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Just a kilometer or two from the downtown core, the Grand Hotel is nestled near the malls and restaurant area. We were 3 (senior) sisters, one of whom was scheduled for eye surgery. Though we arrived just past noon, we were able to check in. The patient was able to nap as this is a quiet area. We chose an upgrade, a slightly larger room with a fireplace with a juliette balcony. Parking was convenient, right below our window. It was Valentine's Day! and we couldn't get a dinner reservation in any nearby restaurants. We declined the Sweetheart Special at the Grand as it was a bit pricy. Susie, the dining room hostess, asked the kitchen to accommodate us. They created braised ribs, mashed potatoes and vegetables for $45pp. Fair value and good food. The dining area is set up for quiet chat and eating, with a decor that absorbs the sound and pleases the eye. The room also had a frig and microwave. The shampoo and conditioner were exceptional quality. We had no issues and will stay again when the sister gets her follow up surgery. The desk clerk was courteous and accommodating, esp with our early check in. The total for an overnight stay for 3 people was less than $200.

The Courtyard by Marriott is by far the best value for money hotel I have stayed in in Canada! The room is large, clean and tidy! The overall style of the room is simple and fashionable, with complete facilities! The restaurant on the first floor of the hotel has a nice environment, reasonable prices, and very friendly service! The location is excellent, about 100 meters from the seaside, surrounded by restaurants and shopping venues, the public security situation is good, and parking is very convenient. The Courtyard by Marriott is by far the best value for money hotel I have stayed in in Canada! The room is large, clean and tidy! The overall style of the room is simple and fashionable, with complete facilities! The restaurant on the first floor of the hotel has a nice environment, reasonable prices, and very friendly service! The location is excellent, about 100 meters from the seaside, surrounded by restaurants and shopping venues, the public security situation is good, and parking is very convenient.

It was an amazing exercise staying at Turtle, it’s in the middle of downtown, super close to ocean, restaurants and night life is good. I’m definitely staying there again! It was clean n neat, no one disturbed, guests were super friendly.

The hotel has just been renovated. The rooms are very clean and tidy, and the waiters are very warm and considerate. I stayed in the same hotel for several days during my trip. It is located in the city center by the sea. You can see some sea views. It is convenient to go out. Some attractions are right there. There is no need to drive nearby, you can reach it if you can't, it feels good, and you don't have to worry about inconvenient parking! A great experience, will come again next time!

Wasn't expecting much based on the room rate, but was very pleasantly surprised. Modern, new or recently refurbished, spotlessly clean, centrally located, value for money. Comp drip coffee (incl decaf) 24/7 avail in reception. The receptionist Ankush was very professional and efficient. Not once did I see him on his cellphone, he was always present, waiting to help anyone that came into reception. (impressive in this day & age 😏) Very comfortable stay, thank you.

We had a very comfortable room for three of us- we slept well. Not particularly luxurious but just what you need for a night or two. We were just passing through. Staff were friendly. Breakfast was muffin- based but enough to get you on the road!

I don't know what other people would expect if I said excellent but that was our experience. We were at the end of a two week holiday on Vancouver Island. We stayed at a name brand hotel on the way up island at twice the price, but it certainly was not twice as good; in fact I would say our room was not as large as the name brand but that was the only difference. Harbour Light had everything we needed for one night: comfortable beds, frig, microwave, wi-fi, and coffee maker. The place was clean and the attendant at the desk was helpful in every way. He recommended the MGM restaurant next door with a 10% discount and between the two we had a good evening before we caught the ferry to the mainland the next morning.

Very basic hotel, they do not have any luggage storage (apparently a management decision since covid), breakfast is sausage links and cheese omelette patties that have been reheated from frozen. A few other things like grocery store bread for toast and a couple of apples and oranges. Front desk is all screened off like the covid era, but also lots of prominent signage that they don’t keep cash on premise. Gives off the general feeling that there are some safety issues, perhaps for both staff and guests. Rooms are only surface cleaned - lots of dust on light fixtures, stains on rugs, bathroom spaces not wiped that well, must smell, etc. Limited room decor, no paintings or anything. Very drab, beige space. My room had a small balcony, ash tray on table so maybe a plus if you smoke (although rooms are supposedly non-smoking). Back side of the hotel was relatively quiet, that’s the only positive thing I can say. Limited amenities outside the room - no pool, no ice machines (at least not on my floor, and no indications where they are), only one slow elevator (use the stairs if you can). Also in a weird area of Nanaimo right off the #1 highway that’s a bit of a dead zone. There are no restaurants, coffee shops, etc. that are all that close, besides an Italian/pizza restaurant that is only open in the evenings and most days only for takeout. If you’re of average mobility, you’re a 10-15 minute walk from the main action in the central harbour area. Relatively easy going to get there (downhill, some routes have stairs), but a bit of uphill walking back. For the nightly rate charged compared to other properties - including the 2-3 major hotels that actually are in the harbour area - this is not a property I will ever be back to. If you’re just driving through, need a place to put your head for the night, and every other place is booked then this might be an option. Otherwise I would avoid at all costs.

Contrary to a number of reviews, we had a good stay here. Not the nicest area of Nanaimo, but convenient along the main road from the ferry. Family suite was a full 2br apartment, clean but not brand new. The gentleman at the front desk was courteous and helpful. DQ across the street. They only rent to out of towners now, which may have been why we had a nice quiet stay.

The environment is very nice and there is a garden, a large parking lot, and the rooms are large, like suites. It is only a few minutes drive from the hotel to the city centre, which is especially convenient.