Entire home

Lovely little well appointed suite close to downtown, parks and restaurants

Lakefront holiday home with private pool and kitchen

Photo gallery for Lovely little well appointed suite close to downtown, parks and restaurants

photo of the suite lit up at night, you can see the big trees in the background
Eat in sun porch overlooking the garden
lots of counter space for cooking while you look out over the garden
lots of storage and counter space on the gorgeous granite vanity
Pool

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4101.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Vancouver Island University
  • Place, Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
  • Place, Duke Point Ferry Terminal
  • Airport, Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome)

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lovely little well appointed suite close to downtown, parks and restaurants

To avoid any confusion while you are navigating the VRBO site the rate is usually shown in USD, unless there is a capital C beside the rate which indicates CDN dollars.

Our vacation rental is in our primary home, which means we are approved to keep offering our vacation rental after the new rules are in place in May of 2024. We have always operated 100% legally and will continue to do so.
Our property is a spacious 3.5 acre parcel with lots of gorgeous trees and outdoor space right in the middle of the city. We have a lovely roomy, newly renovated one bedroom suite that sleeps 4 in a quiet, residential area of Nanaimo. Great for couples on a get away, as well as small families. Space for all to spread out to stay and play with board games, sit by the fire in the living room or in the eat in sun porch and the generous outdoor areas. The bedroom features a California King bed, as well as a very comfortable queen sofa bed in the living room. The bedroom has black out motorized blinds to help you rest. Hotel quality mattresses, linens and well appointed kitchen and bathroom with gorgeous granite counters and large shower with built in seat to help you feel at home and enjoy your stay. There is a new salt water communal in-ground outdoor sports pool redone this year available in the summer season with a very large concrete deck area surrounding it with a fire pit. Just yourselves and occasionally the owners will take a cooling dip. The suite also includes a full laundry room with folding counter and brand new washer and dryer. This is truly a property you can choose to stay in at, cook your meals in the generous kitchen and relax with mother nature surrounding you. It is just a 5 minute drive to ocean-side parks, great restaurants and unique local shops to explore. Nanaimo is a small city located mid way on amazing Vancouver Island, home to many beautiful ocean side parks, great hiking on Mount Benson and lots of green space to explore and enjoy. Please contact us if you are travelling with a pet, we do allow well behaved pets and can talk to you about your pets needs while you stay with us.

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Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Pets are subject to approval, please contact
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number H665798189, 5033520

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Nanaimo

Located in Nanaimo, this holiday home is on a lake. Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Duke Point Ferry Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda. Travelling with kids? Consider Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, or check out an event or a game at Frank Crane Arena. Enjoy the area's slopes with snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating.
Map
Nanaimo, BC

What's nearby

  • Vancouver Island University - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Old City Quarter - 5 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Nanaimo Aquatic Centre - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - 10 min drive - 6.6 km
  • Duke Point Ferry Terminal - 11 min drive - 15.3 km

Getting around

  • Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sip Pub - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪7-Eleven - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Lovely little well appointed suite close to downtown, parks and restaurants have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Lovely little well appointed suite close to downtown, parks and restaurants pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Lovely little well appointed suite close to downtown, parks and restaurants?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lovely little well appointed suite close to downtown, parks and restaurants?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lovely little well appointed suite close to downtown, parks and restaurants located?

This family-friendly Nanaimo holiday home is located by the sea, within 3 mi (5 km) of Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Old City Quarter. Nanaimo Museum and Casino Nanaimo are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 84 out of 95 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 95 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 95 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 95 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 95 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verner W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved staying here on our little getaway. Highly recommended!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Lynnel S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very relaxing quiet setting and the host is very friendly and accommodating.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Evie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second time staying here and we’re already planning for a third. It’s THE perfect spot - very clean and very quiet and the bed is the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on. Throw in the pool and how accommodating Joy and Chris are and there’s no reason to stay anywhere else.
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Shauntel and Noah A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place. Super cozy and the nicest hosts. We had free use of the outdoor pool and our family loved it. Clean and fully stocked with dishes , Tupperware, Saran Wrap and even picnic baskets. There wasn’t anything that we needed for our week stay that wasn’t there.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Evie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best spot in Nanaimo!

This home was the perfect set up for our family of 4. Joy and her family were beyond welcoming and accommodating. Recommend this hidden gem 100% and hope to stay again on our next visit.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Casey B., Cornelius

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice get away

A well stocked 1 bedroom in the lower section of a beautiful home on lush propery. Owners were very nice with the perfect balance of attentiveness and privacy. Comfortable bed, nice shower and private laundry made life easy! Great location.
Stayed 39 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deb G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

JUST WHAT WE NEEDED

This property is immaculately cleaned and maintained. Linens are wonderful and the beds are very comfortable. All the amenities we could possibly require were available. The property is gorgeous, like being in a park.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bird’s Nest lives up to name

The property is very well appointed and comfortable. The kitchen is well equipped and user friendly. Sleeping quarters are spacious and beds are very comfortable. We enjoyed the plentiful birds and closeness to all amenities. Overall we would highly recommend the Birds Nest .
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Randy L., British Columbia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Large suite close to everything in Nanaimo

Large suite with nicely equipped kitchen. 3km walk to harbour and downtown. Groceries within a kilometer. Wonderful hosts.
Stayed 31 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Liette C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

NANAIMO STAY

This property is excellent if you are bringing your son or daughter to settle into University life. It is real close to the university. Close to a very nice grocery store. The lodging is extremely well appointed with various things that you could need during your stay. Lots not space to relax and very comfortable beds!!! The owners are very nice and very helpful! So glad we found this lodging as it sure made all the difference for us!!!! THANK YOU AGAIN JOY!!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stephen W.

Best ever home away from home to date for us!Welcoming friendly hosts,beautiful home and garden pool

Everything we could want or need was provided in this wonderful home. Very clean and the kitchen was very well set up. Use of laundry facilities was great for us as we traveled by motorcycle with limited packing space.The beds were very comfortable with nice linens.The property was nicely landscaped and very private, great for relaxing, so peaceful. Our hosts were very friendly and helpful with any questions about their city being long time residents.Overall we loved our stay and will definitely stay with Joy & Chris again! B&S Wedge
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jenni W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing hosts and property

Joy and Chris were amazing hosts to us and our dogs! Joy was so accommodating with everything from wifi needs to offering help with our dogs! The property landscaping makes it such a nice place to hang out and backs onto their own little trail which was amazing when travelling with dogs! We were close to amenities but didn’t feel like we were close to town at all. Inside so very clean- and the BED! Hotel bed feel and blackout blinds were such a treat for deep rest. The well stocked kitchen was perfect for cooking lots at the place. We felt so at home here and we did not expect that! We were staying the await our baby as we are from a tiny down that doesn’t do deliveries, joy even dropped off a gift for baby, so sweet! Thankyou so much for having us! We very much recommend this spot!
Stayed 14 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debora R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The amenities were excellent and as described. The host messaged immediately and checked in throughout my stay, showing every consideration.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amelia H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our hosts were really kind and accommodating, they communicated with me throughout the stay and made us feel welcomed. I would absolutely recommend staying here.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christian M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A lovely time on and near the beach

It’s so cozy and enjoyable! Incredibly accommodating host
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trinda G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply amazing!

Well appointed sweet suite! Everything you could need, want has been considered in this spacious quiet suite. I especially appreciated the extra thoughtfulness with coffee and decaf too! A wide variety of teas and all dishes pots/pand one could ever want to make a hornet meal! I brought my dog, and what I reallyb( like REALLY) lived was the trail beside the house for ease of early morning walks. Close to Collery Dam trails system too! Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

meghan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Lovely and welcoming! Clean, comfortable, and spacious...we'll be staying again@
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bernie & Linda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Could be better!

Suite was great! Very nicely decorated and provided everything you could possibly need.Chris and Joy were very accommodating and checking regularly to see if we needed anything.I would highly recommend!
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

George K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter escape

Stayed for a month The suite was comfortable and well equipped. Joy, the property manager, was attentive and helpful. Highly recommended!
Stayed 27 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An absolute gem!

We can’t say enough about how wonderful this suite is and how much we enjoyed our week here. It was clean, very comfortable & well appointed. The location was perfect for us. The hosts, Joy & Chris are outstanding hosts, who go above & beyond to make you feel welcome & were always quick to respond when we had questions. We left knowing we made new friends. If you are looking for the best place to stay in Nanaimo, your search is over! Thanks again Joy & Chris - we appreciated making your home our home for the week.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Spacious, comfortable & clean. Well stocked kitchen with coffee, tea & spices. Located close to grocery shopping, hwy access & a short distance to the ferry terminal. Lovely property 😊
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautifully appointed suite with all the amenities

We enjoyed a very comfortable stay, the owners thought of all the added comforts and the location of this rental is very central to the surrounding area so everthing is close by. The location also offers natural surroundings and privacy all while being very quiet. We loved this location and didnt want tonleave
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erik R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Above and beyond

We where moving to Nanaimo and needed a Vrbo that took 3 cats. Joy (Owner) is absolutely amazing and went above and beyond to help us out. Great place for a family retreat and very comfortable beds. Place was very clean and kitchen had coffee,teas and everything you need to prep a small meal. It has free wifi, cable tv, washer and dryer. It's relatively close to downtown Nanaimo and close to groceries and restaurants. Joy my family loves you and thank you once again for making us feel at home, you're an angel.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ellen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birds Nest Nanaimo

Excellent 👍👍
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

New Grandson

Lovely owners who went above and beyond helping me with my dog so I could spend time with my newborn grandchild. The apartment is spacious and has everything you need for a comfortable stay including driveway parking and no stairs (level entry). I have found my “go to” place for future visits. Joy and Chris, thank you for your hospitality.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Joy Sarauer

Host profile image
We are long time residents of Nanaimo having lived on this 3.5 acre property since 1991 and love the ease of access to outdoor spaces, the ferry and airports. Great restaurants and shopping abound - it really is a great little city to explore!
We bought when the area was quite rural but even though the neighborhood has built up around us it still has a very small neighborly feel, there is even a wonderful market garden a two minute walk down the road from us. They operate late spring to late summer, great produce and very wonderful people.

Why they chose this property

We are really close to downtown Nanaimo and the waterfront and only a couple of minutes by car to the island highway if you want to day trip south or north on the island. Location is close to grocery stores as well if you want to make your meals at your home away from home. If you do like to cook your meals just let us know what your favorites are, we can steer you to a really great bakery, meat shop, seafood, produce - whatever your passion is, these are all very close by. It's very quiet here with blackout motorized hotel style shades and custom drapes so you can nest and rest!

What makes this property unique

The seasonal summer pool is open and ready for some fun from June - September
This is a sports pool, 5 feet deep so no diving allowed. But lots of area for swimming and relaxing for all. We've completely redone the pool and surrounding gardens this year, they look spectacular!

Enjoy!

Languages:

English

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