The Spot

2.0 star property
Motel near Departure Bay Ferry Terminal in Nanaimo

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Spot

King Studio Suite | Premium bedding, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Front of property
Family Kitchenette, 2 Queen bedrooms suite | Premium bedding, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker
King Studio Suite | Living area | 50-inch Smart TV with cable channels, TV

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
950 Terminal Avenue N, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 4K4
  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Vancouver Island University
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Duke Point Ferry Terminal
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Nanaimo, BC (YCD)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Room options

2 Queen Room

  • 210 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

King Studio Suite

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

You may also like

About the neighborhood

Nanaimo

Heart of Nanaimo.Within 2 miles (3 km) of this Nanaimo motel, you'll find Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Maffeo Sutton Park. Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Beach Estates Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Nanaimo Regional General Hospital - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Nanaimo Aquatic Centre - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Vancouver Island University - 4 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Duke Point Ferry Terminal - 20 min drive - 12.6 miles

Getting around

  • Nanaimo, BC (YCD) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Off the Hook - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪White Sails Brewing - ‬19 min walk

About this property

The Spot

Motel near Departure Bay Ferry Terminal in Nanaimo
As a guest of The Spot, you'll find multilingual staff, a garden, and a picnic area. Public spaces have free WiFi. The Spot also features express check-in and express check-out. Free self parking is available. A complete renovation of The Spot was completed in April 2022.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Nanaimo motel.

  • 10 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
The Spot offers 10 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Beds feature premium bedding. 50-inch Smart televisions come with cable channels. Kitchenettes offer refrigerators and microwaves. Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include phones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room kitchenette
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

  • Bicycle tours

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 50-inch smart TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email with special check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

  • Pets: CAD 20 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: CAD 20 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Property Registration Number 5032890

Property is also known as

Colonial Motel Nanaimo
Colonial Nanaimo
The Spot Motel
Colonial Motel
The Spot Nanaimo
The Spot Motel Nanaimo

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Spot to the airport?

The Spot is 1.3 mi (3-min drive) away from the Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Spot?

As of Jun 2, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Spot on Jun 12, 2025 start from $108.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Spot have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Spot.

How close is The Spot to the beach?

This motel is 2.1 mi (4-min drive) from Departure Bay Beach.

Does The Spot offer free breakfast?

The Spot does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Spot?

No, there is no casino at this motel, but Casino Nanaimo (3-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at The Spot?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at The Spot?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does The Spot have a pool?

The Spot does not have a pool.

Does The Spot have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is The Spot to downtown Nanaimo?

The Spot is 1.1 mi away from Nanaimo.

The Spot Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 288 out of 571 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 161 out of 571 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 67 out of 571 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 571 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 571 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natasha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was immaculate and the staff were so very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Christie

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The spot was a great location for an overnight stay next to the ferry. Good location for some dining options. We stayed here during a snow storm and the only thing that sucked was their parking lot did not get plowed once while we stayed. Luckily it wasn't busy so it did not matter where we parked but it made getting in and out of the parking lot quite difficult.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

daniel, royston

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

daniel, royston

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I've stayed at this hotel three separate times, and each visit has been consistently great. The rooms are very clean, and the staff is incredibly helpful, responding quickly to any questions or issues. I really appreciate that you can communicate with staff via phone call or text, so there's no need to track someone down in person. The self check in and check out process is super convenient, making arrivals and departures hassle-free. The only minor downside is that some of the box springs are quite squeaky, so an update in that area would be nice. There is some road noise depending on where your room is but that's to be expected given the location. I will definitely be back!

10/10 Excellent

emma

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meridee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Well situated lovely rooms
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Xiao Margaret

Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Stephen

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room code incorrect / TV didn't work / no on-site security or support. Never again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Louis

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Kelly

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our connecting ferry home was cancelled so we needed last minute accommodations. Our room was only $105 total for two queen beds, so I was happy with the value. There was no staff on site, so hence my rating. The rooms were nice, beds were comfy but our room smelled terrible. It had a very potent noxious odour that gave me a headache. I opened a window and was able to sleep, but if I was staying longer I wouldn’t have been able to spend much time in the room due to the smell. Otherwise I would book again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zephyira

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great price for a great place close to the ferry
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mickey

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Camila

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We had a really nice stay, and the staff was so friendly and caring. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

April

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Dayna

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
The room was facing the Highway and was noisy otherwise good.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carmen

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Definitely a secret gem! Totally unassuming on the outside, and an amazing luxurious surprise on the inside. Close to absolutely everything, Transit is right there, and there's even a laundromat like a 3 minute or less walk away. The gas station and Corner Store beside it is open 24/7, and just a little bit farther away throughout several other stores and food options. The lower star rating makes no sense to me because this place is top notch!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Michelle

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

Not the best stay

Our cable didn't work and unfortunately there was no one who coils repair it. I found the room to be mediocrity cleaned. There was a ton of dust and dirt under the bed and as well on the baseboards and the bathroom door and the only garbage can in the room is in the bathroom. I couldn't see another trash can around to dispose of out dinner garbage :( There is no staff on site between the hours of 6pm and 9am.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024