The 6 best Motels in Nanaimo, Canada

April 23, 2023 Leonarda Pillsbury

Vancouver Island's second-largest city is a picturesque oceanfront town with fabulous mountain views and a busy harbor. Home to events like the harbor's Bathtub Race, the city of 75,000 offers outdoor opportunities from full-moon kayaking to golfing. Boat-fresh seafood graces tables at an ever-increasing number of restaurants. This gateway to island adventures is easily reached by fast ferry or floatplane from downtown Vancouver or by scheduled ferries from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen.
Restaurants in Nanaimo

1. Travelodge Nanaimo

96 Terminal Ave N, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9S 4J2 Canada
Excellent
25%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
8%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 406 reviews

Travelodge Nanaimo

Located just minutes away from the BC Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Nanaimo City Centre, British Columbia, this hotel features convenient amenities such as a free WIFI, parking and deluxe continental breakfast.Travelodge Nanaimo is within walking distance of the Harbour Promenade and Seaplanes. The Bastion Building Historical Landmark, Bowen Park and the Historical Museum are within 3 miles (5 km) of the hotel. The Morrell Bird Sanctuary is also nearby.Sauna, recreational facilities and 76 rooms guest rooms are newley renovated. Pet friendly rooms are available.

Needs a little work

Reviewed By Buttonvillesnowbird

The picture in the advertisement doesn't match the hotel. The hotel needs to be updated/renovated, especially the lobby but once in the room it was okay. We picked this hotel as it was near the ferry terminal. Would I go back - no. On a positive note, the staff were very friendly and professional. Very close to the harbour so we were able to go for a nice walk along the harbour path.

2. Buccaneer Inn

1577 Stewart Ave, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9S 4E3 Canada
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 408 reviews

Buccaneer Inn

CLOSEST TO BC FERRIES AT DEPARTURE BAY. BOOK DIRECT FOR BETTER RATES! Dave & Marlene welcome you to our ocean view, nautically themed, spotlessly clean, comfortable, 1 bedroom suites with separate bedroom and full kitchen, economical sleeping studios and a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage with gas fireplace and BBQ deck. Free strong WIFI, parking, in-room coffee, full kitchens (in suites only), fridges, microwaves, HDTV, games baskets and guest laundry. Seasonal BBQ area. Dive, kayak and bike storage. Great base for business trips, visiting friends and family, your kids at Vancouver Island University, medical visits to Nanaimo Hospital or outdoor adventure! Nanaimo's central location makes us a great base for exploring Victoria and Tofino too! See you soon!

A great spot!

Reviewed By C-S-TravelersFromCA

Very nice, older - but very clean - hotel, and is well-located. In spite of being on a major road, our room was very quiet. The owners were great to deal with, over the phone as well as in-person. We appreciated having a kitchen and full-sized refrigerator for the start of our 3-week road trip on the island. The parking lot is pretty small, so it might be challenging for larger vehicles. (Note that although the location is near a ferry dock, not ALL ferries dock there. I was confused when we disembarked at Duke's Point and had a 20 minute drive to the Inn - but definitely didn't matter and it was my bad for not researching more thoroughly.)

3. Harbour Light Motel

200 Nicol St, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 4T2 Canada
Excellent
15%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
10%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 92 reviews

Harbour Light Motel

See why so many travelers make Harbour Light Motel their motel of choice when visiting Nanaimo. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a family-friendly setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you. Harbour Light Motel is a family-friendly motel offering a refrigerator, air conditioning, and a desk in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests. The motel features newspaper. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. Given the close proximity to Extension Ridge & The Abyss (2.0 mi), guests of Harbour Light Motel can easily experience one of Nanaimo's most popular landmarks. While visiting Nanaimo, you may want to try some filet mignon at one of the nearby restaurants, such as Le Cafe Francais. Looking to explore? Then look no further than Harbourfront Walkway (0.6 mi), Maffeo Sutton Park (0.8 mi), and Old City Quarter (0.6 mi), which are some popular Nanaimo attractions – all conveniently located within walking distance of the motel. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Harbour Light Motel as you experience all of the things Nanaimo has to offer.

Basic but comfortable enough

Reviewed By alex b

Basic motel about a 15 minute walk for the town centre. Comfortable room, but a little noisy being on the edge of a main road. Nothing wrong, but wasn't that cheap (Vancouver Island is pretty pricey). Free parking was a plus. A place to sleep, but nothing more.

4. Port-O-Call Inn & Suites

505 Terminal Ave N, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9S 4K1 Canada
Excellent
23%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
14%
Terrible
22%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 73 reviews

Port-O-Call Inn & Suites

PORT-O-CALL INN & SUITES is located in NANAIMO, British Columbia. 42 unit hotel / motel. Free parking, in-room Coffee, Tea. Close to Downtown Nanaimo, and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. 7 minutes drive to Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal.

Would not recommend

Reviewed By Q4000OQtomw

Location is pretty good, short walk to downtown, bus stop right outside the place. However, the beds were so uncomfortable, the place was so noisy and the curtains did nothing to keep the light from outside.

5. Colonial Motel

950 Terminal Ave N, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9S 4K4 Canada
Excellent
20%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
12%
Terrible
16%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 51 reviews

Colonial Motel

Our friendly, comfortable and affordable motel is located in a walking distance from Terminal Park Shopping Plaza and the Sea walk trail; and only few minutes' drive from Downtown Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Golf Club. We have been fully upgraded in 2005. High quality Sealy Posturpedic king and queen sized beds in all rooms. Acrylic one piece Tub/Shower Surrounds. All rooms come with fridges, microwaves, hairdryer and kettles. Non-smoking property. Cable TV with full cable. Wireless telephones with voicemail. Free high-speed wireless internet access.

Near the ferry terminal.

Reviewed By S A

Motel is on a busy street but did not hear the noise in the room. Signs posted in the rooms not to do this or that. Also one telling us not to take the tissue box. Beds were nice. Room decent size. Good for one night stay. Easy drive to the terminal.

6. Diplomat Motel

333 Nicol St, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 4T5 Canada
Excellent
3%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
20%
Terrible
23%
Overall Ratings

2.5 based on 35 reviews

Diplomat Motel

See why so many travelers make Diplomat Motel their motel of choice when visiting Nanaimo. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a budget friendly setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you. Diplomat Motel offers guests an array of room amenities including a refrigerator, air conditioning, and a seating area, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available. The motel offers baggage storage, to make your visit even more pleasant. The property also features barbeque facilities. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. While staying at Diplomat Motel, visitors can check out Extension Ridge & The Abyss (2.0 mi), which is a popular Nanaimo attraction. While visiting Nanaimo, you may want to try some filet mignon at one of the nearby restaurants, such as Le Cafe Francais. Looking to explore? Then look no further than Harbourfront Walkway (0.7 mi), Maffeo Sutton Park (0.6 mi), and Old City Quarter (0.8 mi), which are some popular Nanaimo attractions – all conveniently located within walking distance of the motel. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Diplomat Motel as you experience all of the things Nanaimo has to offer.

Mom with young child Bullied by a ‘hard working man’ at the Diplomat….

Reviewed By jenjenreis

I had the unfortunate experience of being bullied by a so called ‘hard working man’ at the Diplomat Motel. Soon after my arrival between 9.30pm-10pm, myself and my 5 year old daughter we’re just settling into our second story suite, when there was an abrupt knock at the door. My female intuition was to open the window NOT the door. Through the window a very rudely behaved man proceeded to barrage me with his woes and complain that my daughter and me were being noisy. I apologized and explained that we had literally just arrived and intended to go to sleep. He carried on barraging me with his tales of woe; how hard he works and how long his days are, etc…etc…He then threatened me, when I already told him we are going to bed. The fact that he saw I was a single woman with a young child, did not stop his abusive behaviour….in fact it seemed to fuel his intimidating stance, tone and language. The Diplomat Motel suite is very nice, but unfortunately the place is being over run with these types of entitled, toxic men….who have absolutely no awareness of the impact of their behaviour. Buy some ear plugs and accommodate YOUR own needs!! It is not my job to do so!! It was well before 11pm when this confrontation happened. I did phone the cops, I barricaded my door and when I told the front desk the next day I was told ‘he’s just a hard working man’…..way to make excuses and justify bad, potentially dangerous behaviour! No more Diplomat Motel for me!! And this hard working man, who works such long hard days, can surly afford some ear plugs or a room on the top floor. Shame on ALL of you!

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