The Coast Bastion Inn was where I stayed on Vancouver Island. It is situated on the waterfront in Nanaimo and has great views of the harbour on one side, with great views of Nanaimo on the other. The rooms are comfortable, and I think that every room has a small balcony. There isn't much privacy within the rooms; we slept five people in one room, but the interior of the room was calm and well decorated.
The hotel is within walking distance from shops and restaurants, as well as having its own restaurant on the ground floor. The hotel also has a gym and internet facilities. The service is friendly and there is a shop where you can buy Vancouver Island souvenirs.