The Best Western Dorchester Hotel is at 70 Church Street in downtown Nanaimo, near the harbour, so from anywhere in the city it is a short drive, bus ride or taxi trip.
Driving to Church Street
Nanaimo is the starting point here, so there is no highway leg to plan. The hotel sits in the downtown harbour area. Put 70 Church Street into a navigation app and it will give the current route, including any one way streets near the waterfront. Traffic in the centre is busiest on weekday afternoons and when the ferries unload.
The hotel website lists complimentary parking among its amenities, so there is no need to hunt for a paid lot. Confirm the details with the hotel when you book, since arrangements can differ for different room types or busy dates. The hotel phone number is 250 754 6835.
Using Nanaimo buses
Nanaimo has a BC Transit network that serves the downtown core, including the harbour area. Routes, stops and frequencies are updated regularly, so use the BC Transit trip planner. Enter your starting point and the hotel address, and it will show the current bus, where to board and the walk from the stop to the door.
Taxi from the ferry or from town
If you are coming off a BC Ferries sailing, a taxi from the terminal is the simplest transfer, especially with bags. The Nanaimo taxi page explains how to book a ride, and the taxi fare estimator gives a rough cost. BC Ferries lists the current sailing times for the Nanaimo terminals on its schedule page, and sailings fill up in summer, so booking ahead for vehicles is wise.
Walking in the harbour area
The hotel describes itself as right downtown near the harbour, so many sights, restaurants and the waterfront walk are within a short stroll. If you are staying a few nights without a car, this is a convenient spot. A map app set to walking shows the shortest path from wherever you start downtown.