Nanaimo hotels

There are many reasons the Coast Bastion is my top pick for the best hotels in Nanaimo. If you’re travelling to Nanaimo, I’m sure coastal views are a priority, as they were for me. What I love most about this hotel is that you don’t have to sacrifice those views for a convenient location – here, you get both.

The rooms are spacious and modern with a touch of coastal decor, and even though you’re walking distance from many amazing restaurants in downtown Nanaimo, the hotel restaurant and lounge, Minnoz, is really tasty. I highly recommend trying the Nanaimo bar cheesecake for a yummy twist on the traditional Nanaimo dessert – which, by the way, is also a must-try.

The added amenities of a fitness centre, business facilities, and top-notch service make this hotel a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and stunning views.

The Courtyard by Marriott is a new property that opened in 2023. To me, checking into a hotel where the staff are all genuinely happy to be working there and want to make your stay as lovely as possible makes all the difference. This Courtyard by Marriott truly delivers with some of the friendliest staff I’ve ever encountered.

The property is located right next to the harbour and within walking distance of downtown, offering easy access to some of the best restaurants, bars, and attractions in Nanaimo.

If you do end up staying here and are interested in military history, check out the Vancouver Island Military Museum located right next door. It’s a real hidden gem run by volunteer veterans and gives a fascinating deep dive into the local military history.

I could sit out on the balcony at the Gibralter Rock B&B all day long and never get sick of the view. It’s located on the crest of a big hill and the vistas over the ocean are some of the finest you’ll come across in Nanaimo.

Even if you’re not a morning person, I highly recommend rising early to take in the sunrise from your room or balcony – it’s one of the most epic (yet still incredibly cosy) ways to watch a West Coast sunrise.

The view alone makes this B&B one of the best boutique hotels in Nanaimo, but the warm service sets it apart. The owners are incredibly kind and accommodating, making sure every guest feels right at home. Plus, it’s located near the ferry terminal, so it’s a convenient stop for travellers coming to or from Vancouver mainland.

Another of the best hotels in Nanaimo for view lovers, Inn on Long Lake offers stunning lakefront vistas and is a 10-minute drive from downtown Nanaimo. Each room has beautiful views of the lake, and the lobby is adorned with local Indigenous artwork.

I especially love the hot tub room at this hotel. It’s not your typical hotel hot tub, as it’s in a large room surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows.

One of my favourite things to do in BC is go kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the crystal-clear lakes. The hotel offers both kayak and paddleboard hire, so you can experience BC’s gorgeous lakes for yourself during your stay.

When you’re just after a really comfortable bed and a modern hotel with great amenities, the Best Western Northgate Inn is a great choice. The rooms here are spacious and well-appointed, perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring.

I’ve always loved the Best Western hotel chain. I appreciate a consistently comfy hotel that still manages to stay affordable. Although it’s not directly downtown, it's in a nice area with many nearby restaurants and amenities.

You’ll be within walking distance from one of my favourite sushi restaurants in Nanaimo, Nori Japanese Restaurant. I highly recommend stopping in – but be warned, the sushi is so fresh and delicious, you'll want to try everything on the menu.

I strongly recommend booking an ocean-view cabin or room at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort – it’s well worth it. The resort is located 30 minutes outside Nanaimo, so it’s ideal for those who prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle.

One of the best hotels in Nanaimo and the surrounding area, the resort's proximity to the beach is the highlight. The rooms are just steps away from it, making it easier than ever to enjoy long walks on the sand. The location makes this hotel especially romantic for an anniversary or couples’ trip.

The resort's Grotto Spa has been named one of the best in Canada, and it’s worth checking it out during your stay. Guests can enjoy a two-hour spa experience, moving between the stone grotto mineral pool, cool splash waterfall, large whirlpool, four cedar barrel saunas, and large outdoor patio with cosy fireplaces.

One of the best hotels in Nanaimo for families, the Microtel Inn & Suites is a reliably comfortable place to stay. Conveniently located a five-minute drive from Nanaimo Airport (YCD), it’s set just off the Trans-Canada Highway and around a 20-minute drive to downtown.

Although I don’t have kids of my own, I have several young nieces and nephews who would love this hotel's massive pool and waterslide. Meanwhile, I’d gladly supervise them from the spacious hot tub, which is perfect for relaxing in while the kiddos enjoy the pool.

The rooms are comfortable and clean, and there’s an included breakfast with the hotel rate, which is always a bonus (especially with kids in tow). There’s also a spacious fitness centre for those looking to stay active during their stay.

I’d never heard of a hotel on a kiwi farm until I discovered Kiwi Cove Lodge. It’s a cute boutique gem on a gorgeous ten-acre property and one of the most unique hotels in Nanaimo. Close to Nanaimo airport and about a 20-minute drive from downtown Nanaimo, it's conveniently located yet still feels off the beaten path due to the hotel’s expansive surroundings.

The included homemade breakfast is delicious and I love that each one comes with fresh kiwis. Make sure you try the kiwi jam – you’ll want to bring a few jars home with you. The rooms are traditional and cosy, with large windows or balconies overlooking the kiwi vines.

The Best Western Plus Chemainus is a great option if you’re visiting Victoria but want a place to rest along the way. It's just over a half hour out of Nanaimo, making it a convenient pit stop.

It’s the quality of service from the staff and the spacious and comfortable rooms that set this property apart as one of the top hotels in Nanaimo. The complimentary breakfast is also one of the better options that I’ve come across, with many hot items included.

The Chemainus Theatre Festival is just down the road and hosts fantastic live performances. The town of Chemainus is known for its artsy vibe and has more than 40 famous murals throughout the town. I love being able to walk somewhere brought to life by talented local artists.

The Quality Inn is one of the best hotels in Nanaimo for those travelling on a budget. For an affordable rate, you get a comfortable and very spacious room and great amenities. The hotel is in downtown Nanaimo, so you can walk to many local restaurants and shops.

Although breakfast isn’t included, I still recommend dining in the hotel's breakfast restaurant, The Breakfast Nook. Almost every time I dine out for breakfast, I go for the eggs Benedict. It's something I don't cook at home, so it’s a nice treat when I go out. You could say I’m a bit picky when it comes to my eggs Benny, but the Breakfast Nook does them perfectly.

With its prime location and welcoming vibe, the Quality Inn is a great option for anyone looking for a comfortable hotel at a wallet-friendly price.