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Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Property class: 1.5

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

A couple standing by a marina with boats and docks in the background.
A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a central island, and a dining area with a wooden table and chairs.
A building with a sign reading "Painted Turtle Guesthouse."
A neatly made bed with pillows, a bedside lamp, a small plant, and a window with curtains.
A marina with multiple boats docked, a ferry with a waiting room sign, and a cityscape in the background.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
The current price is $105
$90 nightly
$105 total
Total with taxes and fees
Aug 27 - Aug 28

Explore the area

View in a map
121 Bastion St, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 3A2
  • Place, Bastion
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Nanaimo Museum
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Old City Quarter
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome)
    ‪3 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bath

A single bed with a wooden frame, white bedding, and a plain wall.

Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bath

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • Partial sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bath

A single bed with a wooden frame, white bedding, and a plain wall.

Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bath

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

A neatly made bed with white linens and pillows, a rolled towel on the bed, a nightstand with a lamp and a tissue box, and a framed picture on the wall.

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

A hotel room with a single bed, a nightstand with a lamp, a dresser with a mirror, and a door with a coat rack.

Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

A neatly made bed with pillows, a bedside lamp, a small plant, and a window with curtains.

Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

Similar properties

Front of property
Harbour Light Motel
Nanaimo
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services
4.1 out of 5, Very Good, 1,001 reviews
$106 nightly
The price is $123
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Total with taxes and fees
Harbour Light Motel

About the neighborhood

Nanaimo

With a stay at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) in Nanaimo (Downtown Nanaimo), you'll be steps from Bastion and Nanaimo Museum. .This hostel is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Old City Quarter and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Vancouver Island University.
View more Hostels in NanaimoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Bastion - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Nanaimo Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Old City Quarter - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Casino Nanaimo - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Vancouver Island University - 8 min drive - 1.7 miles

Getting around

  • Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome) - 1 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sip Pub - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Baby Salsa Mexican Restaurant - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) offers 24 accommodations with complimentary bottled water and rice cookers. Beds feature premium bedding. Full-sized refrigerators/freezers and microwaves are provided.

Rooms have detached private bathrooms. Bathrooms include showers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on request.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Make yourself at home in one of the 24 guestrooms featuring microwaves. Prepare your meals in the shared/communal kitchen. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms with showers are provided.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as bicycles to rent, or other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge.
Featured amenities include luggage storage, laundry facilities, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Ecotours
  • Library

Family friendly

  • In-room full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • In-room microwave
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • 8 detached private bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Free bottled water
  • Freezer
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Rice cooker
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Heating (climate-controlled)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee for check-in between midnight and 2:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children, up to the age of 10 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for CAD 10.0 per stay
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Late check-in fee for check-in between midnight and 2:00 AM
  • Rollaway bed fee: CAD 10.0 per stay

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Only bookings from non-local guests are accepted; guests whose residence is within 16 mi (25 km) of the property will not be allowed to check in
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Property is also known as

Painted Turtle Guesthouse Hostel Nanaimo
Painted Turtle Guesthouse Hostel
Painted Turtle Guesthouse Nanaimo
Painted Turtle Guesthouse
Painted Turtle Guesthouse
Painted Turtle Hostel Nanaimo
Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) Nanaimo

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 112 out of 291 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 96 out of 291 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 40 out of 291 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 291 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 291 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marilyne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hostel is very cute and clean, with colorful paintings and murals, and the staff very helpful and friendly. Strongly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amir

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is not the hostel you’re dreading to book for economic reasons. It was such a pleasant stay, the amenities are ample, the gentleman downstairs is super helpful and kind. I would absolutely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a really cute place. Everything was so clean, the kitchen was a great space.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Geunwoo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing for stay in Nanaimo
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jerome Almir

Liked: Staff & service
Great location. Value for your money. John the owner is a great guy. Accomodating and friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Awesome customer service - went far above and beyond to make sure I got checked in, even at 1:30AM (they normally close standard check-in at 8PM).
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Beat

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was surprised to find such clean, ideally located hostel in downtown Nanaimo. John was amazing. He accompanied my request and went beyond with friendliness and professional handling the situation. A really gem in town. Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Saied

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good location reasonable pricing clean
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Erik

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice, respectful and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maximillian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
John the steward of the place was great. He's helpful and helped us check in no problem.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Brody

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shop

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Sorry can't remember name but host was very friendly and helpful. Great place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Beth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had a great check in experience and enjoyed the kitchen/lounge space - thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ludovica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly reception, rooms and bathrooms are basic but clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Vincent

Liked: Staff & service

I would stay again

Not a bad hostel.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Hyunjeong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
quiet and clean place
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property location is central to most activity points and easy to commute
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Elysia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Second night stay the receptionist was great
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nanoha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient, cosy place
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, quiet, convenient and well priced
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Feels like home away from home. Nice hostel.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

My week sketching in Nanaimo.

If you’re open to bare-bones, inexpensive, quirkiness, remember this is a hostel (though I rented a private room. Very accommodating, all requests fulfilled. Friendly staff.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Margareta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Comfortable bed and cosy warm bedding. Older but very clean facility. Well equipped communal kitchen with pleasant dining room.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025