Start your day with breathtaking ocean views and delicious breakfast. Experience designer shopping and upscale amenities that will make your stay truly unforgettable.
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
Tim Hortons - 9 min walk
White Sails Brewing - 5 min walk
Javawocky - 3 min walk
The Vault Cafe - 6 min walk
Lighthouse Bar and Restaurant - 3 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
Hotel size
71 rooms
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
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
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
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)
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
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free uncovered onsite self parking
Onsite parking limited
Free 24-hour offsite parking within 98 ft
Street parking available
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
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
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.
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 during the warmer months with activities nearby such as 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.
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
8.4/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Staff & service
7.8/10
Amenities
7.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 18, 2025
Takanao
Takanao, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 10, 2025
Sue
Sue, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Jan 7, 2025
Sean
Sean, 5-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 6, 2025
Jeffery
Jeffery, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 25, 2024
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
Dec 20, 2024
AC unit was too noisy. Could barely sleep
Washington
Washington, 4-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 9, 2024
Jacqueline
Jacqueline, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Nov 25, 2024
Jackson
Jackson, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Nov 1, 2024
There was construction happening that was a nuisance to access the building.
Nancie
Nancie, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 31, 2024
Dianne
Dianne, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
Oct 30, 2024
Nothing like the photos they have posted. The road to the main entrance was closed and even Google maps didn’t catch this. Front desk did the minimum, barely a hello, we waited while they finished what was on their computer but at least say hello! Room smelled horrible like glue and chemicals. Really small room and horrible bathroom with odd corner sink and two mirrors. The bottom of the tub was not solid but spongy…. It was needing repair. The parking was an open walk-in lot and it’s not too bad an area but I would not leave anything inside your vehicle. Check out was abrupt, no how was your stay, just felt brushed off. I would not stay here nor recommend it. Overpriced for what it offered.
Michel
Michel, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 28, 2024
Christopher
Christopher, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
Oct 28, 2024
Found a hair in my embedded in my coleslaw
Cam
Cam, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 27, 2024
Very nice as usual
Homeless people in parking lot a little scary
Daniel
Daniel, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 25, 2024
Awesome view & room w/super friendly staff
Beautiful room with an excellent view of the marina! Very clean & modern! Staff super helpful. Priced very well considering we could walk everywhere! Restaurant also very good food. Parking available for free! Temporary parking available in front of hotel while you are checking in & IF you’re early, you can leave your luggage at front desk & park for free in the hotels parking lot behind the hotel. We received welcome texts, anything we can do texts & goodbye texts!! Highly recommend!
Adriana
Adriana, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 23, 2024
The back stairs to street were a bit of a go in the rain
Gilbert
Gilbert, 4-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 21, 2024
Amit
Amit, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 21, 2024
Great place to stay when visiting Nanaimo.
Zoe
Zoe, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very Good
Oct 20, 2024
Good spot downtown! Walkable to shops and restaurants. We liked White Sails Brewing nearby and La Stella restaurant. Hotel parking was easy and staff were very helpful!
Susan
Susan, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
Oct 18, 2024
Property was okay. Parking was a little way away from hotel and felt a little uncomfortable walking to it as there were homeless people around
Ross
Ross, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 18, 2024
The employees were friendly, welcoming, and helpful. The hotel was kept clean. Our room was clean and spacious. There are lots of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs (they can get a little noisy) and shopping centres around. There is a little water front park across the street that is nice to walk around in and peaceful. Everything is within walking distance. There is a beautiful waterfront park a few blocks away with free parking and great for the whole family. The only issue we had was that my husband is diabetic and takes insulin, we forgot our sharps bin at home and unfortunately the hotel didn’t have anything on the premises for us to dispose of the needles in a safe way. If I could give feedback to the management it would be to have a sharps bin either in the public washrooms or at the front desk for safety reasons. Other then the lack of sharps bins our stay was really enjoyable and we will definitely be staying again the next time we stay in Nanaimo. I’ve already recommended this location to friends and family for their next stay in Nanaimo.
Krystal
Krystal, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
4/10 Fair
Oct 9, 2024
Walter
Walter, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
Oct 6, 2024
friendly staff
YI JING
YI JING, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 6, 2024
Right by the water, good distance to stores and restaurants.