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Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

1.5 star property
Hostel with free parking, steps from Bastion

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Photo gallery for Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Exterior
Reception hall
Front of property - evening/night
Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space | Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

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

Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bath

Highlights

Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Premium bedding
8 bathrooms
Detached private bathroom
Microwave
Oven
Toaster
Shared/communal kitchen
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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

Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bath

Highlights

Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Premium bedding
8 bathrooms
Detached private bathroom
Microwave
Oven
Toaster
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Partial sea view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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

Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space | Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

Highlights

Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Premium bedding
8 bathrooms
Detached private bathroom
Microwave
Oven
Toaster
Shared/communal kitchen
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

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

Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

Highlights

Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Premium bedding
8 bathrooms
Detached private bathroom
Microwave
Free bottled water
Shared/communal kitchen
Stovetop
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space | Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

Highlights

Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Premium bedding
8 bathrooms
Detached private bathroom
Microwave
Free bottled water
Shared/communal kitchen
Stovetop
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
121 Bastion St, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 3A2

What's nearby

  • Nanaimo Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Old City Quarter - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Vancouver Island University - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal - 6 min drive - 2.4 miles
  • Duke Point Ferry Terminal - 18 min drive - 11.3 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Javawocky - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Vault Cafe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Penny's Palapa - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Old City Station Pub - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Queen's Hotel - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Hostel near Vancouver Island University
Located close to Bastion and Nanaimo Museum, Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) provides a library, laundry facilities, and a bar. Active travelers can enjoy amenities like ecotours and cycling at this hostel. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • Free self parking
  • Bike rentals, tour/ticket assistance, and coffee/tea in the lobby
  • Luggage storage, 1 meeting room, and concierge services
Room features
All guestrooms at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) feature perks such as premium bedding, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and free bottled water.
Extra amenities include:
  • 8 bathrooms with showers
  • Communal kitchens, full-sized refrigerators/freezers, and microwaves

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, Hindi

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

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Late check-in is available from midnight–2:00 AM for a fee.

What time is check-out at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) located?

Situated near the airport, this hostel is steps from Bastion and Nanaimo Museum. Old City Quarter and Vancouver Island University are also within 2 mi (3 km).

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Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 85 out of 234 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 82 out of 234 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 32 out of 234 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 234 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 234 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Saied

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

10/10 Excellent

Nanoha

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

10/10 Excellent

Hyunjeong

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very kind and accommodating. The bed was very clean and comfortable. I had wonderful roommates and the main area kitchen was user friendly and the people were very nice. Mu new Nanaimo place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Elysia

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

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our grandson recently visited, and we were fortunate to secure a room for him at Painted Turtle. The staff were exceptionally kind and attentive, making him feel welcome and comfortable. His room was clean, warm, and quiet, and the establishment felt very safe, giving us peace of mind knowing he was in a great place. If you’re looking for a wonderful place to stay, both our grandson and we highly recommend Painted Turtle.
Stayed 21 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Super friendly and great central location. There was always a washroom available.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Elysia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a good start I quit enjoyed it
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Brody

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maximillian

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

10/10 Excellent

Denise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice stay. The stuff is really friendly. The room is clean and the bathroom too.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Sheila l

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking was only issue, but they helped out , enjoyed meeting people from everywhere. Very helpful staff!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Excellent service

It was good, staffs were friendly and helpful . Overall service. Was okay
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

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

8/10 Good

Wendy

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

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property location is central to most of my activities. I am happy with it.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Okay for the night. Kind of sketchy area of town.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A comfortable hostel with clean private room right in a central area of downtown Nanaimo. Waterfront and other sites of interest an easy short walk away.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

luis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly crew and very helpful and accommodating Thanks to all and the fellow travelers
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Roland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very nice place to by. Nice bar next door for a nice evening 😉
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022