Name: Diplomat Motel
Address: 333 Nicol Street, Nanaimo, Canada, Nanaimo, British Columbia, CA
Price range: $41–$107 per night
Rating: 7.38

What guests think

At Diplomat Motel, travellers describe a budget stay with spacious suites and some nicely renovated bathrooms, balanced by mixed cleanliness and maintenance, variable Wi‑Fi, and a convenient highway-and-ferry location in a neighbourhood that several guests found rough with street noise.

Many appreciated pet-friendly policies, large two-room layouts, firm beds, and easy parking. Recurring downsides include traffic or upstairs noise, limited or uneven hot water and air conditioning in some units, and occasional issues with overcharges, deposits, and front-desk attitude. Overall, expect decent value and space over polish, with trade-offs tied to the area and upkeep.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Free parking is noted, and several units include kitchenettes or cooking facilities; coin laundry is available. Amenities are basic, with no mention of leisure facilities.

Related guest reviews

8

Jean-Marie

May 24, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was split so that there was a separate bedroom and a kitchen/sitting room. We liked that.It was comfortable.

8

Scott

Jul 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Property had some cooking facilities that were very handy

8

Melodie

Jul 22, 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

Bon service clientèle Lit super confortable Tres propre, excepté le probleme de petites fourmis dans l'immeuble. Cuisinette bien fournie et tres pratique.

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10

Wing

May 24, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The unit is big, clean, easy access from the highway. There is a big living room with a sofa bed on top of a queen side bed in the bedroom, two TVs in the whole unit. The room is at the back end of the unit. Can't hear any noise from the highway even though it is right next to it. It is vey close to the BC ferry terminal. Close to downtown Nanaimo. There is an induction stove top, micro wave, toaster, water boiler and dinnerware set in the unit. The motel deserves more than a 2 stars rating.

8

Crystal

Jul 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

8

Shannon

Jun 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

4

Cara

Aug 12, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was an adequate stop over for a family but the walls were so dirty in the kitchen I washed them myself. Bedrooms were nice and comfy. Bathroom was nice (windowsill rotting though). Staff were friendly and gave me laundry soap when I asked so I could use the coin laundry. Neighbourhood is a bit iffy but so is most of Nanaimo I guess. Lots of homeless and drug use in the surrounding areas.

2

Robert

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The price I paid was $100 more than what the app stated it would be. It was a motel with poor air-conditioning in only the main area, not the bedrooms. I didn't want to spend a great deal as it was a stopover. I could have stayed at a finer place for the same amount of money. The induction stove top was shattered in a corner.

10

Stephen

Jun 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Two bedrooms, two TVs, good cable channels. Excellent, fast WIFI. Back bedroom is quiet facing ocean. Easy access off of highway.

6

Marna

Sep 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

“Oceanview” from first floor was a sliver, houses and trees blocked any chance of view. No instructions on how to use the induction cooktop. Check in was quick. Convenient parking.

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Cleanliness

Feedback is mixed: many report very clean rooms and renovated bathrooms, while others cite dirty floors and towels, musty odors, ants, and maintenance grime in kitchens or bathrooms.

Related guest reviews

4

Rachel

Jun 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The check in staff was rude, and he was assuming I was a party animal. He gave me ALL the rules when all I wanted to do was check in and sleep. The towels and bathroom were not clean, and there were burn marks all over the floors.

2

Zoe

Jul 19, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I knew what I was getting into booking a hotel in this side of town. We have stayed in motels in this area before and know they are nothing fancy, but usually a good deal. This was THE dirtiest motel I’ve ever stayed at. I mean filthy. The floors were so grimy, the ceiling fan leaked, everything was disgusting. And the biggest kicker? I had to dispute our deposit fee with my credit card company as we stayed a month ago and it still wasn’t refunded. 10/10 do not recommend. There are other low cost motels that are better than this.

6

Caro

Aug 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The microwave was not cleaned, the bathroom toilet didn’t seem to have been cleaned either, there was not shampoo.

6

caterina

Oct 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was ok but carpet was very dirty. Did not see much of an ocean view and the location was in a questionable area of the town. Lots of homeless people around and we did not feel very safe.

8

Daffodel

Jul 26, 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

The only thing is the smell in the room,eventhough everything is clean( how much you clean it or spray it),you still got the like mold,old carpet or something smell. Hope they will sort these out.. otherwise the place is good and convenient..

10

alana

Jul 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, quiet stay. The renovations on the bathrooms is high quality. Very enjoyable

10

Anthony

Sep 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice community location. A few businesses close by. Clean inside and out. All necessities. Comfortable beds, all necessities required and quiet.

6

Amanda

Aug 4, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

What we expected for the price. Ant infestation throughout the family unit/bathroom and no parking when we returned from our event, means i wouldnt book again.

8

Carmelia

Jul 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

6

Jason

Aug 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Basic as basic gets. Very dirty room. Area is not great. Bed was good

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally spacious, with some two-bedroom layouts and renovated bathrooms; beds are often comfortable and kitchens are available in some units. Downsides include spotty or slow Wi‑Fi, traffic or upstairs noise, limited views, uneven hot water or pressure, and AC only in main areas in some suites.

Related guest reviews

10

Janet

May 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room was clean, bed was comfortable. Bathroom was clean however the hot water temperature and pressure could have better.

8

Jean-Marie

May 24, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was split so that there was a separate bedroom and a kitchen/sitting room. We liked that.It was comfortable.

8

Marisa

May 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The Diplomat was cheap and convenient. We knew it was a motel and had motel expectations, but we were surprised to see the common area in our room (101) to be so big. I would have liked it if there was a cooling system or air conditioning unit in the bedrooms, but we were patient and let Mother Nature cool off our room as the sun went down. All in all, it was a one-night stay and it was surprisingly good for motel standards! No complaints!

10

krystal

Aug 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing staff and nice big room, they did a good job on the renovations since the last time i stayed. They allow animals with no restrictions on dogs. We didnt leave the room after dark cause of the homeless and drug addicts thay were roaming around. Well letting our dogs go to the bathroom we found a few needles and baggies with powder in it. Ither then that no complaints at all and would book there again.

6

Chung Pak

Jul 30, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

One inner room with AC and the other room was too hot to sleep.

10

Belinda

Nov 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

10

Stephen

Jun 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Two bedrooms, two TVs, good cable channels. Excellent, fast WIFI. Back bedroom is quiet facing ocean. Easy access off of highway.

10

alana

Jul 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, quiet stay. The renovations on the bathrooms is high quality. Very enjoyable

8

Christopher

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

2 bedroom room was clean. Check in a breeze. Beds were average. Wifi was spotty. Road was noisy but couldn’t really hear from the room. Could really hear the people stomping upstairs. Overall for the price I would stay again. Pet friendly a big plus. MGM restaurant just down across the street was excellent

6

Marna

Sep 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

“Oceanview” from first floor was a sliver, houses and trees blocked any chance of view. No instructions on how to use the induction cooktop. Check in was quick. Convenient parking.

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Service

Many guests praise friendly, helpful staff and smooth check-ins, with occasional upgrades and late-arrival assistance. However, some report rudeness, miscommunication, higher-than-quoted charges or delayed deposits, and payment machine hassles.

Related guest reviews

4

Rachel

Jun 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The check in staff was rude, and he was assuming I was a party animal. He gave me ALL the rules when all I wanted to do was check in and sleep. The towels and bathroom were not clean, and there were burn marks all over the floors.

2

Joe

May 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Front desk lady is extremely rude. She thinks her place is a 4 Seasons when in reality its worse than an average Motel 6. Motel is old and run down. Room smelled like pee. Rooms have a 4 digit numerical code to enter to unlock the dead bolt and if you look at the numbers on the lock you can see what the 4 digits are because they are worn out on the keypad on the door. The actual front door handle to my room kept falling off. I couldnt get into my room on the second day and the hotel lady instead of saying sorry for the broken lock and handle said to me that I should just accept the situation and act cool to try to impress my partner who was with me. I still cant believe she tried to gaslight me. Stay away from this place.

10

Nicole

Apr 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very friendly and accommodating staff 👍

2

Mhairi

Sep 13, 2023

·

I enjoyed the room, most of the staff was pleasant. The owner/manager cancelled my booking in the afternoon, proceeded to phone after 10pm asking if I were showing up. I showed up and again refused my stay without explanation

2

Robert

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The price I paid was $100 more than what the app stated it would be. It was a motel with poor air-conditioning in only the main area, not the bedrooms. I didn't want to spend a great deal as it was a stopover. I could have stayed at a finer place for the same amount of money. The induction stove top was shattered in a corner.

8

Cheryl

Jul 2, 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

A bug Thank you to the man at the desk who stayed up to wait for us because our flight was late

10

Noboru

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.

2

Matthew

Jul 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Still waiting for my deposit back.

10

Zakir

Jun 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

10

Clara

Apr 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It was great. They had an issue with our booking, so upgraded us for free. It was great. Great staff, very helpful! Felt safe.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Convenient to the ferry terminal, highway, and shops or restaurants, and easy to find. Several reviewers felt the immediate area was rough or unsafe due to visible homelessness, and some noted traffic noise on the busy road.

Related guest reviews

8

Dilraj

Jul 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy to locate, just by road side. The staff at the front desk not welcoming at all!

10

Wing

May 24, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The unit is big, clean, easy access from the highway. There is a big living room with a sofa bed on top of a queen side bed in the bedroom, two TVs in the whole unit. The room is at the back end of the unit. Can't hear any noise from the highway even though it is right next to it. It is vey close to the BC ferry terminal. Close to downtown Nanaimo. There is an induction stove top, micro wave, toaster, water boiler and dinnerware set in the unit. The motel deserves more than a 2 stars rating.

8

Marisa

May 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The Diplomat was cheap and convenient. We knew it was a motel and had motel expectations, but we were surprised to see the common area in our room (101) to be so big. I would have liked it if there was a cooling system or air conditioning unit in the bedrooms, but we were patient and let Mother Nature cool off our room as the sun went down. All in all, it was a one-night stay and it was surprisingly good for motel standards! No complaints!

8

Cathay

Aug 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Place was easy to find and right in the city.

4

Cara

Aug 12, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was an adequate stop over for a family but the walls were so dirty in the kitchen I washed them myself. Bedrooms were nice and comfy. Bathroom was nice (windowsill rotting though). Staff were friendly and gave me laundry soap when I asked so I could use the coin laundry. Neighbourhood is a bit iffy but so is most of Nanaimo I guess. Lots of homeless and drug use in the surrounding areas.

6

caterina

Oct 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was ok but carpet was very dirty. Did not see much of an ocean view and the location was in a questionable area of the town. Lots of homeless people around and we did not feel very safe.

8

Bruce

Oct 1, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

The motel was clean and close to nearby shops for groceries and restaurants. It was on a busy street so during the day in the front room you could hear the traffic. The furniture in the unit was a little worn. The walk in shower in the bathroom was very large which was nice. For being a budget motel it was good overall.

10

Belinda

Nov 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

8

Carmelia

Jul 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

8

Lolita

Feb 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was an okay area of Nanaimo. But there is a lot of homeless people around. They were harmless. Other than that rooms were good, clean, staff was very helpful.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

No on-site breakfast is mentioned; guests used nearby restaurants, with options within walking or short driving distance and one praised spot across the street.

Related guest reviews

10

Wing

May 24, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The unit is big, clean, easy access from the highway. There is a big living room with a sofa bed on top of a queen side bed in the bedroom, two TVs in the whole unit. The room is at the back end of the unit. Can't hear any noise from the highway even though it is right next to it. It is vey close to the BC ferry terminal. Close to downtown Nanaimo. There is an induction stove top, micro wave, toaster, water boiler and dinnerware set in the unit. The motel deserves more than a 2 stars rating.

8

Cathay

Aug 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Place was easy to find and right in the city.

8

Bruce

Oct 1, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

The motel was clean and close to nearby shops for groceries and restaurants. It was on a busy street so during the day in the front room you could hear the traffic. The furniture in the unit was a little worn. The walk in shower in the bathroom was very large which was nice. For being a budget motel it was good overall.

10

Anthony

Sep 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice community location. A few businesses close by. Clean inside and out. All necessities. Comfortable beds, all necessities required and quiet.

8

Geoffrey

Aug 21, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

No where near by to get breakfast, have to drive two blocks down from the hotel recommend by staff.

10

Noboru

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.

8

Christopher

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

2 bedroom room was clean. Check in a breeze. Beds were average. Wifi was spotty. Road was noisy but couldn’t really hear from the room. Could really hear the people stomping upstairs. Overall for the price I would stay again. Pet friendly a big plus. MGM restaurant just down across the street was excellent

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$62
February	$65
March	$77
April	$80
May	$87
June	$95
July	$102
August	$117
September	$89
October	$75
November	$71
December	$69

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19 $103
20 $105	21 $103	22 $41	23 $103	24 $103	25 $105	26 $105
27 $102	28 $105	29 $105	30 $105

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $89	2 $89	3 $87
4 $90	5 $89	6 $89	7 $90	8 $90	9 $90	10 $90
11 $90	12 $89	13 $89	14 $89	15 $89	16 $89	17 $89
18 $89	19 $90	20 $89	21 $90	22 $90	23 $90	24 $90
25 $103	26 $107	27 $107	28 $107	29 $89	30 $90	31 $89

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Standard Room, 2 Bedrooms

Guest reviews

Good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Diplomat Motel

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Prices for upcoming dates