Enjoy simple rooms and 1- & 2-bedroom suites with kitchenettes at Departure Bay Motel, 1.3 km from BC Ferries Terminal in Nanaimo. Free WiFi, LGBTQ+ friendly.
Guests find the motel clean, quiet, and well located near the Departure Bay ferry terminal, often highlighting friendly service and good value for short stays.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Departure Bay Motel is a modest, family-run property offering simple rooms as well as one- and two-bedroom suites equipped with kitchenettes. The accommodation includes practical amenities such as free WiFi, air conditioning, and basic kitchen facilities, catering to guests seeking straightforward comfort without luxury. Rooms are clean and generally well-maintained, though some décor may feel dated, reflecting the property's budget-friendly nature.
Conveniently located just 1.3 km from the BC Ferries Departure Bay Terminal and a short drive from Downtown Nanaimo, the motel serves visitors needing easy access to ferry services and local attractions. Beach Estates Park lies nearby for outdoor activities, while cultural sites like the Nanaimo Museum offer insight into the region’s history. Guests appreciate the quiet and safe neighborhood, with various shops and eateries within reach.
Customer feedback highlights friendly and accommodating staff, making the motel a practical choice for short stays or travelers passing through. Some reviews mention smaller bathroom spaces and initial room odors, but overall cleanliness and functionality meet most expectations. The motel is LGBTQ+ friendly, supporting an inclusive environment for diverse guests.
Departure Bay Motel suits visitors seeking an economical, convenient base close to ferry connections and local points of interest. It is especially well regarded by those prioritizing easy vehicle access and a quiet area over upscale features. Nearby options include several other motels and hotels within a few miles, offering alternative accommodations within the same vicinity.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Good area in Nanaimo from what I can tell, conveniently close to the ferry, expected a small room but was surprisingly nice sized for a single bed as I am travelling alone, shower and bathroom was surprisingly nice, two mini fridges coffee maker and smart tv! I am a fairly tall person and the bathroom is a bit small but the shower is a good size. Just be careful sitting on the toilet I did give myself a black eye on the doorknob lol. Would definitely recommend staying here as it was nice to be able to keep an eye on my vehicle from my room.
Good place, very close to the ferry. The room was clean and tidy. The décor looks a bit dated, but it’s a good spot for a one-night stay. The only downside was the smell in the room when we first arrived, but it improved once we turned on the air conditioning.
While this is an older, budget accommodation, the room was clean and well appointed. The staff were friendly and courteous. The front desk staff were so helpful and accommodating, that it really left a good impression.
I stay everytime I have an appointment in Nanaimo. The area is quiet and safe. The rooms are clean and the beds are comfy. Excellent service with smiling faces. I always try to support family operated motels. Douglas restaurant is right next door.walkjng distance to Brooksland plaza. 4 blocks from.BC ferries.
Great stay near the Nanaimo ferry terminal! We checked in late at night and stayed until our scheduled ferry the next day. The location is excellent, especially for anyone catching an early or late ferry. The motel offers great value for the price. Neda went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed.. she’s incredibly friendly and helpful. Highly recommended!
We ended up needing a simple place to crash during Thanksgiving weekend that was close to the hospital. This place was a pleasant surprise and the lady that was managing it the evening we arrived was very kind and professional. Our room was simple but had everything we needed. It was clean, had a/c, a little fridge and microwave. The bed was a little hard but the bedding was very clean and the pillows were quite comfortable.
We missed the last ferry and needed a place to crash out after a long day of adventure. This Motel was exactly what we needed. The reception staff called us to confirm our arrival time (which was going to be late) and they assured us they’d wait for us - they close check in at midnight and we were due to arrive 11:20pm. On arrival, we checked in and were kindly given an upgrade. We stayed in Room 29. Room isn’t luxurious but it has everything you could need. A comfy bed, tv, bright bathroom, 2 fridges with freezer, armchair and kitchenette with a coffee maker. Drawers and a work desk also. Queen bed - but receptionist said King, but no complaints as we had booked a basic Queen room, so the upgrade was appreciated. Charging station on each bedside was a nice touch. Easy check in- clean rooms - easy check out. Couldn’t ask for more from a last minute motel stay. Thank you.
Came out from Alberta, I was greeted by Boul. He was very friendly and went above and beyond to accommodate me and my family. The room was nice and clean it was quiet. Will definitely be staying here again!
This modest, family-run motel is 1.3 km from the BC Ferries Departure Bay Terminal, 3.5 km from Downtown and 1.4 km from Beach Estates Park.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in British Columbia. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
382 reviews 100 Museum, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2X1, Canada
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