Departure Bay Motel

2.0 star property
Motel near Departure Bay Ferry Terminal in Nanaimo

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Photo gallery for Departure Bay Motel

Reception
Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchenette | Terrace/patio
Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchenette | Living area | LCD TV
Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchenette | 1 bedroom, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets
Room, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchenette | Private kitchen | Coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, cookware/dishes/utensils

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
2011 Estevan Rd, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 3Y9
  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Duke Point Ferry Terminal
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome)
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchenette

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed

7.6 out of 10
Good
(29 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchenette

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Nanaimo

City center stay.You'll find Beach Estates Park and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital within a 15-minute walk of this Nanaimo motel. Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Brechin Lanes are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - 12 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Nanaimo Regional General Hospital - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Departure Bay Beach - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Vancouver Island University - 6 min drive - 2.6 miles
  • Duke Point Ferry Terminal - 22 min drive - 14.6 miles

Getting around

  • Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Off The Hook - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Amoré Bistro - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Drip Coffee | Social - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Departure Bay Motel

Motel near Departure Bay Ferry Terminal in Nanaimo
As a guest of Departure Bay Motel, you'll find a vending machine, a picnic area, and laundry facilities. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Nanaimo motel.

  • 22 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
Departure Bay Motel offers 22 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and complimentary toiletries. Accommodations offer separate sitting areas. LCD televisions come with premium cable channels.

Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps).

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Front entrance ramp
  • No elevator
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • LED TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Laptop workspace
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 19

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - midnight
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: CAD 21.00 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A damage deposit of CAD 200 will be collected before check-in.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Pet fee: CAD 21.00 per pet, per day
  • 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 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
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit 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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Property Registration Number 5031994

Property is also known as

Departure Bay Motel Motel
Departure Bay Motel Nanaimo
Departure Bay Motel Motel Nanaimo

Frequently asked questions

How close is Departure Bay Motel to the airport?

Departure Bay Motel is 2.5 mi (6-min drive) away from the Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Departure Bay Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Departure Bay Motel.

How close is Departure Bay Motel to the beach?

This motel is 1.2 mi (3-min drive) from Departure Bay Beach.

Does Departure Bay Motel offer free breakfast?

Departure Bay Motel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Departure Bay Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel, but Casino Nanaimo (5-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Departure Bay Motel?

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

Is there free parking at Departure Bay Motel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Departure Bay Motel have a pool?

Departure Bay Motel does not have a pool.

Does Departure Bay Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Departure Bay Motel to downtown Nanaimo?

Departure Bay Motel is 1.9 mi away from Nanaimo.

Reviews

Departure Bay Motel Reviews

7.8

Good

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 177 out of 468 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 158 out of 468 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 66 out of 468 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 468 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 36 out of 468 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Louis

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Xenia

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

paula

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Linda

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Only good thing about this hotel was the location to the ferry. There is nothing around here. Room was old and and worn. I would not stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Peggy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The staff were so friendly and willing to help when we needed anything. The air conditioner didn’t work very well and the water from the faucet didn’t shut off when the shower was turned on.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kayla

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Kelly

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Beds were comfy
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Karamveer

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amir

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Robert

Business traveler, Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The receptionist was very thoughtful and offered to upgrade our room as well as provide a new special purpose bed for our dog. Although there were two double beds, the room was small and there was little space to sit or move around. Our stay was only one night, so it was liveable. There was a fair amount of traffic noise from a nearby busy thru street and guests in an adjacent room were outside talking loudly until late. The rooms are not "noise proof" so it was difficult going to sleep. There were signs of wear in the room, but the motel is not a Four Seasons so guests should not be surprised if their room is not pristine. However, at least the room was comfortable and stocked with the typical amenities - soap, coffee, shampoo, towels etc. Generally, our one night stay was adequate and the receptionist made us feel welcome.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kane

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Customer service was great. The staff members were friendly, informative and professional. Cleanliness was average, could have done a better job cleaning the soap scum in the shower, the bathroom sink and kitchen sink needed a better clean as well and the cupboard under the sink had a dish rack that when i went to pull out to use water got everywhere because it was never emptied out and cleaned before. Everything else was great thougn. They have laundry sevice there as well. Overall a safe, clean place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Liked: Amenities
Excellent value. Super clean and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Shawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Teresa, Alert Bay BC

Traveled with family
It’s good, you get what you pay for though. Great for just a place to sleep for a few hours
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Raven

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
So conveniently close to the ferry which was why I chose this place. Obviously very dated and in need of some renos, the bed could use a flipping as it was pretty indented. Decently clean. I didn’t find it too noisy like some other reviewers complained about. The price was great, you get what you pay for. Staff was very friendly and welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

ROBERT

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good location

Great location for the night before catching the early ferry. Basic motel room but clean and a great shower. Reasonable value.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aman

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Management was pretty good, everything else was well organized and people were friendly, respectful and really helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tamara

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Lovely and kind staff ☺️
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and affordable property. Staff are friendly and professional. Exactly what I hoped for when I booked this place
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Yuliya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good for the price. Staff was very friendly and helpful
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
We thought the staff nice and helpful. The room was very dated, but clean. The bed was not very comfy and we could smell cigarette smoke from other rooms.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Joanne

Liked: Cleanliness
Is very close to ferries. Clean but needs updating.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dharminder

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cylvia

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Business

When I come into town for work, Departure Bay is always one of the hotels that I check for availability. The staff is always friendly, professional and well informed about the area.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025