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Painted Turtle Guesthouse

Vancouver Island-BC · Canada

121 Bastion StView location

7.8/10Very good298 Reviews
Cleanliness8.0/108.0
Service8.4/108.4
Comfort7.6/107.6
Condition7.4/107.4
Location8.0/108.0
Neighborhood8.4/108.4
Amenities7.4/107.4
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Room prices, availability, meal plans and cancellation terms are confirmed for your selected dates.

About Painted Turtle Guesthouse

When you stay at Painted Turtle Guesthouse in Nanaimo, you'll be near the airport, just steps from Bastion and 3 minutes by foot from Nanaimo Museum. This hostel is 1. 7 mi (2. 8 km) from Vancouver Island University and 2. 1 mi (3.

3 km) from Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as bicycles to rent, or other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. Featured amenities include luggage storage, laundry facilities, and coffee/tea in a common area.

Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. 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.

Read more about this hotelShow less

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 (0.4 km) from Old City Quarter and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Vancouver Island University.

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. Featured amenities include luggage storage, laundry facilities, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.

Popular amenities

Free WiFi
Parking available
Concierge
Laundry
Entertainment
Smoking areas

Check-in and check-out

Check-in from 4:00 PM
Check-in until 8:00 PM
Check-out until 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age 18

Hotel policies

No cribs (infant beds) available No elevators Professional property host/manager Property does not offer onsite COVID-19 testing Property does not require health documentation at check-in Pets not allowed

Cleaning and safety

Sanitization
Cashless transactions are available

Important information

  • You need to know
    • Up to 2 children 10 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
    • Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
    • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
  • Special Instructions
    The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM. If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification. Other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival. Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools.
  • Instructions
    • 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
  • Minimal age
    18
  • Optional fees
    • 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.

  • Spoken Language

    Hindi

    English

    Chinese (Mandarin)

    French

Nearby attractions

Bastion 0.1 km / 0.1 mi
Nanaimo Boat Basin 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
The Port Theatre 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
Nanaimo Museum 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
Vancouver Island Conference Centre 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
Vancouver Island Military Museum 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
The Globe Live Studio 0.4 km / 0.2 mi
Casino Nanaimo 0.4 km / 0.2 mi
Old City Quarter 0.4 km / 0.2 mi
The Queen's 0.4 km / 0.3 mi
Maffeo Sutton Park 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
Bowen Park 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
Nanaimo Aquatic Centre 1.9 km / 1.2 mi
Protection Island 1.9 km / 1.2 mi
Vancouver Island University 2.3 km / 1.4 mi

Hotel facilities & services

Services and fees can vary. Check the selected room details and hotel policies before booking.

  • Total number of rooms: 24
  • hostel
  • Check-in hour
  • Check-out hour
  • Wi-fi
  • Laundry service
  • Bicycle hire service
  • Concierge
  • Luggage room
  • Bar
  • Meeting room
  • Non-smoking establishment
Show 1 more facilities & services
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Meal plans

Meal plan types

Meal options depend on the room and rate you choose. Search your dates to see which meal plans are included.

RO

Room Only

Accommodation only. Meals are usually not included.

Upon availability

Room types

These are the hotel's room types, rather than live offers. Choose your travel dates to see available rooms, prices and booking conditions. Check availability

  • DOUBLE WITH SHARED BATHROOMDOUBLE • WITH SHARED BATHROOMDBL.FH

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Painted Turtle Guesthouse

    DOUBLE WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.FH

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • FAMILY ROOM BUNK BED WITH SHARED BATHROOMFAMILY ROOM • BUNK BED WITH SHARED BATHROOMFAM.BK-FH

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Painted Turtle Guesthouse

    FAMILY ROOM BUNK BED WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–8 • Adults: max. 8 • Children: max. 5
    Room type
    FAMILY ROOM
    View / characteristic
    BUNK BED WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: FAM.BK-FH

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • Bed in dormitory MALE ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOMBed in dormitory • MALE ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOMBED.MQ-FH

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Painted Turtle Guesthouse

    Bed in dormitory MALE ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–1 • Adults: max. 1 • Children: max. 0
    Room type
    Bed in dormitory
    View / characteristic
    MALE ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: BED.MQ-FH

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • Bed in dormitory FEMALE ROOMBed in dormitory • FEMALE ROOMBED.FA

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Painted Turtle Guesthouse

    Bed in dormitory FEMALE ROOM

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–1 • Adults: max. 1 • Children: max. 0
    Room type
    Bed in dormitory
    View / characteristic
    FEMALE ROOM

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: BED.FA

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • Bed in dormitory MALE ROOMBed in dormitory • MALE ROOMBED.MQ

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Painted Turtle Guesthouse

    Bed in dormitory MALE ROOM

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–1 • Adults: max. 1 • Children: max. 0
    Room type
    Bed in dormitory
    View / characteristic
    MALE ROOM

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: BED.MQ

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • FAMILY ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOMFAMILY ROOM • WITH SHARED BATHROOMFAM.FH

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Painted Turtle Guesthouse

    FAMILY ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–8 • Adults: max. 8 • Children: max. 5
    Room type
    FAMILY ROOM
    View / characteristic
    WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: FAM.FH

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • Room DELUXERoom • DELUXEROO.DX

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Painted Turtle Guesthouse

    Room DELUXE

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    Room
    View / characteristic
    DELUXE

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: ROO.DX

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • Bed in dormitory FEMALE ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOMBed in dormitory • FEMALE ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOMBED.FA-FH

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Painted Turtle Guesthouse

    Bed in dormitory FEMALE ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–1 • Adults: max. 1 • Children: max. 0
    Room type
    Bed in dormitory
    View / characteristic
    FEMALE ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: BED.FA-FH

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

Guest reviews

What other guests saying about Painted Turtle Guesthouse

7.8
Very good
298 Reviews
Cleanliness
8.0 /10
Service
8.4 /10
Comfort
7.6 /10
Condition
7.4 /10
Location
8.0 /10
Neighborhood
8.4 /10
Amenities
7.4 /10
100 reviews shown
4/10
Poor
03 Aug 2026
Nicolas
A simple and affordable place to stay. It's a good option for young travelers looking to save money and enjoy the nightlife.

The dorm rooms are small and can get quite hot during the summer. The beds were clean, and the staff was friendly. However, I wouldn't recommend bringing any food. I even spotted a mouse wandering around the shared kitchen in the middle of the night. I can't say I had a good night's sleep.

The hostel is well located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and other amenities. On the downside, it's in a very lively nightlife area, so expect loud bars and music well into the evening.
6/10
Pleasant
24 Jul 2026
Jeanne
M
6/10
Pleasant
16 Jul 2026
Marjan
This guesthouse located in downtown Nanaimo. If you are not picky about the room size,
8/10
Excellent
10 Jul 2026
Marianita
was not aware of no air conditioning. The electric fan provided was not working. good thing there's a fan in the hallway that we grab and replaced the one in our room :)
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
08 Jul 2026
Howard
Exceeded expectations. Efficient reception upon arrival. Clean and comfortable sleeping accommodation. Useful kitchen area. Pleasant common room spaces. Quiet when I was there. Centrally located in Nanaimo for walking around. Great pricing compared to other places in the area. Will definitely stay there again if/when back in that area.
Self
2/10
Poor
23 Jun 2026
Tammy
They take photographs of peoples identification and scan it into their computer system.
When I asked why did that without my consent they could not give me an answer or as to why they do it.

It is a clear Breach of Prvacy Laws and they have been reported to the appropriate authorities. What they are doing is completely against the law.
Self
10/10
Exceptional
25 May 2026
Siobhan
I enjoyed my stay, for the price you can't go wrong. People's comments on the noise are accurate though! Bring ear plugs!
Friends_and_family Friends
6/10
Pleasant
24 May 2026
Harsimran
Small room, kitchen n bathroom is shared which makes it uncomfortable for us.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
23 May 2026
Amir
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.
Self
10/10
Exceptional
21 May 2026
Marilyne
The hostel is very cute and clean, with colorful paintings and murals, and the staff very helpful and friendly. Strongly recommend!
Self
10/10
Exceptional
05 May 2026
Martha
The place was clean! A bright, simple room, one queen bed, a window to the street, bathrooms close by across the hall. There's a roomy kitchen-living-relaxing space, fridges, free tea and coffee (the manager, John, makes a pot in the morning.) The location was excellent--right on the corner of Bastion and Commercial street, giving you walkable access to all the main attractions of Nanaimo. You can tell the place is cared for--houseplants are watered, no dying philodendrons malingering in the hallways! I appreciated John's attention to making sure he'd be available for dropping off and picking up my bags. Since he's not at the front desk constantly, you may have to use your phone to check in, and he'll show up promptly. There is a short staircase, if that's a concern. For my money, this is a great place to stay in Nanaimo.
10/10
Exceptional
26 Apr 2026
Beat
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.
Self
10/10
Exceptional
02 Apr 2026
Tara
This was a really cute place. Everything was so clean, the kitchen was a great space.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
22 Mar 2026
Jerome Almir
Great location. Value for your money. John the owner is a great guy. Accomodating and friendly
Self
10/10
Exceptional
22 Feb 2026
Andrew
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).
Self
10/10
Exceptional
15 Feb 2026
Erik
Very nice, respectful and clean.
10/10
Exceptional
25 Jan 2026
Mary
John the steward of the place was great. He's helpful and helped us check in no problem.
6/10
Pleasant
18 Nov 2025
Lana
Fine for a stop over, hostel lovers or for those that don't need much space. Room was very small but clean, building is old and charming; creaky floors with thin walls. The bathrooms were not very clean, smelled like urine with dirty, small and grimy shower.
Business Partner
4/10
Poor
04 Nov 2025
sunhee
The staff was very kind and friendly but the room condition was not recommendable.
10/10
Exceptional
13 Oct 2025
Steven

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.
Self
10/10
Exceptional
14 Sep 2025
Geunwoo
Amazing for stay in Nanaimo
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
23 Aug 2025
Verified traveler
So clean and comfortable. Would stay a week if i had time. Want to return
Self
8/10
Excellent
13 Aug 2025
Evelyn
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.
Leisure Family_with_children
10/10
Exceptional
12 Aug 2025
Stephen
Friendly staff, let me check in early. Great location, could use ac, and an in house coffee service, even if i had to pay.
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
07 Aug 2025
Margareta
Comfortable bed and cosy warm bedding. Older but very clean facility. Well equipped communal kitchen with pleasant dining room.
2/10
Poor
05 Aug 2025
Olive
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.
Family
8/10
Excellent
19 Jul 2025
William
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!





Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
13 Jul 2025
Catherine
Economical. Clean. Spacious common area with comfortable furniture, tables, chairs, large communal kitchen, refrigerators, tea and coffee in the morning. Lots of books to read. Probably the nicest hostel I have ever stayed at. I felt safe and comfortable in this hostel.
Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
30 Jun 2025
ANGEL DANIEL
Personal amable, especialmente Jonathan y el host. El cuarto estaba limpio pero el tapete se notaba sucio
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
17 Jun 2025
Darcie
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!!! :)
Business_and_leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
19 May 2025
Nanoha
Great staff
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
10 May 2025
Saied
Very good location reasonable pricing clean
Business Self
10/10
Exceptional
21 Apr 2025
Christina
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.
Business_and_leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
23 Mar 2025
Vincent

I would stay again

Not a bad hostel.
Business
10/10
Exceptional
19 Mar 2025
Hyunjeong
quiet and clean place
Leisure Friends
10/10
Exceptional
20 Feb 2025
Shop
Sorry can't remember name but host was very friendly and helpful. Great place to stay.
Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
16 Feb 2025
Elysia
Second night stay the receptionist was great
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
15 Feb 2025
Elysia
It was a good start I quit enjoyed it
10/10
Exceptional
02 Feb 2025
Glen
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.
Leisure Self
2/10
Poor
24 Jan 2025
Love
Firstly didn’t got what i booked . I booked 2 queen beds but got only 1 double bed when arrived instead of 2 queen for what i paid. Very small room with no fan . Not a good experience not worth it even.
Business_and_leisure Friends
10/10
Exceptional
29 Dec 2024
Ryan
Convenient, cosy place
Leisure Self
6/10
Pleasant
30 Nov 2024
AMIN
It’s alright.
4/10
Poor
26 Oct 2024
Jing
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!
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
24 Oct 2024
Verified traveler
Super friendly and great central location. There was always a washroom available.
Self
8/10
Excellent
11 Oct 2024
Mike
Okay for the night. Kind of sketchy area of town.
10/10
Exceptional
06 Oct 2024
James
The property location is central to most activity points and easy to commute
10/10
Exceptional
04 Oct 2024
Rosemary

Excellent service

It was good, staffs were friendly and helpful . Overall service. Was okay
Self
8/10
Excellent
03 Oct 2024
James
The property location is central to most of my activities. I am happy with it.
Business Self
2/10
Poor
26 Sep 2024
Verified traveler
Couldn't sleep cos the whole place stinks.... eww
Partner
2/10
Poor
25 Aug 2024
Essap

Freundlich

Für Unterkunft nie wieder im meinem leben ich es tut leid so was finde ich sade für mein Geld
Friends_and_family Family
8/10
Excellent
23 Aug 2024
Steven
Generally positive experience, front desk staff was very welcoming, and shared clear expectations on how everything worked.

It was loud outside late into the evening, and was pretty hard to sleep until 1-2AM.
Self
2/10
Poor
18 Aug 2024
Rebecca
The check in time was 4pm. I called ahead and told them I’d be there just before 5pm, my room wasn’t ready. Had to be late to an event I was working because I had to wait.
Business_and_leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
15 Aug 2024
Denise
It was a nice stay. The stuff is really friendly. The room is clean and the bathroom too.
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
12 Aug 2024
Beth
I had a great check in experience and enjoyed the kitchen/lounge space - thanks
Leisure Self
2/10
Poor
30 Jul 2024
Joe
i thought it was dorm style with separate bedroom and shared kitchen/living room/bathroom but it was 4 in a room -- two bunk beds. My bad, I didn't check closely enough. But the sleeping arrangement was brutal. Couldn't recharge phone or laptop without turning on the light and dude in the top bunk was trying to sleep and couldn't stand light being on. I had to leave and managed to find a room at the Days Inn.
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
27 Jul 2024
Sheila l
Parking was only issue, but they helped out , enjoyed meeting people from everywhere. Very helpful staff!
6/10
Pleasant
26 Jul 2024
Abby Joe
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.
Leisure Self
2/10
Poor
21 Jul 2024
Tajinder
Room size so small, no AC, window has no net , noisy. Overall not recommended.
Leisure Family
6/10
Pleasant
29 Jun 2024
Verified traveler
Prix élevé de la chambre sans toilette ni salle d’eau. Chambre donnant sur le rue très bruyantes. La propreté de l’espace commun et de la cuisine laisse à désirer. Par contre emplacement excellent.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
09 Jun 2024
Mayank
Overall okay, but facilities are not good, like no parking or AC, close to nightclubs so some noise in the night
Leisure Family_with_children
10/10
Exceptional
17 Nov 2023
Mikaela
Paul is amazing, very nice man upon check -in!
Business_and_leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
29 Oct 2023
Brody
Great location
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
24 Oct 2023
Terry
Great
Leisure
6/10
Pleasant
26 Sep 2023
Brant
A little on the rough side.
Business Family_with_children
8/10
Excellent
16 Sep 2023
Paul
The Painted Turtle always gets the job done, and this last time was no different.
Business
8/10
Excellent
21 Aug 2023
Lee
Central location and cost. Friendly staff.
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
16 Aug 2023
Ludovica
Friendly reception, rooms and bathrooms are basic but clean.
Leisure Friends
6/10
Pleasant
11 Aug 2023
Wai Suen Loretta
kitchen & living room are big. kitchen stove is not very clean. Room & toilet is clean. some bath room without hook to hang clothes when you take shower.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
10 Aug 2023
Lorena
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.
Leisure Family_with_children
10/10
Exceptional
07 Aug 2023
Ludovica
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.
Leisure Friends
6/10
Pleasant
07 Aug 2023
Wai Suen Loretta
washroom has bad smell, some bathroom doesn't have hook to hang bath towel, clothes etc.. Light in washroom is dark.
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
06 Aug 2023
Daniel
It was a decent hostel. Rooms are a bit warm, but fans provided. Get creative with your fans. Had the facade of eco-friendliness, but 4 \"recyling\" bins in kitchen with none labeled makes this aspect rather silly. Its right downtown, so expect the usual crap in our west coast dt areas....
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
14 Jul 2023
Catherine
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.
Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
29 Jan 2023
John
FYI: there is no free parking included as stated. There is a parkade nearby that's really cheap but you do still have to pay to park your car between the hours of 8am to 5pm on weekdays. Outside of that it is free.

Other than that it was a clean, tidy and seemingly well maintained hostel. Room, bathroom and kitchen all seemed very clean.
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
22 Dec 2022
Maximillian
Great place
Business_and_leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
30 Nov 2022
Shannagh

Cheap and cheerful in Nanaimo

A great little hostel in the centre of Nanaimo. The staff - and here I give a shout out to Paul, the night manager - are incredibly helpful and accommodating. I would stay again!
Self
8/10
Excellent
23 Sep 2022
Wendy
Feels like home away from home. Nice hostel.
Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
22 Sep 2022
Nafiseh
Clean and helpful staff, in a lively neighborhood..
8/10
Excellent
12 Sep 2022
Marian
The location in downtown Nanaimo is excellent. Bathrooms were clean. Bedroom and linen were clean. Kitchen was well appointed.
Showers were a little small.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
11 Sep 2022
David
Clean, quiet, convenient and well priced
Leisure Friends
10/10
Exceptional
10 Sep 2022
ross
Super helpful staff. Friendly atmosphere.
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
31 Aug 2022
MURIELLE
I recommend this ghest house
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
28 Aug 2022
Michi
good but hot rooms but good!
Leisure Self
6/10
Pleasant
25 Aug 2022
Shelly

backpackers will like it, families should skip

This is a very basic place to spend the night before heading out on ferry. Neighborhood did not feel very safe. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Had a family room but not really a family friendly environment.
8/10
Excellent
11 Aug 2022
Pia theresa
Staff are friendly
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
07 Aug 2022
Penny
Good private room
Leisure Friends
6/10
Pleasant
25 Jul 2022
Felipe
You can walk to Nanaimo dt area. Reasonable cost-benefit for the stay.
Leisure Partner
4/10
Poor
23 Jul 2022
Roshan
The photos of the rooms do not identify the kitchenette and washrooms as common facilities
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
11 Jul 2022
luis
Friendly crew and very helpful and accommodating
Thanks to all and the fellow travelers
Leisure Self
4/10
Poor
11 Jul 2022
Benjamin
Look, this is a low-cost option and you get what you pay for. Ultimately the main issue sleeping in a 4-person bunkroom was noise (mostly from rowdy partying outside with all the bars) and the heat inside the room with no A/C. It was a VERY long night....
Leisure Self
6/10
Pleasant
10 Jul 2022
jacob
Poor hotel management service
Leisure Friends
10/10
Exceptional
09 Jul 2022
SHIJUN
The room is small but very clean. The bathroom is shared but also clean. The owner and staffs are very friendly. We were able to rest in the lounge for an hour before checking in. There is no breakfast provided, but you can use the kitchen and make your own. Well worth the price we paid for.
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
03 Jul 2022
Roland
Very nice place to by.
Nice bar next door for a nice evening 😉
Leisure
4/10
Poor
09 Jun 2022
Jaswinder
I booked through Expedia and I choose queen bed room. It was mentioned there that it’s a private room and separate bathroom. But the room I got was very small room and had no attached bathroom not even single closet in the room. $99 before tax is not worth it.
Business Self
8/10
Excellent
21 May 2022
Yukiko
There are restaurants around the guesthouse.
Leisure Family
4/10
Poor
05 May 2022
Noemie
This accomodation is right downtown, so convenient for walking around and going out for food/drinks. I had a bad experience with the staff as they did not apply quiet time rules. I booked a private room to get a good night of sleep, but the place was very noisy until midnight.
Leisure
8/10
Excellent
03 Apr 2022
Rachelle
I loved the location. I only stayed one night but felt very welcome. Chatted with a few friendly people who live there in the kitchen. Nice dining/living room. Wasn't too busy and I ended up with my own room.
Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
23 Jan 2022
Geraldine

Ok

Was ok, shower was dirty and nozzle was too high and fixed. Nice people.
Self
6/10
Pleasant
22 Nov 2021
Paula

Not even a 2 star motel at $94 a night

I expect Hotel.com will specify there are no elevator, no bathroom en suite and is a shared bathroom. No other hotel / motel require guests to pull out bedsheet & pillow cases out and deposit them in specific locations outside the rented room at $94 a night!

There is also no heating - the room is very cold in mid to end of Nov! Luckily blanket is warm enough and sheets are good.

This establishment is a hostel type room. ~$90 is far too high and I can not tell it is not a 2 star motel!
Self
10/10
Exceptional
02 Nov 2021
Brian
Great
Leisure Self

Location & surroundings

Painted Turtle Guesthouse
121 Bastion St, Nanaimo, Canada

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Painted Turtle Guesthouse

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