient....easy 15 min drive to ferry terminal. Staff at front desk and in the bar/pub were all very friendly and helpful. While the building is older and this shows a bit in the hallways, the room itself was very comfortable, clean, I had a nice view of the water (the opposite side would overlook downtown, I believe. Bar/pub menu had a number of interesting and a good amount of seafood. I had the seafood chowder which was satisfying.

Be aware this hotel is located on edge of "downtown" in Nanaimo. There is room for only 2-3 cars at entrance to load/unload baggage; then car must be moved around the corner to 1of2 small lots. Parking is free in those lots with permit hotel provides, however there is limited space especially during dinner hour when the bar and/or restaurant in the hotel are busy. Believe there is another public (assume pay) lot a block or so further if the small lots are full. (I guess having any free parking nearby is a good thing for a "downtown" location...just be advised). As mentioned, there is a bar with limited menu and a separate restaurant in the hotel...convenient for dinner, however no breakfast available/included with the room like other BW locations.

The hotel was bright, modern and clean and there were great views over the harbour. It was very nice to have two restaurants on the ground floor of the hotel. The free parking was also great.

The booking.com listing was incorrect and said we had a junior suite with sea views. Upon arrival we were informed that no junior suites had a sea view and so we had to change to a double room to get a sea view. Unsure where the mistake was made but we missed out on the suite we paid for due to it.

Close to everything in downtown, harbour front and also walking distance to a lot of things, right next to the sea planes too. Wonderful stay, throughout the stay hotel workers kept in contact with me through messaging and was able to schedule house keeping hours through text, really convenient and easy to access too. Once I left they also called to tell me that I left something that I didn’t need anymore, they really go above and beyond. Aryan and Aden were really helpful.

Nothing really.

Location was great. The hotel and room was really clean and inviting. We had a nice view of the park and water.

The toilet in our room wasn’t great. It always took multiple times to flush it and then would back up with water. I understand it’s a low flow toilet but it really wasn’t functioning well. It also got a bit much when the hotel staff were texting me multiple times a day to see if I needed anything and was having a good stay. It’s a bit excessive and not required.

Fabulous location - within walking distance to so many cafes and restaurants. Traveling with an adult son, it was great to have separate rooms for the bedroom and the lounge where he was sleeping on the pullout couch that had a door to close off the two areas. The complimentary parking was much appreciated.

Very comfortable stay, nice room with a view of the harbour etc. The girl on reception was really lovely and very helpful. Nanaimo, I'm sorry to say is not a very inspiring place, I suggest many were like us and just spending the night before or after a ferry crossing. However the BW Dorchester do their best to make things special and 'The View' restaurant is very good and there also a burger bar for something less formal. All round very good!

The parking is a bit tight, but I think space is at a premium in Nanaimo and the hotel give you a permit for your stay.