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4- and 5-star hotels in Nanaimo
A shortlist of the 4- and 5-star hotels in Nanaimo, gathered for travellers who want a comfortable base on Vancouver Island. It covers waterfront resorts, guesthouses and self-contained suites, from the harbour to north Nanaimo and Long Lake.
Staying in Nanaimo
Nanaimo grew up around coal mining, traces of which survive downtown, and today it is a waterfront city with a harbour, galleries and theatres, and an annual marine festival famous for its bathtub race. Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park lies a short passenger ferry ride from the harbour, and the city works well as a base for central Vancouver Island, including Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Cathedral Grove.
The hotels on this shortlist sit mostly away from the immediate downtown core, along Hammond Bay Road and Ferntree Place near the water in the north, on Stewart Avenue by the marina, and on quieter residential streets such as Rockwood Place, Howard Avenue and Marisa Street. Two address clusters stand out: the Hammond Bay Road guesthouses and suites, a few kilometres from the centre, and the Stewart Avenue and Jesters Way addresses closer in. It suits couples after a quiet waterfront stay, families wanting space and a kitchen, and short-break visitors who are happy to drive to the harbour and the ferries.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
A Boutique Artful Suite
3603 Hammond Bay Road Nanaimobritish Columbia V9t 1E8, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 5-star suite property on Hammond Bay Road, 2.7 km from the centre of Nanaimo. Guests have free wifi and free car parking, plus a garden and a terrace to relax in between outings. Non smoking rooms and luggage storage keep the stay simple and comfortable, and internet access is available throughout. It suits travellers who want a quiet, upscale base within easy reach of the city and the waterfront.
See A Boutique Artful SuiteThe Marinaside Resort
1250 Stewart Ave, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
Why stay hereThis 4-star resort on Stewart Ave sits 4.4 km from the centre and holds a guest rating of 3.8 from 66 reviews. A spa and a restaurant are on site, and air conditioning, lifts and non smoking rooms cover the essentials; free wifi and free car parking are included. Family rooms make it a practical choice for households, while couples can settle in around the spa and dining.
See The Marinaside ResortLong Lake Waterfront Bed and Breakfast
240 Ferntree Place, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereSet 2.4 km from the centre on Ferntree Place, this 4-star bed and breakfast looks over Long Lake and has its own private beach. Guests can take out a canoe, fish from the shore or use the games room, and breakfast is served on site. Rooms come with balconies, fireplaces and jacuzzis, with kitchen and kitchenette options, free wifi and free car parking. It suits guests who want lake days and a relaxed, home-like stay.
See Long Lake Waterfront Bed and BreakfastHammond Bay Oceanside Guesthouse
3804 Hammond Bay Road V9t 1G3 Nanaimo Canada Nanaimo, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Beach nearby
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star guesthouse on Hammond Bay Road, 2.4 km from the centre, with a private beach and beach access nearby. Diving and scuba diving can be arranged, and the garden offers a quiet spot after time in the water; free bottled water, free wifi and free car parking are provided, and the property does not allow pets. It suits divers and beachgoers who prefer a small, non smoking guesthouse close to Nanaimo.
See Hammond Bay Oceanside GuesthouseRockwood House
2314 Rockwood Place Nanaimobritish Columbia V9r 7B3, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Beach nearby
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star house on Rockwood Place, 4.9 km from the centre, with a garden and a terrace for unwinding. Golfers are well placed thanks to the golf course, and beach access is nearby; free wifi and free car parking are included, and housekeeping, a safe and special diets are looked after. It suits guests who want a calm, non smoking base with outdoor space and easy reach of the coast.
See Rockwood HouseA Shack In The Woods
6574 Baird Road 88, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereA 4-star property on Baird Road with a garden, a terrace and a patio. Pets are allowed, which is rare among Nanaimo's 4-star stays, and the kitchen, oven and toaster make self-catering straightforward; free wifi and free car parking are included, and family rooms are available. Beach access nearby and fishing add to the outdoor options. It suits families and pet owners who want a relaxed, non smoking stay.
See A Shack In The WoodsAnnarthur Guest House
59 Howard Avenue, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereA 4-star guest house on Howard Avenue, 5.3 km from the centre, with sea views and a garden and terrace to enjoy them from. The kitchen, dishwasher and oven support longer stays, and golf, bars and laundry service are close at hand; free wifi and free car parking are provided. It suits guests who want a sea-facing, non smoking base with room to cook and settle in.
See Annarthur Guest HouseIsland View B&B
Entwhistle Drive 5391, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereA 4-star bed and breakfast on Entwhistle Drive, 2.8 km from the centre, with sea views from balconies and terraces. Family rooms, cots and high chairs make it workable for those travelling with children, and shuttle service, wake-up service and a kitchen add convenience; free wifi and free car parking are included. It suits guests who want a sea-view, non smoking stay near the centre.
See Island View B&BWild Coast Wilderness Resort
17268 Parkinson Road, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereA 4-star resort on Parkinson Road with a garden, terrace and patio. Pets are allowed and fishing is available nearby, while the kitchen, oven and toaster cover self-catering needs; free wifi and free car parking are provided, and express check in and banquet facilities add flexibility. It suits guests who want a non smoking, pet-friendly base with outdoor space and cooking facilities.
See Wild Coast Wilderness ResortA Cozy Family get away suite in South Nanaimo
609 Marisa Street, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereA 4-star family suite on Marisa Street, 8.8 km from the centre, with beach access nearby. A games room, badminton and mini golf keep children busy, and the kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine suit longer family stays; free wifi and free car parking are included. It suits families who want space, games and a non smoking setting away from the busier parts of Nanaimo.
See A Cozy Family get away suite in South NanaimoQualicum Landing
5251 Island Hwy W, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereA 4-star property on Island Hwy W with an outdoor pool and a tennis court. Shuttle service and free car parking make getting around easier, and entertainment activities and a picnic area round out the time on site. Wheelchair accessible, it suits active guests and families who want sport, swimming and a non smoking base in Nanaimo.
See Qualicum LandingWinchelsea Views
5050 Broad Ridge Place, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereA 4-star property on Broad Ridge Place, 7.5 km from the centre, with sea views from a terrace, patio and balconies. Family rooms and a kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine support longer stays, and golf, bars and express check in are on hand; free wifi and free car parking are included. It suits families and groups who want sea-facing, non smoking accommodation with space to spread out.
See Winchelsea ViewsWellington House
128 Swanson Road, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereA 4-star house on Swanson Road, 4.0 km from the centre, with beach access nearby and a garden. Golf, bowling, diving and mini golf are within reach, and the kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine make longer stays easy; free wifi and free car parking are included, and apartments are available. It suits active guests and families who want a non smoking base with plenty of room and things to do.
See Wellington HouseBrookside Falls Guesthouse
745 Hunter Street, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereA 4-star guesthouse on Hunter Street, 4.3 km from the centre, with beach access nearby. A bar and lounge, a jacuzzi and a garden give plenty of ways to unwind, while canoeing, archery, bowling, diving and horse riding are among the activities on offer; pets are allowed, and bike rental, a business centre and concierge are available. Free wifi and free car parking are included. It suits guests who want a lively, full-service base.
See Brookside Falls GuesthouseTrader Vics Tiki Bar n Grill
1338 Jesters Way, Nanaimo, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereA 4-star property on Jesters Way, just 1.1 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool, a swimming pool and a spa. A tiki bar and grill with a pool bar is on site, and beach access is nearby; family rooms, a kitchen with dishwasher and oven, and a terrace make it easy to settle in. Free wifi and free car parking are included. It suits guests who want to be close to the centre with pool and dining on the doorstep.
See Trader Vics Tiki Bar n Grill
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Boutique Artful Suite | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 2.7 km |
| The Marinaside Resort | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 4.4 km |
| Long Lake Waterfront Bed and Breakfast | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 2.4 km |
| Hammond Bay Oceanside Guesthouse | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 2.4 km |
| Rockwood House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 4.9 km |
| A Shack In The Woods | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Annarthur Guest House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 5.3 km |
| Island View B&B | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 2.8 km |
| Wild Coast Wilderness Resort | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| A Cozy Family get away suite in South Nanaimo | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 8.8 km |
| Qualicum Landing | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Winchelsea Views | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 7.5 km |
| Wellington House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 4.0 km |
| Brookside Falls Guesthouse | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.3 km |
| Trader Vics Tiki Bar n Grill | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 1.1 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
A Cozy Family get away suite in South Nanaimo has family rooms, a kitchen, a games room and a washing machine. Island View B&B adds family rooms, cots and high chairs, and A Shack In The Woods offers family rooms with a kitchen and terrace. Trader Vics Tiki Bar n Grill brings a swimming pool, an outdoor pool and family rooms.
A Cozy Family get away suite in South Nanaimo · Island View B&B · A Shack In The Woods · Trader Vics Tiki Bar n Grill
For couples
Long Lake Waterfront Bed and Breakfast has a jacuzzi, a fireplace and a private beach for two. Hammond Bay Oceanside Guesthouse pairs a private beach with free bottled water and a garden, and Brookside Falls Guesthouse adds a jacuzzi, fireplace and terrace.
Long Lake Waterfront Bed and Breakfast · Hammond Bay Oceanside Guesthouse · Brookside Falls Guesthouse
Top rated by guests
The Marinaside Resort is the only hotel on this shortlist with a published guest score: 3.8 out of 5 from 66 reviews. It is a 4-star property on Stewart Avenue with a restaurant, a spa, air conditioning, lifts and family rooms, and it sits 4.4 km from the centre.
With a pool or spa
The Marinaside Resort has a spa, Trader Vics Tiki Bar n Grill has both a spa and a swimming pool with a pool bar, and Qualicum Landing offers an outdoor pool plus a tennis court. These are the only shortlisted hotels listing a pool or spa facility.
The Marinaside Resort · Trader Vics Tiki Bar n Grill · Qualicum Landing
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Nanaimo is reached by BC Ferries from Vancouver, at the Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen terminals, and from other Gulf Islands. Nanaimo Airport (YCD) in nearby Cassidy has 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 Nanaimo, public transit is provided by Nanaimo Regional Transit, and taxis and ride-sharing services are available. Many attractions are walkable downtown, but a car is useful for the wider region.
When to go
The most pleasant weather in Nanaimo runs from June to September, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is lower. Summer also brings many outdoor events, 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, and the city stays accessible year-round.
Questions, answered
Which shortlisted hotel is closest to the centre of Nanaimo?
Trader Vics Tiki Bar n Grill on Jesters Way is 1.1 km from the centre, the shortest distance on this shortlist. Long Lake Waterfront Bed and Breakfast and Hammond Bay Oceanside Guesthouse follow at 2.4 km each, and A Boutique Artful Suite is 2.7 km away.
Do any of these hotels have a pool or a spa?
Yes. Trader Vics Tiki Bar n Grill lists a spa, a swimming pool, an outdoor pool and a pool bar, The Marinaside Resort lists a spa, and Qualicum Landing lists an outdoor pool. No other hotel on this shortlist names a pool or spa.
Which hotels allow pets?
A Shack In The Woods, Wild Coast Wilderness Resort and Brookside Falls Guesthouse all list pets allowed. Hammond Bay Oceanside Guesthouse states pets are not allowed, and the remaining hotels on this shortlist do not list a pet policy.
Is parking available at these hotels?
Every hotel on this shortlist except Island View B&B, which lists free car parking, and Qualicum Landing, which lists car parking and free car parking, names free car parking among its facilities. That covers all four- and five-star properties listed here.
Which hotels work best for families?
The Marinaside Resort and Wellington House and Brookside Falls Guesthouse also list family rooms.
Do any of these hotels serve breakfast?
Long Lake Waterfront Bed and Breakfast is the only hotel on this shortlist that lists breakfast among its facilities. The others list kitchens, kitchenettes or dining facilities instead, with restaurant service at The Marinaside Resort.
Which hotels are near the water?
Long Lake Waterfront Bed and Breakfast sits by Long Lake with a private beach, and Hammond Bay Oceanside Guesthouse has a private beach and beach nearby. Several others list beach nearby, including Rockwood House, A Shack In The Woods, Wild Coast Wilderness Resort and Brookside Falls Guesthouse.
Which is the only 5-star hotel on this shortlist?
A Boutique Artful Suite on Hammond Bay Road is the sole 5-star property here, 2.7 km from the centre. It lists free wifi, free car parking, a garden, a terrace, luggage storage and non-smoking rooms.