Best Western Dorchester Hotel

Best Western Dorchester Hotel descritpion

This downtown Nanaimo hotel overlooks the Inner Harbour and is across the street from the Seaplane Terminal. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant and free parking.
Best Western Dorchester Hotel features a flat-screen TV with cable channels. A coffee maker and free local calls under 30 minutes are also provided.
Deep Blue restaurant at the Dorchester Best Western offers views of the Inner Harbour and a seasonal menu. Guests can also enjoy a drink in the Oasis Lounge.
The Departure Bay BC Ferry Terminal is 2.5 miles away. The Bastion Museum is 1.3 miles away.

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Facilities of Best Western Dorchester Hotel

Outdoors ：Terrace

Pets ：Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.

Activities ：Cycling | Fitness Center | Bicycle Rental

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Reviews for Best Western Dorchester Hotel

Review 1：The heat was on full when I walked into the room. Took a while to cool it down (I shut it off and it was off all night) but it was comfortable by the time I went to bed.

Review 2：The reception staff was awesome and very helpful!

Review 3：Off-putting smell in the corridor leading from the lift to the room (drains?).

Review 4：Attractive and v convenient location, amazing view one side - could have watched the water / seaplane activity from the wide window all day, gave clues as to how to find the ferry to Protection Island etc - which this building didnt spoil (unlike adjacent towers) with quick route to the waterfront. The main road to the front had buses straight to the ferry terminal. On the other side, traditional access elevation, with terrace above, into a low scale but traditionally compact urban environment (as heritage as the "heritage quarter") with unique shops nearby in good buildings. Hotel had elements of an older facility? ...whatever, size, layout and spaciousness (wide room proportion) much less corporate than we expected. Cookies and coffee in the large entrance hall, laundry room, luggage room much appreciated, as was having a kettle as well as a coffee maker in the attractive room!

Review 5：I stayed a total of 4 nights over 3 trips. On each of the first two nights which were spent in different rooms on the 3rd floor, I woke up with a single skin infection (like a pimple) in different body locations respectively. I could be a minor insect bite, it could conceivably be an allergy; however, it is most likely some kind of dust irritation which likely was transmitted through the bedding. As a result, I am not terribly excited about returning to Nanaimo because the discomfort generated (which still persists) was compounded by the oddity of organized street activity in the downtown area.

Review 6：Excellent location and very pleasant productivity enhancing room.

Review 7：Room was a little cramped due to the twin queen beds , need to book a bit earlier next time .

Review 8：The location was perfect for exploring the waterfront and the traffic noise was minimal

Review 9：A superb position to access downtown, waterfront and ferries to nearby islands We had a harbourview room which was well worth it and Entertaining watching boats and seaplanes

Review 10：The only issue we had was that the room was very cramped due to poor lay out. The bed was in the middle and right in from of the bed was a dresser that left only 1 foot of width for walking which resulted in a lot of stubbed toes.

Review 11：It was a busy weekend, so we'll give the staff the benefit of the doubt, but we were disappointed they were not able to accommodate our request for early 2:00pm check-in OR late 12:00 noon checkout. We also tried to have breakfast in the restaurant at 9:30am, but there was only 1 waitress on staff, and after waiting for over 20 minutes just to order a coffee, we gave up. Hotel has a bit of a musty smell, but rooms are clean and facilities are well maintained. Fitness room is a little sad, no pool, business centre is expensive to use.

Review 12：Great location for exploring the downtown. It couldn't be any closer to the Harbour Air terminals, though it's approx. 30 minute walk from the Departure Bay Ferry. Close to many cafes, boutique shopping, Fort Bastion, the Harbourfront walk, and other quaint spots. Great place to stay if you're on the Nanaimo Bar trail.

Review 13：The staff were quirky, friendly and enthusiastic. We had a very comfortable night and the location was perfect for exploring Nanaimo and for eating on the harbour.

Review 14：Dusty in the room. Old carpet, old paint. Lots of hallway noise. This place really needs a renovation. I expected more from a best western. Parking is also an issue.

Review 15：Friendly front counter staff.

Review 16：Slightly smelly room. Breakfast not included.

Review 17：You just need to cross the street to access the water front. Parking is complimentary (just don't arrive too late in the evening or you will park on the street and have to move the car at 9 AM). Just a block away from Commercial St where there's a bunch of delicious choices for breakfast.

Review 18：Arrival to Check in unfriendly. ie. Your room not ready, come back in 4hours! Left bags, at our request, no offer, and returned to different staff who made check in more pleasant. Bathroom not cleaned during our stay. Towels and soaps replaced but bath not cleaned. Bed not made properly each day, just a quick pull up the covers job.

Review 19：It is "who" we liked I want to comment on. Allison in the bar and at Breakfast, Wonderful woman! Remembered our names and which drinks we liked each evening at the bar. Friendly and super efficient too! Looked after our requests at breakfast, nothing too much trouble. ThankYou Allison!

Review 20：The room was not clean, the bath tub had stains in it. There was a strong smell in the elevator and in the halls of the floor and the room itself probably from the old carpet. Found an old sock behind the TV. The coffee maker, water boiler and a light didn't work.

Review 21：The location was nice.

Review 22：My 'city view' was basically looking at the wall of the hotel, approximately 8 meters away.

Review 23：The staff were quite helpful in solving a challenge with the use of a Best Western giftcard.

Review 24：The pillows were too big and not malleable.

Review 25：The desk clerk and breakfast server were friendly and efficient. The breakfast menu was a little bit adaptable to our dierary needs. The room was clean, attractive and we had a great view of the harbor.

Review 26：parking - had to use pay parking lot on arrival and departure days as hotel check in and out times did not coinside with conference. It would have been nice to have 2 extra hours of parking instead of having to pay for 5 hours due to having to move car at 8 as no conference break to move car at 11. The desk person on check out day was grumpy and curt- not only with me but overheard on phone. View was looking at another wing of hotel- other rooms- for the cost hoped for ocean view. I could have stayed somewhere cheaper a little further away and paid the parking and been ahead as i spent little time in room.

Review 27：close to conference center

Review 28：The room was hot and kind of stuffy, the air conditioning unit was noisy and if you opened the window the street noise would keep you awake.

Review 29：The hotel is centrally located in downtown Naniamo, near the convention centre and the city dock. Good access to the Harbour Air and Sea Air float plane bases.

Review 30：The only bad experience was from another guest. The Hotel had no control over that. Old codger didn't like that I helped myself to a client cookie. He must have assumed I wasn't a guest, or else he wanted the chocolate one !

Review 31：Location - We always get a Harbour view room. Get a chuckle out of the elevator

Review 32：carpet a little smelly and stained.

Review 33：Convenient location close to restaurants, shops and amenities. Very nice view of harbour. Enjoyed the complimentary cookies and coffee in lobby.

Review 34：No place to really work, except for a small table with uncomfortable chairs. The computer in the lobby ("business center") did not have Microsoft software so it took a lot of time to get it to work properly with my files. Finally, the layout of this hotel is like a maze - it's easy to get lost.

Review 35：Staff were very friendly and helpful. Bed was comfortable. Wifi was fast and free.

Review 36：Noisy (even though I specifically asked for a quiet room) and then there was the treadmill that literally threw me off when the belt seized. These guys are lucky I'm not suing, but the least they could have done was offer me a discount or at least a free drink to calm my nerves. No, all I got was a kind of "er, sorry" and a promise that they'd put a note on the machine. Um, not good enough. Also, really, for the dated decor, basic facilities (homicidal treadmill aside) and thin walls, this place is just really overpriced.

Review 37：Good, handy location, comfortable bed.

Review 38：Didn't like the fact that I had to leave, to continue on my trip to Tofino. Can't think of anything that I "didn't" like. Job well done everyone!

Review 39：This was so easy. Booking on line. Arrived and everything was ready to go. Will definitely stay when I am in Nanaimo again.

Review 40：the convenience of the hotel for our purposes. The size of the room and it's comfort; the restaraunt for late dinner and breakfast. thank you for the discount. parking is very close and well lit.

Review 41：Nothing.

Review 42：Very much enjoyed my stay at the Dorchester. I was upgraded to a harbour view room and the room was very comfortable. The hotel is beautiful, modern and functional. Good breakfast served by the friendliest lady ever. Communication before my stay was prompt and efficient. I would definitely stay there next time in Nanaimo.

Review 43：Our room was small and a little tired especially the bathroom.

Review 44：Location - next to the Old Quarter in downtown Nanaimo with lovely shops, restaurants and bars nearby.Nice harbour view.

Review 45：A little cramped in the room. Hard to get around the bed at times.

Review 46：My husband went to a private party so I had to eat alone. Allison was friendly and made me feel like family. Moved her company. She is a keeper

Review 47：We arrived at 8.20 p.m., restaurant already shut. Breakfast menu not extensive and prices a bit too high.

Review 48：Town centre, yet quiet; free car parking; decent rooms with all you need.

Review 49：I didn't like that the restaurant wasn't open earlier for breakfast or later for dinner. With the conference sessions we had it would have been helpful to have earlier and later hours. There wasn't much else open close by at the hours we needed either. The room that the conference was held in was much too warm. Many attending said the same.

Review 50：When we needed to place to eat because the hotel restaurant was closed the staff gave us suggestions of where to go. The best was the view from the window facing the water. When we arrived it was raining hard, but the view still was wonderful. The next day, with the sunshine, well it was simply gorgeous!

Review 51：The sofa wasn't overly comfortable but sofa bed sofas never are.

Review 52：Because I was staying for six nights, the hotel put me in a Jr Suite which was a nice surprise. The be was extremely comfortable and the extra space was well appreciated. The staff were all really friendly and very helpful, always greeting me as I came and went, making me feel at home.

Review 53：The pre-wrapped drinking glass in our room looked as though it hadn't been washed properly. It may be a problem with the water or dishwasher rinse aid given the rest of the accommodation was so clean. But we used the plastic cups to drink from instead.

Review 54：Bruce at the desk was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful and even suggested items for our next port of call, Tofino as well as answering all our questions about the local area.

Review 55：A very odd floor layout... possibly an amalgamation of two buildings. Had to walk the length of two parallel hallways to get to the elevator which was actually only a few metres from our room.

Review 56：Comfortable room in a hotel with a convenient location, just steps from the waterfront.

Review 57：advertised bikes but only one worked after wrestling them out of a utility room and pumping up 6 tires.. fix your bikes - they just need some inner tubes and a bit of attention!! Restaurant/ bar not open much & would be nice to have more lighting/plants and atmosphere on the deck

Review 58：location, cookies and coffee in the lobby, quiet room with nice decor and lovely views

Review 59：Wasn't very clean. Carefully when you shower switches back and forth between hot and cold. Check you coffee supplies and glasses return if dirty.

Review 60：Okay for one night

Review 61：We were a party of 3 for 1 night. Hotel does not provide cots so 1 of us was a little uncomfortable on a jury-rigged bed made of 2 chairs and a luggage rack.

Review 62：Location. One of us was taking flight to Vancouver next morning so location was perfect. Laundry facility was a huge bonus.

Review 63：We have stayed here once before and really love the professionalism of the front desk person. The rooms are nice and clean and comfortable very quiet. Enjoyed being close to the waterfront and lots of shops around. This is definitely our favourite hotel to stay at when we want a get a away! Thank you to your great staff!

Review 64：The late arrival parking is poor. Though the facility has a plan and a program for late arrivals the issue can certainly be security.

Review 65：Very informed and prompt service in the evening and the morning. House cleaning was very polite and friendly. This was a memorable touch and should be encouraged.

Review 66：The fact that we booked in May for a stay in July and we were charged on our credit card immediately in May. The restaurant closes too early on Sunday.

Review 67：room was very comfortable. we were on the water side, lovely view. The patio outside was very nice as we met other family out there that were also staying at the hotel

Review 68：My only complaint was that I kept stubbing my toe on the chair closest to the washroom.

Review 69：The staff at the Deep Blue Restaurant was amazing. I instantly connected with her. She made a suggestion for dinner that was not only delicious, but perfect for my appetite. She offered me a large glass of water with ice which was a welcomed offering after a long hot day.

Review 70：Location

Review 71：The smell. It has an old building smell and it's really bad

Review 72：I like the staff but they bumped the price up on me.

Review 73：Bed was a little uncomfortable Fridge was noisy

Review 74：Perfecr location for us

Review 75：Parking difficult

Review 76：Excellent location

Review 77：Great front end staff who are obviously well seasoned.

Review 78：Room too crowded. Could barely walk between end of bed and dresser.

Review 79：Loved the boutique touches, room amenities, great bed.

Review 80：We had to park on the road..

Review 81：everything

Review 82：noisy drunk guests difficult access run down crowded room

Review 83：good bed

Review 84：Great view of the harbor and parks by the water.

Review 85：Parking lot was always full, had to park 2 blocks away.

Review 86：We asked for a 'wake up call' in the morning. It was not done.

Review 87：Friendly man at the reception. Gave many information

Review 88：Could not get Keurig to work , We much prefer 2 cup coffee maker , so one partner does not wait .

Review 89：Alison in restaurant

Review 90：Having three people nearly knock on the door and walk in .just after we had moved in . Having no tea in the room

Review 91：Parking bit of a hassle

Review 92：View was incredible. Great location and liked the character of the older building

Review 93：They put us in the smallest room in the hotel with a view of a brick wall. We couldn't even walk past each other around the bed

Review 94：Clean friendly

Review 95：amount of steps to climb from the parking, getting to the room

Review 96：staff was very courteous and friendly

Review 97：Excellent service by gentleman during check-in and stay at Nanaimo

Review 98：Pillows to high and hard

Review 99：Right downtown close to harbour

Review 100：Nothing

Review 101：All of it.

Review 102：bathrooms were small and ceilings are low

Review 103：location, view, bed

Review 104：Parking

Review 105：Breakfast service could be better, food menu rather plain.

Review 106：Vintage building appeal.

Review 107：Not the best....Best Western about!

Review 108：It was some where to stay.

Review 109：Parking was a bit tough

Review 110：Staff was great, gentleman at checking was very nice, competent and helpful

Review 111：The survey above has no scale beside the 4 choices

Review 112：The hotel bar was only open from 8 pm to 10 pm.

Review 113：Very friendly and helpful staff.The hotel overall was clean.

Review 114：It had no refreshment lounge.

Review 115：I really liked the location.

Review 116：Nice downtown location, waterfront and little shops

Review 117：The coffee was very weak.

Review 118：The view of the harbour

Review 119：The room was not set up to put a laptop and working binder on, nor would the chair fit well to work from. I felt squished. MB

Review 120：No hot water No restaurant

Review 121：The view

Review 122：Parking,front desk not helpful signage needed in parking lot to get you into hotel 3 other guest could not find an entrance

Review 123：Town centre

Review 124：convenient location helpful staff

Review 125：Awful parking lot.

Review 126：Staff was lovely and helpful.

Review 127：The hotel room itself was reminiscent of the past and could do with updating.

Review 128：On whole comfort of hotel was reasonable.

Review 129：very small dark room and bathroom; no breakfast til 8

Review 130：great downtown location to walk everywhere. friendly, helpful staff.

The Fine Print

Upon check-in photo identification and credit card is required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.