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Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

1.5 star property
Hostel with free parking, steps from Bastion

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Front of property - evening/night
Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Water view
Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space | Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets
Reception hall
Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) is a haven for active travelers near Old City Quarter, with amenities like cycling and ecotours. Unwind in the library or bar, take advantage of bike rentals and laundry facilities, enjoy coffee/tea in the lobby, explore nearby attractions with tour/ticket assistance.

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, Men only, Shared Bath

Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bath

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Premium bedding
Detached private bathroom
8 bathrooms
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Oven
Blender
  • Partial sea view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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

Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bath

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Premium bedding
Detached private bathroom
8 bathrooms
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Oven
Blender
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Premium bedding
Detached private bathroom
8 bathrooms
Microwave
Freezer
Stovetop
Blender
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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
Detached private bathroom
8 bathrooms
Microwave
Freezer
Stovetop
Blender
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Premium bedding
Detached private bathroom
8 bathrooms
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Oven
Blender
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin 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

  • ‪Red’s Bakery - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Brix & Mortar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Vault - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Mrs. Riches - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Nanaimo Bar - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Hostel near Old City Quarter
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 cycling and ecotours at this hostel. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • Free self parking
  • Bike rentals, luggage storage, and 1 meeting room
  • Concierge services, tour/ticket assistance, and coffee/tea in the lobby
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

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Nov 13 - Nov 14
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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

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 does it cost to stay at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

As of Nov 1, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) on Nov 6, 2025 start from $67.95, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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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Reviews

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) Reviews

7.8

Good

8.0

Cleanliness

8.4

Location

8.4

Staff & service

7.8

Eco-friendliness

7.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 259 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 90 out of 259 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 35 out of 259 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 259 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 29 out of 259 reviews

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

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, let me check in early. Great location, could use ac, and an in house coffee service, even if i had to pay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Evelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Felt like staying at a youth hostel, brought back great memories! Huge common room with cooking area. Lots of private bathroom/showers. Found an excellent Mexican restaurant Gina’s walking distance. Close to ferry.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hyunjeong

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

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

8/10 Good

Brody

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

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

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

8/10 Good

William

Liked: Staff & service
I think this is a great little place if you wanna stay a couple nights in Nanaimo, but don’t want to pay the big hotel prices. I was accommodated for late check-in, which was very nice and I was even able to self check out. A parking area is right next to the hostel which is great. This hostel has everything you need to get by however, some of the amenities were out of service such as the oven and microwave when I was staying. There was also a door lock that was out of service, but you can make deal with the inconvenience. I’d suggest coming here if you are okay with being flexible and are not planning on staying inside most the day. Would come back again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Mikaela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Paul is amazing, very nice man upon check -in!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Pia theresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff are friendly
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

2/10 Terrible

Amanda

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Avoid this place.

No pictures on the walls in the room. The walls, doors, flooring and furniture were dirty, stained, and full of holes and heavily damaged. The whole place had a very creap serial killer vibe. We felt very uncomfortable there making it difficult to rest and relax. Did not know when i booke it that this was a hostel with shared bathrooms and limited reception hours to check in. Location was fantastic.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

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

2/10 Terrible

Olive

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had a disappointing experience during our stay. The room had a strong, unpleasant smell.The beddings were also in poor condition — they looked old, felt dirty, and had a noticeable odor The towels provided were dirty—one even had blood and a hole in it, which was unacceptable. Overall, the cleanliness and condition of the room were poor. I wouldn’t recommend this hotel for families. It would be better if the air conditioning or ventilation was improved.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Felipe

Liked: Staff & service
You can walk to Nanaimo dt area. Reasonable cost-benefit for the stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

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

8/10 Good

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Marian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location in downtown Nanaimo is excellent. Bathrooms were clean. Bedroom and linen were clean. Kitchen was well appointed. Showers were a little small.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

6/10 Okay

Abby Joe

Disliked: Staff & service
I sayed 2 nights, I was able to sleep despite the loud music from the pub underneeth... staff was friendly aldough didn't say much. Rooms where ok but not outstanding. all in all I had a good stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ludovica

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

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Couldn't sleep cos the whole place stinks.... eww
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Mayank

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall okay, but facilities are not good, like no parking or AC, close to nightclubs so some noise in the night
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

4/10 Poor

Jing

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The room heater is not work and no elevator and has to share bathroom which was not noticed at booking. The staff is not professional. The key is not easy to open the door. The location is excellent!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024