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Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Property class: 1.5

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Photo gallery for Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

A building with a sign reading "Painted Turtle Guesthouse." - Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) (Nanaimo)
A couple standing by a marina with boats and docks in the background. - Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) (Nanaimo)
A marina with multiple boats docked, a ferry with a waiting room sign, and a cityscape in the background. - Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) (Nanaimo)
A neatly made bed with pillows, a bedside lamp, a small plant, and a window with curtains. - Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) (Nanaimo)
A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a central island, and a dining area with a wooden table and chairs. - Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) (Nanaimo)
Located close to Bastion and Nanaimo Museum, Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) provides a library, laundry facilities, and a bar. Adventurous travelers may like the ecotours and cycling at this hostel. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

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

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

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

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

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

About the neighborhood

Located in Downtown Nanaimo, a neighborhood in Nanaimo, Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) is near the airport and near a boardwalk/promenade. Bastion and Old City Quarter are notable landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Duke Point Ferry Terminal. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Frank Crane Arena. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with rock climbing and mountain climbing. Visit our Nanaimo travel guide
View more Hostels in Nanaimo
Map
121 Bastion St, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 3A2

What's nearby

  • A row of colorful historic buildings with distinct architectural styles, including arched windows and decorative brickwork.
    Old City Quarter
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Bastion
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Nanaimo Museum
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Vancouver Island Conference Centre
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Casino Nanaimo
    4 min walk - 0.3 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Starbucks
    7 min walk
  • Noodlebox
    7 min walk
  • Red’s Bakery
    2 min walk
  • The Vault
    4 min walk
  • Penny's Palapa
    5 min walk

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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

  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

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?

Located in Downtown Nanaimo, this hostel is steps from Bastion and Nanaimo Museum. Old City Quarter and Vancouver Island University are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) Reviews

7.8

Good

8.0

Cleanliness

8.4

Location

8.4

Staff & service

7.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 116 out of 298 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 97 out of 298 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 42 out of 298 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 298 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 298 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Painted Turtle was a good accommodation choice for my stay in Nanaimo. The location was convenient and the availability of cooking facilities was a plus.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hostel was simple, but very clean and comfortable. The location was excellent—right downtown, with everything within easy reach. The staff were very kind and helpful, and I felt comfortable throughout my stay. I would definitely stay here again on my next visit to Nanaimo!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice rooms, clean bathrooms. Location is great! Love the price. The next door pub rocks too!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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

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

8/10 Good

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

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

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Central location and cost. Friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

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
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very kind and friendly but the room condition was not recommendable.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We arrived late (10:50pm). The night clerk was friendly and efficient with the check in. The room and bathroom facilities were simple yet clean and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Even its outdated, it is very clean , well maintained by Paul and staff, walkable to restaurant, the harbour, shopping mall, very convenient and reasonable price. The customer service are excellent. Show us the easy way to get to Departure Bay bus depot by bus. Thank you Paul for the warmest accommodations.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Amenities
I lucked out during my stay since the roads around the Painted Turtle were closed due to construction. Arrive after 4:30pm and no noise! Oh and the industrial size fan in my shared room was the best surprise EVER!!! :)
Shared room with two bunk beds
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025