There are lots of motels along the highway between the Departure Bay ferries and downtown, and then also a little further south. This whole strip is convenient to everything, so you can use any of the Nanaimo motels below as a home base for whatever you want to get done, here.
Castaway Motel (250) 754-6780
205 North Terminal Ave., Nanaimo, BC, V9S 4J4
On the highway near downtown
Harbour Light Motel (250) 716-5898
200 Nichol St, Nanaimo, BC
3 blocks south (uphill) of downtown | Beside MGM Restaurant, which usually appeals especially to seniors