Sand Pebbles Inn | Hotel in Regional District of Nanaimo, British Columbia

“Room was clean and staff were friendly”

“When we are checking in at the office, the lady say "no smoking allowed at the property!!..only at the designated area" I didn't want to say anything the office so disgusting smokey smell.”

“OveraIl, it felt like guests are tolerated there but not welcomed. The place needs a lot of love. As an older motel and keep in mind, there is no AC when you book. They do not advertise AC but I think a lot of travelers just assume so keep that in mind. It can get very warm in the room. The location is the selling feature here with a stairway right to a private section of the beach which was wonderful. However, the rooms that are available to book don't match the photos so they my be older. I was surprised that the main floor with the best view was clearly for the property owners perhaps? The blankets hanging for window coverings made the property look trashy and not well cared for. Most rooms face other rooms across the lawn but we moved our chairs over to view the water. I would have been disappointed with a second floor room because then there would be no real view. There were many rules and everything seemed to cost $25 if you break them. There is only one cleaner I believe which is why check in is very late at 4pm and check out is very early at 10am. They have rules about what you are allowed to cook as well. Nothing spicy, no fish and cameras everywhere, reminders to clean the dishes or get fined, no coffee. There is a long list to read and sign at check in. Bathrooms are tiny, curtains are broken resulting in no privacy or blocking of sunlight, sliding door curtains don't close all the way. The various issues are not charming as they would be in an old family cabin.”

“If it didn’t have the view I wouldn’t pay $100 for this”

“You are right on the ocean. Our patio opened up to a garden courtyard. We watched the sun set on the ocean each night. The area was gorgeous! Lots super close by to do.”

“the location was amazing, but it is very out dated.”

“Lovely view. It has direct access to the beach down a short aluminum staircase. Clean and comfortable, nothing fancy. Shower only. Could hear some traffic (it didn’t bother us though). We had a relaxing and serene time enjoying the view, spectacular sunsets and long beach walks.”

“It's an older motel that faces the beach. The sea-wall has been gradually collapsing over the years, and I'm sure the owners know the whole place is on borrowed time. (I believe one structure was already lost.) So there isn't much long-term investment in the structure, but the rooms are clean and well-appointed, with all of them facing the water and the central lawn to some degree. I keep coming back and so long as you come with appropriate expectations, I think you'll do fine. I prefer upstairs rooms, but the downstairs ones do have direct access to the courtyard lawn and stairs to the beach.”

“Very nice”

“Check in was to late -4:00 pm. The room was fine, comfortable bed.”