Best Western Dorchester Hotel
70 Church St, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5H4 Canada
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Avg. C$180 /night, 10/8 - 10/9
C$194
per night
C$158
per night
C$122
per night
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3.5
#5 of 17 hotels in NanaimoLocation
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HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
City View
Languages Spoken
English
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Bicycles available
Highchairs available
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Parking
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Vending machine
Car hire
Taxi service
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Salon
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Shared kitchen
Shops
Sun deck
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Clothes dryer
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
Room features
Air conditioning
Additional bathroom
Desk
Housekeeping
Coffee / tea maker
Refrigerator
Cable / satellite TV
Bath / shower
Safe
Seating area
Telephone
Clothes rack
Iron
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Radio
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Ocean view
City view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Location
70 Church St, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5H4 Canada
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 95 out of 100
95
70 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
886Reviews5Q+A100Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
I spent last night at this hotel. When we arrived, the desk person was masked, behind plexiglass, and there was sanitizer available for use. So far, so good. We went down to the restaurant/bar for dessert, and were dismayed and amazed to see: no masks on serving staff, even though they were looming over us at the table. A drunk woman at the next table lurched over to a table of men she apparently did not know, sat down with them and they all had a lively conversation, within 1 1/2' of each other. The wait staff did nothing. Then a server entered the room and came very close to a customer at the bar, and had a lively conversation, again, very close to one another. None of the bartenders or wait staff wore masks, or observed social distancing. When I approached who I perceived to be the manager on the floor, all he said was, they couldn't do anything to enforce covid rules! I think this is very lax, and disappointing.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Room Tip:Â the rooms are more than adequate
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Julie Park, General Manager at Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Responded Sep 14, 2020
Dear S288YCnancyb, Thank you for staying with us and your feedback is much appreciated. By telling us what you liked and disliked, you're helping us for improvement for our future guests. Even though Best Western is mandating the masks for all staff, our onsite restaurant is under separate ownership and we have relayed your feedback to the operators. In addition to what they're already following under CDC guideline, I'm sure they'll look into further and seek for improvement for our future guests. We hope you consider staying with us again and please feel free to reach me if I can be any further assistance. Sincerely, Julie Park General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This hotel has a very good location, being a very short walk away from the harbour front and from downtown shops. Harbour front rooms have a good view over the harbour. The rooms appear rather old but are clean and well kept. There is free parking behind the hotel. We visited during the time of Covid and felt reasonably safe, although there seemed quite a lot of people in the restaurant, and the precautions taken were not always obvious (e.g. signs on the limits on the number of people in elevators were not obvious). The hotel is fine for a short visit but nothing exceptional. Front desk service was fine and the person at the reception did go out of their way to find us a kettle.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Harbour view upper floors
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Julie Park, General Manager at Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Responded Oct 29, 2020
Dear JAM2012, Thank you very much for staying with us and we appreciate your detailed feedback. Glad to hear that you've liked our harbour view rooms and enjoyed the location. We also appreciate your other comments regarding restaurant and the staff. We'll assure to keep striving to serve our guest's needs as best as possible. We hope to welcoming you again in the future. Sincerely, Julie Park General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
These employees really care about taking care of each guest. This downtown Nanaimo location is highly walkable, has a nice convenient restaurant and lounge and is quite comfortable. You can walk right down to the harbor and to a few nice parks.
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Review collected in partnership with Best Western
Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tamara Turcotte, General Manager at Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Responded Sep 6, 2022
CKmurphey, Thank you for your kind words regarding the staff at the Best Western Dorchester Nanaimo. I agree, they are a great group of people that truly do care for the comfort of all our guests. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to our beautiful city. Happy Travels!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hotel's Favourite
Great location right in the middle of town and all the action. We will make that stop again when we are in that area. Staff were honest and upfront with possible concerns. Great restaurant on site with great burgers and awesome staff!!!!! :)
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Review collected in partnership with Best Western
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Late December last year, in inclement weather, my family and I had to drive three hours to Nanaimo because of a dental/ medical emergency, finding ourselves needing a place to stay overnight.
For numerous reasons - we like the Best Western brand where we have had good experiences in the past, I had previously taken my mother to this hotel for high tea en route to Ucluelet, and because of its central location - we szoned in on Best Western Dorchester Hotel in the old quarter of the city.
We had never stayed a night at the hotel
before but we liked the look of it when we pulled up that cold, late December evenings in our car outside.
Happily , the dental/medical emergency could be resolved
relatively easily, and we were able to enjoy the evening in Nanaimo.
The hotel could not been more perfect for our needs -and everyone was gracious and welcoming, from the reception people, both in the evening and out the next morning, to maintenance staff in the hallways, to the breakfast staff,
who were absolutely amazing.
The array for breakfast was exceptional, always kept fresh and full, with staff bending over backwards to make sure
the five of us had everything we needed.
The terrific hot breakfast was at no extra charge
The location is wonderful, situated as it is amongst a range
of appealing eateries.
One gets free parking in a open lot conveniently located behind the hotel, and there is a staircase at the back of the
hotel which makes it very easy walking from the hotel.
An added advantage is it is close to the harbour, which gives one a pleasant view of Nanaimo.
It is also an easy place from which to get on to highways
I have no reservations about recommending this hotel at all.
A good place to stay both for a visit to Nanaimo, and en route to other places in Vancouver Island.
Posted by S Fuller
For numerous reasons - we like the Best Western brand where we have had good experiences in the past, I had previously taken my mother to this hotel for high tea en route to Ucluelet, and because of its central location - we szoned in on Best Western Dorchester Hotel in the old quarter of the city.
We had never stayed a night at the hotel
before but we liked the look of it when we pulled up that cold, late December evenings in our car outside.
Happily , the dental/medical emergency could be resolved
relatively easily, and we were able to enjoy the evening in Nanaimo.
The hotel could not been more perfect for our needs -and everyone was gracious and welcoming, from the reception people, both in the evening and out the next morning, to maintenance staff in the hallways, to the breakfast staff,
who were absolutely amazing.
The array for breakfast was exceptional, always kept fresh and full, with staff bending over backwards to make sure
the five of us had everything we needed.
The terrific hot breakfast was at no extra charge
The location is wonderful, situated as it is amongst a range
of appealing eateries.
One gets free parking in a open lot conveniently located behind the hotel, and there is a staircase at the back of the
hotel which makes it very easy walking from the hotel.
An added advantage is it is close to the harbour, which gives one a pleasant view of Nanaimo.
It is also an easy place from which to get on to highways
I have no reservations about recommending this hotel at all.
A good place to stay both for a visit to Nanaimo, and en route to other places in Vancouver Island.
Posted by S Fuller
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from NanaimoResponse, Director of Operations at Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Responded Feb 1, 2020
Good Day S Fuller, Fantastic to hear you enjoyed your stay with us at the Best Western Dorchester Nanaimo. Travelling in bad weather for an emergency situation of medical/dental nature is stressful enough, and I am so happy that your stay with us was a good place for you and your family. The staff truly do care about providing the best possible service and with the extra amenities of free parking and the wonderful complimentary hot continental breakfast and convenient downtown location. Thank you again for your kind words Regards Erik Brook Director of Operations
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Got caught up by ferry cancellations. This hotel is right in centre, better value than it's more famous competitor across the street, welcomed our dog, free parking, good breakfast, managed to match our genius rate, and, most impressively, showed a big effort at reducing waste, excessive plastic in rooms and at breakfast. Would stay again. Bonus: good mexican food and a very nice brewery just a few blocks away.
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Review collected in partnership with Best Western
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from NanaimoResponse, Director of Operations at Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Responded Jan 17, 2020
Good Day GibsonsFruGal We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay at the Best Western Dorchester during the unsettled weather the other day. I am so happy we met your expectations with being pet friendly, matching rates, free parking and of course our free hot breakfast. The staff are truly active in reducing the amount of waste produced as possible, with changing certain ways of doing tasks and recycling and reusing. Thank you very much Regards Erik Brook Director of Operations
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our first time staying in Nanaimo and we were torn between staying here and the Coast Hotel next door. It came down to price. Dorchester was far more reasonable and provided free parking and is a great hotel! We had a harbour view with a great view of the port (Room 430). Room was spacious, and very clean (which was important to us since this was our first time travelling during COVID ). The room even smelled clean! Front desk very helpful noting they would bring extra towels or whatever we needed since daily housekeeping was no longer occurring. Only issue we had was that the Kcup machine was not working but we were only there two nights and a minor issue. Hotel is in walking distance to shops and restaurants. We loved our stay and wished we were there longer! We'll be back!
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Date of stay: September 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â as for a harbour view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Julie Park, General Manager at Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Responded Sep 14, 2020
Dear CanadianCruiser50, Thank you for staying with us and your feedback is greatly appreciated. I'm glad to hear that you've enjoyed your first visit to Nanaimo and we've met your expectations during your recent stay. We apologize for the K cup issue and thank you for your understanding. We'll keep striving to exceed our guest's expectations as always and hope to welcoming you again on your next visit to Nanaimo. It's been pleasure accommodating you as well. Sincerely, Julie Park General Manager Best Western Dorchester Hotel
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed at the Dorchester in Nanaimo, BC. A beautiful Hotel at the harbour. A very bright and clean elegantly modern hotel beautifully appointed. The king room overlooking the harbour was modern clean and decorated in silver grey and white a refreshing difference from the usually darker decor you find in hotels. It was a joy to stay there. The food at Top Notch in the Hotel was excellent and is a popular restaurant.
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Review collected in partnership with Best Western
Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Julie Park, General Manager at Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Responded Aug 25, 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you for staying with us and your detailed feedback is greatly appreciated. I’m glad to hear that you’ve liked our newly renovated rooms and enjoyed your stay. I’m also happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed the food and the service from our on site restaurant Top Notch Burger. We will look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit to Nanaimo! Sincerely, Julie Park General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This hotel is one of the best locations in downtown Nanaimo. The free breakfast here puts it ahead of the rest. The breakfast room and amount of options are more than most hotels I've been to. The Heat/AC in each room and windows that actually opened made sure the room was always a perfect temperature.
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Review collected in partnership with Best Western
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from NanaimoResponse, Director of Operations at Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Responded Jan 7, 2020
Good Day Jesse Wonderful that you enjoyed your stay at the Best Western Dorchester Nanaimo. Windows that open are fabulous feature that allows fresh air into the room. Fantastic to hear the breakfast room was a hit, and that you enjoyed the selections that are available. Looking forward in welcoming you back to the Best Western Dorchester Nanaimo Sincerely Erik Brook Director of Operations
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
went to Nanaimo to pickup a motorcycle unfortunately on the way back we heard from BC ferries that they would be canceling the final sailing for the evening, this meant that we have to find a hotel. This location was absolutely prefect its basically just a 10min drive form the Ferry docks which made this absolutely perfect. best hotel on the entire island but maybe I'm being bias since i always stay with BW lol ,. not the less this was a perfect place to Escape the storm!
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Review collected in partnership with Best Western
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yes it has been renovated. We stayed for 3 nights in July 2022 and our room was fresh, clean and modern. We were very comfortable there.
They have reserved parking that is on a lot at the side of hotel. This is not secure and I would have concern for attached bikes, otherwise this is a great hotel in a good position.
Due to Covid pandemic, we're limiting our service for stay over guests and only clean the rooms upon request. The guests should inform front desk if they want the room cleaned during their stay and the guest should not stay in the room during cleaning to minimize any interaction. Also, all new amenities bag with new towels are prepared and ready at the Front Desk for guests upon request at any time of the day. The bags will be delivered to your door. You could put your used towels/linens into the laundry bag located on each floor by elevator. Please feel free to let me know if you have any further question.
Sincerely,
Julie Park
General Manager
As far as I know, there's no jacuzzi facilities... They do have a fitness room though.
"Enjoy the beautiful view right by ocean. Walk around downtown (and casino steps away). Eat all your meals at Dorechester as food is great."Read full review
"If you have lots of luggage, you may want to find a motel with more accessible parking."Read full review
"And earlier than 4 p.m. check-in would be nice; even a 3 p.m. one? But 4 seems the norm nowadays."Read full review
"Convenient to BC ferry. Baggage unloading and parking can be a challenge due to location and limited space. No breakfast included."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$152 - C$194 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
best western nanaimo, nanaimo best western
LOCATION
CanadaBritish ColumbiaVancouver IslandNanaimo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
71
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Harbourfront Walkway (0.2 km), Nanaimo Museum (0.3 km), and Vancouver Island Military Museum (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Asteras Greek Taverna, The View Oceanside Grill, and Gabriel's Gourmet Cafe.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness centre during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Best Western Dorchester Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Are there any historical sites close to Best Western Dorchester Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting The Bastion (0.09 km).