Diplomat Motel, near Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, offers a warm welcome with amenities like dry cleaning and laundry services. Stay connected with in-room WiFi, enjoy the convenience of free self parking and unwind at the barbecue grills. Helpful staff have made lasting impressions on previous guests.
Vancouver Island University - 8 min drive - 2.6 km
Getting around
Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome) - 3 min drive
Nanaimo, BC (YCD) - 13 min drive
Maple Bay, BC (YAQ-Maple Bay Seaplane Base) - 48 min drive
Ganges, BC (YGG-Ganges Harbour Seaplane Base) - 79 min drive
Galiano Island, BC (YMF-Montague Harbour Seaplane Base) - 162 min drive
Sechelt, BC (YHS-Sunshine Coast Regional) - 176 min drive
Restaurants
Sip Pub - 18 min walk
McDonald's - 4 min walk
7-Eleven - 18 min walk
Starbucks - 14 min walk
The Breakfast Nook - 18 min walk
About this property
Diplomat Motel
When you stay at Diplomat Motel, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Duke Point Ferry Terminal. Free perks include WiFi and self parking. Fellow travelers say good things about the helpful staff.
At a glance
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Hotel size
19 rooms
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11 AM
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Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Children
No cribs (infant beds)
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Pets
Pets allowed (dogs only, 2 total)*
Service animals welcome
Specific rooms only*
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free uncovered onsite self parking
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Room service
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Luggage storage
Accessibility
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Room amenities
Be entertained
32-inch TV
Cable TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Coffee/tea maker
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower only
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Microwave
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Fees & policies
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of CAD 15 per pet, per night
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Also known as
Diplomat Motel Nanaimo
Diplomat Nanaimo
Diplomat Motel Motel
Diplomat Motel Nanaimo
Diplomat Motel Motel Nanaimo
Frequently asked questions
Does Diplomat Motel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Diplomat Motel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Diplomat Motel?
Yes, dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of CAD 15 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.
Is parking offered on site at Diplomat Motel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Diplomat Motel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.
Is there an onsite casino at Diplomat Motel?
No, this motel doesn't have a casino, but Casino Nanaimo (15-min walk) is nearby.
What's the area around Diplomat Motel like?
Diplomat Motel is a short 15-minute walk from Casino Nanaimo and 15 minutes' walk from Nanaimo Museum.
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Reviews
Diplomat Motel Reviews
7.2
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
7.2
Cleanliness
6.2
Location
7.4
Staff & service
6.8
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Air conditioning
Shower
Bed
Bathroom
Value
Kitchenette
Room service
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Reviews
Verified
6/10 Good
Sep 16, 2025
Great place to stay & clean
Crystal
Crystal, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jan 27, 2026
The room was clean, more coffee in the room not just 2, warmer water for shower and wash basin. The picture on the web site is not the view you have and the beach you have to find somewhere in Nanaimo
Ingo
Ingo, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 16, 2025
Was a very good deal for having 2 separate rooms. Bathroom was nicely renovated. Bed was firm and comfortable. Good location not too far from downtown, but is along a busy road so if you are in the room facing the road, you can still hear some cars at night.
Belinda
Belinda, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 19, 2025
Enjoyable stay
Nice community location. A few businesses close by. Clean inside and out. All necessities. Comfortable beds, all necessities required and quiet.
Anthony
Anthony, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 21, 2025
Very friendly and accommodating staff 👍
Nicole
Nicole, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Sep 2, 2025
Pet friendly, nice staff. Didnt care for location
Patti
Patti, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 8, 2025
Staff were very helpful!
Anne
Anne, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Apr 20, 2025
Clean and comfortable.
Friendly, helpful owners, clean and comfortable. Accommodations fairly basic.
Verified traveler
3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 16, 2023
Diplomat Motel is the best I see in Nanaimo so kind and lovely staff and everything was really good
Shakila
Shakila, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 19, 2024
We always stay there. Very quiet place
Sandra
Sandra, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jul 10, 2024
Clean, quiet and friendly.
Daniel
Daniel, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jul 5, 2025
Older motel that is being updated. Not the nicest location but close to the ferry terminal and was very clean. Cleaner than most 3 stars Ive stayed at. I would definitely come back.
Carmelia
Carmelia, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jul 21, 2025
Great friendly service . The family suite is nice & spacious, just the only down fall was the hot water running out half way through 1 shower (there were 5 of us) & the weak water pressure but otherwise great place to stay , beds are comfortable & the free parking was a bonus.
Crystal
Crystal, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 31, 2024
Everything was very clean and nice. The service was very good and for a good price. Very happy with our stay!
Julia
Julia, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 18, 2025
The room was clean, bed was comfortable. Bathroom was clean however the hot water temperature and pressure could have better.
Janet
Janet, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Feb 12, 2024
The room was dog friendly, which was our main reason for booking. It was definitely good for what we needed it for and affordable.
Trevor
Trevor, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 28, 2025
It was great. They had an issue with our booking, so upgraded us for free. It was great. Great staff, very helpful! Felt safe.
Clara
Clara, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 9, 2024
Place was clean, bathroom looks recently renovated. It's a good place if you just need a room to sleep for the night.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 24, 2025
We had a very pleasant experience. The customer service was excellent — the staff were friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Although I didn’t book the kitchenette option, they kindly provided plates, spoons, and forks upon request, which I really appreciated. The room was clean, spacious, odor-free, and surprisingly quiet despite being close to the road. We also felt completely safe throughout our stay. Overall, a great and comfortable visit.
Zakir
Zakir, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 14, 2024
The room was very nice. And spacious. The gentleman at the front desk was kind and helpful.
Stephanie
Stephanie, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jun 23, 2025
I’ve stayed here a couple times. The bathrooms are nicely renovated laminate flooring is a plus also. They take nice care of the property. My first stay the room was spotless, second time staying the room needed was clean in high touch areas but could use clean in does and baseboards. Parking is well lit and felt safe going to my vehicle. Excellent value.
Shannon
Shannon, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 28, 2024
Good value for money.
Two bedrooms, two TVs, good cable channels. Excellent, fast WIFI. Back bedroom is quiet facing ocean. Easy access off of highway.
Stephen
Stephen, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 24, 2025
Good customer service. The staff were nice, respectful and helpful. It’s a cheap stay so you get what you paid for as the property is quite old. BUT it’s very clean, spacious, no smell and quiet despite of the location near the road. We felt safe too. So overall it was a good stay.
Chris Carlo
Chris Carlo, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 29, 2023
Staff was helpful and polite.
Room was spacious and clean.
Heater works good.
Easy check-in and out.
Walking distance to restaurants.
Noboru
Verified
8/10 Very good
May 30, 2024
Overall really good specially cleaning. Low budget but really really good