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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 air conditioner started leaking 3 or 4 days before we left the hotel as we were there for one week . It was kind of awkward as it is above the closet and right in front of the front door so we had to keep a towel down so nobody slipped. Especially my 5yr old son when he visited . Also I didn't realise when booking the room how small it was, it actually was inconvenient, how small it was especially for a week! If I had known that (because the picture makes it look like a regular sized hotel room and they had thae size on there bit which really looks at the sq metre if the room size. If I I had known it was so small I wouldn't of rented there. The staff were great though. They didn't charge us for late booking four when we told them about the air conditioner leaking

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!

All aspects are very good. The hotel is very clean, but there is no hot water bottle, you have to take it with the front desk, and there is no bottled water in the hotel.

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.

The hotel is located about 3 kilometers from the city center. There are several plazas along the way to shop and eat. The breakfast at the hotel is simple but full. Some rooms have been renovated and are quite good. Reception is very warm, praise!

Spent 2 nights here over the Easter Weekend. Very friendly front desk staff and the room was clean and the bed very comfy. The following are observations and NOT complaints. - there is nowhere to lock up your valuables. Having had a theft from another hotel in town, this was a concern of mine. -instead of a key card, you’re given, upon check-in, a small piece of paper with a code for the main door (for after hours entry) and you provide your own set of number for your press button room door lock. I found it helpful to take a screen shot of all this with my phone in case I lost the piece of paper. It is small, y’all! - there is no dresser to store clothes. There IS a rack with hangers but for items like underwear and shorts, etc, you will need to use your suitcase. - the room is equipped with a kitchen ( microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker) but is lacking in cutlery and dishes. - to accommodate the idea of using the space as an eating area, there is a breakfast bar and 2 stools but the room’s layout is awkward and would be hard to use. - there is a lovely little patio area available and you could eat out there but due to the rain, I was unable to use it. - I was fine with the next-to-zero counter space in the bathroom, but if you have a lot of toiletries, this could be a challenge. -there is no way to turn the shower on from a distance i.e. without getting under the shower head, due to the sliding shower door orientation. - the room was decorated quite nicely and I was very comfortable here. I am a light sleeper and the room is most definitely not soundproof so I was happy to have my earplugs and white noise app! This is meant to be an informative review, Not negative at all. The price was good and I enjoyed my stay.

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.

This hotel is a bit biased on Victoria Island. If it is not self-driving, it is very inconvenient. The hotel is relatively new. The facilities are relatively complete. There are hot springs. Facing a small lake, it was quite peaceful. There is a kitchen, but we don’t have time to cook by ourselves. The breakfast at the hotel is good, you can make your own waffles. Did not see the Chinese. Because there was only a foreign couple who went to the hot springs late. There is free parking.

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.