Bethlehem Centre — Hotel in Nanaimo

Firstly, the staff could not find our paid reservation, keeping us out in the hall for about 20 minutes while he searched various computers for bookings. During that time, he seemed angry and defensive. After finding we had indeed paid for our reservations, he still was not very nice.||||Secondly, the rooms, spartan as they were, opened out onto a hall, where you found two doors to two bathrooms. Neither said Men or Women. When I ventured forth, next morning about 6 am, a man was roaming the hall in his underpants. Worse, the first bathroom I opened upon was flooded around the shower... and there was no lock on the door. So I tried the second bathroom, which was flooded on the toilet floor, but dry around the shower, and I showered quickly, and got out of there.||||Thirdly, they asked you to strip your bed, and put the towels outside the room. This was quite an ordeal. Usually when I pay $73 to stay someplace, I don't have to strip the bed. ||||Fourthly, there was some confusion about the reservation. Apparently, in making the reservation, the website funneled us to expedia.com, thus charging some $50 in Canadian funds for conversion to US funds, which was totally un-necessary. And expensive.||||I do not recommend this place. However, the lake...

Certain places on Earth serve as profound reminders of the world's beauty and the privilege of being part of it. Their allure lies not only in their breathtaking natural surroundings but also in the warmth and care of the people who call them home. Bethlehem is undeniably one of those extraordinary places. From the cozy, inviting accommodations to the stunning scenery, delightful cuisine, and cleanliness, every aspect of my stay has been nothing short of exceptional. Yet, what truly elevates this experience is the genuine warmth and hospitality of the staff. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional service I’ve experienced during my time here. From the moment I arrived in this charming town, I was greeted with a warmth and hospitality that made me feel instantly at home. A special thanks to Donya, Tristin, Judith, Victoria, Roshni, and Kayley, whose behind-the-scenes efforts bring everything together seamlessly. Your dedication to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment shines through in every thoughtful detail. Thank you for making this experience truly unforgettable. I can't wait for my return! And as for anyone reading this review, don’t wait—book BRC now. You won’t be...

I really enjoyed the weekend retreat I attended here last weekend. The staff were all very friendly and the food was excellent. They accommodated our group's dietary requirements, providing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. We were doing a silent retreat, and the staff made an effort to be silent in the dining room as well when we were there. It's really hard to beat the location of this retreat center as it's right on Westwood lake with access to the trail. I imagine it might be a bit cold in the fall and winter but it was beautiful this weekend. The shared bathrooms in our building were cleaned during the day on Saturday so it was clean on Sunday morning. I think the only difficult part of this retreat was that the shower stalls have a very small area for changing and no bench (it's like 2 x 3 feet), so if you have any mobility or balance issues (or trouble standing on one foot) I'd suggest requesting a room in the main building or asking the staff if there is...