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3-star hotels in Nanaimo
A shortlist of 3-star hotels in Nanaimo, from a downtown landmark on the waterfront to garden B&Bs and a resort on the Island Highway. It is for travellers who want a comfortable base on central Vancouver Island without leaving the mid-range bracket.
Staying in Nanaimo
Nanaimo grew up around coal mining, and traces of that industry still show in the downtown area. These days the city is known for its waterfront: Nanaimo Harbour, the short passenger ferry to Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, a growing arts scene of galleries and theatres, and the annual Nanaimo Marine Festival with its bathtub race. It works as a base for central Vancouver Island, including Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Cathedral Grove.
The hotels on this list are spread across the city rather than clustered in one spot. Coast Bastion Hotel sits on Bastion Street downtown, steps from the harbour, conference centre, shops and restaurants. Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo is on Gordon Street, also close in. The Grand Hotel Nanaimo on Rutherford Road and several B&Bs sit inland, while Riverside Resort & RV Park on Island Hwy W and Crown Mansion in Qualicum Beach are well out from the centre. It suits couples and short-break visitors who want to walk to the waterfront, families needing pools, family rooms and space, and drivers heading north or south on the highway.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas
292 Crescent Road East, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereCrown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas sits 36.2 km from the centre in a quiet, garden-edged setting with sea views. The spa, restaurant and balcony rooms make it a restful base for guests who want a slower pace, and golf and fishing are close at hand. With 113 reviews and a 4.6 rating, it suits couples and longer stays.
See Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & VillasCoast Bastion Hotel
11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereCoast Bastion Hotel puts guests 6.3 km from the centre, with a fitness centre, restaurant and bar on site. Pets are welcome and family rooms are available, so it works for both business travellers and households. Its 1,658 reviews give it a 4.3 rating, and the terrace and sea-facing spaces add an easy place to unwind after a day out.
See Coast Bastion HotelCourtyard by Marriott Nanaimo
100 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereCourtyard by Marriott Nanaimo is a practical choice 6.5 km from the centre, with an indoor pool and fitness centre for guests who want to keep moving. The restaurant and bar cover meals, and the beach nearby adds a reason to head out. 359 reviews place it at 4.1, and it suits couples and families on a straightforward city stay.
See Courtyard by Marriott NanaimoThe Grand Hotel Nanaimo
4898 Rutherford Road, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Fitness Center
- Family rooms
Why stay hereThe Grand Hotel Nanaimo sits 2.8 km from the centre, close enough for easy trips in. Free parking and free wifi are included, and the fitness centre and restaurant mean the essentials are on site. With 482 reviews and a 3.9 rating, it fits guests who want a familiar, full-service hotel with family rooms and room service.
See The Grand Hotel NanaimoRiverside Resort & RV Park
3506 Island Hwy W, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereRiverside Resort & RV Park is 39.7 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool, playground and mini golf for children. Families and pet owners get family rooms, kitchens and free parking, and the river setting and picnic area support days spent outdoors. 512 reviews give it a 3.7 rating.
See Riverside Resort & RV ParkOcean Melody Vacation Rooms
4540 Laguna Way, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereOcean Melody Vacation Rooms lies 1.9 km from the centre and keeps things simple with sea views, a garden and terrace. Breakfast is provided, and the kitchen and family rooms suit guests staying a few nights. Its 19 reviews give a 4.7 rating, and the tennis court and badminton add activity without leaving the property.
See Ocean Melody Vacation RoomsHeather Place Inn
5708 Heather Place, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Pool bar
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereHeather Place Inn is 3.5 km from the centre and welcomes pets, with a garden and terrace for quiet afternoons. Kitchen facilities and a fireplace make longer stays comfortable, and the spa adds a reason to slow down. Only 2 reviews back its 4.5 rating, so expect a small, personal property.
See Heather Place InnMaple View Bed and Breakfast
3315 Rock City Road, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereMaple View Bed and Breakfast is 0.7 km from the centre, making it the closest option here for walking into town. Breakfast is included and parking is free, and the garden and picnic area give guests somewhere to sit. It suits travellers who prefer a small property over a full-service hotel.
See Maple View Bed and BreakfastBev & Sandy's Place
Camcrest Drive; 2734, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereBev & Sandy's Place offers free wifi and free parking 3.3 km from the centre, with a garden and terrace for guests who want to be outdoors. Pets are allowed and the library is a quiet corner for reading. It suits pet owners and guests who value a calm, non-smoking setting.
See Bev & Sandy's PlaceLa Rosetta Bed & Breakfast
106 Hoylake Road East V9k 1L7 Qualicum Beach Canada Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereLa Rosetta Bed & Breakfast is 36.7 km from the centre, with free parking and free wifi in a non-smoking house. The garden and luggage storage keep arrival and departure easy. Pets are not allowed, so it suits guests looking for a quiet, adults-oriented bed and breakfast.
See La Rosetta Bed & BreakfastNanaimo Ocean View B&B
3757 Sundown Dr Nanaimo Bc V9t 4H5 Canada, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereNanaimo Ocean View B&B is 2.3 km from the centre, with air conditioning and free parking for a comfortable stay. The garden and terrace are the main places to relax, and express check-in speeds up arrival. It suits guests who want a small, non-smoking property close to town.
See Nanaimo Ocean View B&BParadise Acres Ranch
1085 Paradise Place, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereParadise Acres Ranch sits 22.0 km from the centre and leans into the outdoors, with a sauna, games room and canoe on hand. Families get family rooms, kitchens and a picnic area, and pets are allowed. Horse riding, fishing and mini golf round out the days for guests who want space and activity.
See Paradise Acres RanchWest Coast Trail Lodge
17285 Parkinson Road, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereWest Coast Trail Lodge is a pet-friendly option with a restaurant, spa and terrace on site. Kitchen and kitchenette units suit longer stays, and free parking and free wifi cover the basics. It works for guests who want their own cooking space and a base for exploring the coast.
See West Coast Trail Lodge
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | – | 36.2 km |
| Coast Bastion Hotel | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 6.3 km |
| Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 6.5 km |
| The Grand Hotel Nanaimo | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 2.8 km |
| Riverside Resort & RV Park | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 39.7 km |
| Ocean Melody Vacation Rooms | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – | 1.9 km |
| Heather Place Inn | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 3.5 km |
| Maple View Bed and Breakfast | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – | 0.7 km |
| Bev & Sandy's Place | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 3.3 km |
| La Rosetta Bed & Breakfast | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 36.7 km |
| Nanaimo Ocean View B&B | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 2.3 km |
| Paradise Acres Ranch | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 22.0 km |
| West Coast Trail Lodge | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Riverside Resort & RV Park has an outdoor pool, playground, mini golf, family rooms and a kitchenette, which keeps children busy on site. The Grand Hotel Nanaimo offers family rooms, a garden and free parking, and Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo adds an indoor pool, a jacuzzi and a casino nearby.
Riverside Resort & RV Park · The Grand Hotel Nanaimo · Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo
Closest to the centre
Maple View Bed and Breakfast is 0.7 km from the centre, Ocean Melody Vacation Rooms 1.9 km and Nanaimo Ocean View B&B 2.3 km. Coast Bastion Hotel, 6.3 km out, sits on Bastion Street among the downtown shops and restaurants, with the harbour within walking distance.
Maple View Bed and Breakfast · Ocean Melody Vacation Rooms · Nanaimo Ocean View B&B · Coast Bastion Hotel
Top guest ratings
Ocean Melody Vacation Rooms scores 4.7 out of 5 from 19 reviews, Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas 4.6 from 113, Heather Place Inn 4.5 from 2 and Coast Bastion Hotel 4.3 from 1658, so the busiest of these also carries a strong, well-tested rating.
Ocean Melody Vacation Rooms · Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas · Heather Place Inn · Coast Bastion Hotel
With a pool or spa
Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo has an indoor pool and a jacuzzi, Riverside Resort & RV Park an outdoor pool. Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas and Heather Place Inn list a spa, and West Coast Trail Lodge also has one. Coast Bastion Hotel instead offers a fitness centre.
Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo · Riverside Resort & RV Park · Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas · Heather Place Inn · West Coast Trail Lodge
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Nanaimo is reached by BC Ferries from Vancouver, sailing from the Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen terminals, and from other Gulf Islands. Nanaimo Airport (YCD) in nearby Cassidy is served by flights from Vancouver and other regional destinations. By car, the city is about a 1.5-hour drive from Victoria via the Trans-Canada Highway. Within the city, public transit is provided by Nanaimo Regional Transit, and taxis and ride-sharing services are available. Many attractions are within walking distance in the downtown area, but a car is useful for exploring the wider region.
When to go
The most pleasant weather in Nanaimo is from June to September, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is lower. Summer is also when many outdoor events take place, including the bathtub race in July. Spring and autumn can be wet but are less crowded. Winter is generally cool and rainy, with occasional snow, but the city remains accessible year-round.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre of Nanaimo?
Maple View Bed and Breakfast on Rock City Road is 0.7 km from the centre, followed by Ocean Melody Vacation Rooms at 1.9 km and Nanaimo Ocean View B&B at 2.3 km. Coast Bastion Hotel, on Bastion Street, is 6.3 km out but sits inside the downtown area by the harbour.
Do any of these hotels have a pool?
Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo has an indoor pool and a jacuzzi. Riverside Resort & RV Park has an outdoor pool, and also lists a playground and mini golf for children.
Which hotels allow pets?
Coast Bastion Hotel, Riverside Resort & RV Park, Heather Place Inn, Bev & Sandy's Place, Paradise Acres Ranch and West Coast Trail Lodge all list pets allowed. La Rosetta Bed & Breakfast states pets are not allowed.
Is parking available at these Nanaimo hotels?
Free car parking is listed at Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas, The Grand Hotel Nanaimo, Riverside Resort & RV Park, Ocean Melody Vacation Rooms, Heather Place Inn, Maple View Bed and Breakfast, Bev & Sandy's Place, La Rosetta Bed & Breakfast, Nanaimo Ocean View B&B, Paradise Acres Ranch and West Coast Trail Lodge. Coast Bastion Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo list parking and a garage.
Which hotel is best for families?
Riverside Resort & RV Park has family rooms, an outdoor pool, a playground, mini golf and kitchenettes. The Grand Hotel Nanaimo has family rooms and a garden, and Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo has an indoor pool, a jacuzzi and family-friendly dining.
Which of these hotels has the highest guest rating?
Ocean Melody Vacation Rooms scores 4.7 out of 5 from 19 reviews. Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas follows at 4.6 from 113 reviews, Heather Place Inn at 4.5 from 2 reviews, and Coast Bastion Hotel at 4.3 from 1658 reviews.
Do any of these hotels serve breakfast?
Breakfast is listed at Coast Bastion Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo, Ocean Melody Vacation Rooms and Maple View Bed and Breakfast. Several other hotels list restaurant or bar facilities instead.
Are any of these hotels near the ferry terminal?
The hotels here are listed with distances from Nanaimo's centre rather than from the BC Ferries terminal at Departure Bay, so check your sailing before booking. Coast Bastion Hotel on Bastion Street keeps you in the downtown area.