We chose hotels that had high customer satisfaction, good amenities and those that guests thought provided good value.

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Editor's Top 5 Picks

Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$109 
Highly praised Nanaimo hotel near ferry with harbour views, free Wi-Fi, restaurant & lounge
The Coast Bastion Inn has beautiful harbour views, serves up great food in their on-site restaurant, is right downtown and close to shops, restaurants and the seawall. It's only a 15-minute drive to the airport.
Pros
  • Free amenities: Wi-Fi, local calls
  • Rooms were clean, comfortable and well appointed
  • Location ideal to the ferry, harbour, shopping and restaurants
  • Staff were well liked, courteous and efficient
  • Wi-Fi was rated excellent
  • Guests enjoyed dining on site
  • Guests loved the beautiful harbour views from their rooms
Cons
  • Parking is $9 plus tax per night
  • Parking was a little inconvenient according to a few guests
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$107 
Highly praised Chemainus hotel with indoor pool, kitchenette suites and free hot breakfast
Many have said this is the best Best Western they have stayed at. Perceived to provide good value along with a good free breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi, it's also an 11-minute walk to boutique shopping, restaurants and other attractions in Chemainus. It's a little farther to downtown Nanaimo at 30 minutes and 22 minutes to the airport, but has a large pool, hot tub and fitness area on site. 
Pros
  • Free amenities: Wi-Fi, hot breakfast, parking, local calls
  • Many guests described their rooms as very clean, spacious and well maintained
  • Many reviewers praised the food at the free breakfast
  • The staff were frequently complimented for their friendly service
  • Several guests found the location convenient for exploring the area by car
  • A few reviewers thought that the in-suite kitchens were well equipped
  • Guests enjoyed harbour views from some rooms
Cons
  • No on-site restaurant
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$133 
Popular Nanaimo lakefront hotel with great views, hot tub and well-liked free breakfast
Beautiful lakefront views and excellent breakfast caught our attention for this hotel. No on-site restaurant or pool but free Wi-Fi, breakfast and parking are offered. It's close to restaurants and shopping (6-minute walk). It's 30 minutes to the airport and 15 minutes to downtown Nanaimo. 
Pros
  • Free amenities: Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking
  • Many guests enjoyed clean, comfortable and well-equipped rooms
  • Location handy to highways, dining options, shopping, and ferry terminals
  • Wi-Fi was rated as excellent by guest surveys
  • Staff were well liked, friendly and accommodating
  • Many guests enjoyed pretty lake views from their rooms and balconies
Cons
  • Occasionally a guest said they could hear traffic noise
  • A few guests said the rooms were a little dated
Editor's Picks
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Recommended by guests for customer service, well-appointed rooms and good food
Although this beautiful bed and breakfast has only 3 guest rooms, its guests boast of wonderful hospitality from the owner who provides free pick-up from the airport when you arrive, free breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking. Downtown is 10-15 minutes away and the airport is 30 minutes' drive away. 
Pros
  • Free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, free parking and free pick-up service from local airport and ferry
  • Many guests described their rooms as clean and well appointed
  • Many reviewers praised the food served at the free breakfast
  • The host was frequently complimented for his welcoming service
  • Several guests found the location central for accessing attractions in Nanaimo
Cons
  • Pets are not permitted
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$73 
Clean rooms with modern furniture, mini-fridge, microwave, outdoor patio, sauna
Pros
  • Free Wi-Fi, parking, continental breakfast and local calls
  • Many guests liked the hotel's proximity to downtown, parkland, and the ferry terminals
  • Many guests felt the staff were friendly and accommodating
  • Many guests said this hotel provided good value
  • Many guests enjoyed the free and varied breakfast
Cons
  • Several guests complained of smelling smoke odours in the rooms
  • A couple of guests complained about the breakfast room being crowded
  • A couple reviewers said their pillows were uncomfortable

5 Other Hotels Close to Nanaimo Airport

Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$96 
Older hotel with an indoor pool and free breakfast, on the Trans-Canada Highway
Location
This hotel is located in Nanaimo and is an approximate 10-minute drive or taxi ride from the airport. The location is right off of the highway and is surrounded by mainly residential spaces. It offers views of the harbourfront from one side of the hotel. 

There are not many amenities within an easy walking distance, however, there is a small restaurant connected to the hotel. The centre of Nanaimo is an approximate 5-minute drive or taxi ride from the hotel. 
Parking
There is plenty of free parking available at the hotel for the duration of your stay. Extended parking of an additional day or two after check-out may be available, and it is recommended to ask the front desk staff about this option upon checking in, as it may be based on occupancy rates.
Pros
  • Free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, parking, and local calls
  • On-site restaurant, indoor pool and hot tub
  • Many guests felt the staff were friendly and accommodating
  • Many guests felt the rooms were clean, comfortable, and spacious
Cons
  • Many guests felt the hotel was in need of updating
  • Some guests complained about noise from guests in other rooms or in the hallways
  • A few guests complained that the location was far from key Nanaimo attractions
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$91 
Motel and Hostel on Trans-Canada Hwy, free Wi-Fi and parking, on-site laundry
Pros
  • Free Wi-Fi and free parking
  • Several guests found the beds comfortable
  • Several reviewers said that the hotel provided convenient access to the highway
  • A few guests complimented the staff for their friendly and helpful service
  • A few reviewers thought that the room rates were reasonable
  • A couple of guests described pleasant views of the ocean and mountains from their rooms
Cons
  • No on-site restaurant
  • A couple of guests complained about hearing traffic noise in their rooms
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$119 
Downtown hotel in harbourfront heritage building
Location
This hotel is around a 15- to 20-minute drive from the airport and is located in downtown Nanaimo. The harbourfront is across the street from the hotel and there are several small shops and a cafe within a 5- to 10-minute walk. The closest shopping centre, Port Place, is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. 
Parking
Parking at this hotel is free during your stay. It should be noted that although the hotel has two parking lots, if they are full at the time of your check-in, you may park at a nearby paid parking lot and the hotel will reimburse the amount paid for parking. Due to space limitations, extended parking is not available.
Pros
  • Free parking and Wi-Fi
  • Many guests felt the rooms were clean and well appointed
  • Many guests thought the staff were pleasant and helpful
  • Many guests appreciated the downtown, harbourfront location
Cons
  • A few guests felt the parking lot was too small and far from the hotel
  • A few guests felt there was an unpleasant smell in their room and in the hallways
  • A few guests felt certain rooms were small
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$101 
Well-liked and comfortable Nanaimo hotel with jacuzzi suites, free breakfast & free parking
Location
This hotel is located in Nanaimo and is an approximate 25-minute drive or taxi ride from the airport. The hotel is located on a street off of the highway and is in a residential area, surrounded by houses and apartment buildings.

Downtown Nanaimo is an approximate 5-minute drive or taxi ride away from the hotel. Downtown can also be reached by public transit and the nearest bus stop at Terminal Avenue and Townsite Road is a 3-minute walk from the hotel. The ride will take approximately 6 minutes.
Parking
Free parking is available at this hotel for the duration of your stay. It is recommended to inquire with the front desk about extended parking after check-out if you are seeking this option, as availability depends on the hotel's occupancy rate.
Pros
  • Free amenities: Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, parking, local calls, daily newspaper
  • Many guests felt the rooms were clean, comfortable, and spacious
  • Many guests felt the hotel was good value compared to other hotels in the area
  • Many guests felt the staff were friendly and accommodating
Cons
  • A few guests felt that the area surrounding the hotel was a bit seedy
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$118 
Well-liked north Nanaimo hotel with kitchenette and hot tub suites and free breakfast
Location
This hotel is located outside of the centre of Nanaimo, and is an approximate 25- to 35-minute drive or taxi ride from the airport. The hotel is located off of the Island Highway, and there is a small plaza right beside the hotel with several shops, including a liquor store and restaurant. Woodgrove Shopping Centre is an approximate 10- minute walk from the hotel.

The centre of Nanaimo is an approximate 15-minute drive from the hotel or around a 35-minute bus ride, with the nearest stop at Nanaimo North Town Centre located at a 5-minute taxi ride from the hotel. 
Parking
Complimentary parking is available for the duration of your stay at the hotel. An extra day or two of extended parking may be an option depending on availability, and it is recommended to ask about this option when checking in.
Pros
  • Free amenities: Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, bottled water, local calls, newspapers
  • Clean, well-equipped and comfortable rooms said guests
  • Location handy to the hwy, many shops and restaurants
  • Many enjoyed the free breakfast
  • Wi-Fi was rated very good overall in online surveys
  • Pleasant and knowledgeable staff said guests
Cons
  • Some guests complained of hearing traffic noise
  • Some guests found the prices quite high in peak season

Tips For Staying Near Nanaimo Airport

Location
Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is located approximately 15 km southwest, or a 15- to 20-minute drive or taxi ride, from the centre of Nanaimo. The Trans-Canada Highway is a 2-minute drive away.
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Parking
There is both short-term and long-term parking available at the airport. Rates for short-term parking are $1 per hour. Long-term parking costs $8 per day for the first 7 days and rates for longer stays can be found on the airport's website.

For short-term parking, including passenger pick-up and drop-off, there are several designated spaces with a coin-operated meter to pay for parking. For long-term parking, tickets may be purchased at a ticket dispenser located in the lot in front of the main terminal and tickets need to be placed on the dashboard of your vehicle and be visible. 
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Getting Around: Driving
There are a few car rental companies present at the airport, including Budget, Hertz and National. Rates for car rentals will vary, however, an estimate for price is approximately $48 to $79 per day, depending on the type of vehicle rented.

Driving into the centre of Nanaimo will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Getting Around
There are two taxi companies that have taxis waiting at the airport for rides into town, AC Taxi and Yellow Cab. The average one-way fare for a ride into downtown Nanaimo is $36 with AC Taxi and $45 with Yellow Cab; however, these rates may vary depending on the location of your hotel. 
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Getting Around: Public Transit
There is a public transit system in Nanaimo, however, the closest bus stop to the airport is an approximate 15-minute taxi ride away. For guests without a vehicle, it may be quicker and straightforward to take a taxi right to your hotel. 

The bus routes may come in handy, however, for a few of the hotels that are located outside of central Nanaimo, to help guests access the downtown area. 

The one-way fare for the bus is $2.50 for adults and university students, $2.25 for seniors over the age of 65 and youth 6 to 18 years old. There is no charge for children under the age of 5. Day passes and sheets of 10 tickets may be purchased and you can find more information about Nanaimo's bus routes on their website. 
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Dining
There is a café at the airport that serves meals, including hot breakfasts, and is open Monday to Friday from 6 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 6 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 6 am to 7 pm.
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