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Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

1.5 star property
Hostel near Bastion in Nanaimo

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Water view
Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reception hall
Front of property - evening/night
Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

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

Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bath

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • Partial sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • 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

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

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

Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

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

Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

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

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CA $177 total
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May 17 - May 18
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About the area

Nanaimo

Near the airport.Steps from the hostel, you'll find Bastion and Nanaimo Museum. Also, Old City Quarter is within half a mile (1 km) and Vancouver Island University is within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Hostels in NanaimoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Bastion - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Nanaimo Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Old City Quarter - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Casino Nanaimo - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Vancouver Island University - 8 min drive - 2.7 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Old City Station Pub - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Vault - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Noodlebox - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Red’s Bakery - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Hostel near Bastion in Nanaimo
Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) offers its guests a library, tour/ticket assistance, and coffee/tea in a common area. Public spaces have free WiFi. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) also features concierge services and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Nanaimo hostel.

  • 24 guestrooms or units
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • 1 conference room
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.

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  • Parking included
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The price is CA $106
CA $123 total
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Family friendly

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

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

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

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 10 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for CAD 10.0 per stay.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 Visa, Mastercard, and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival. 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.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children 10 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in 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

How close is Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) to the airport?

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) is 0.2 mi (1-min drive) away from the Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of May 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) on May 14, 2026 start from CA $119, 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.

Does Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel).

How close is Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) to the beach?

This hostel is 3.6 mi (12-min drive) from Departure Bay Beach.

Does Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) offer free breakfast?

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

No, there is no casino at this hostel, but Casino Nanaimo (5-min walk) is nearby.

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

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

This hostel offers free self parking.

Does Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) have a pool?

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) does not have a pool.

Does Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) to downtown Nanaimo?

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) is 0.1 mi away from Nanaimo.

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 104 out of 271 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 92 out of 271 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 271 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 271 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 29 out of 271 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

6/10 Okay

Lana

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

sunhee

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

10/10 Excellent

Owen

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Geunwoo

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

10/10 Excellent

Tafadzwa

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vinicio

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Chet

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
So clean and comfortable. Would stay a week if i had time. Want to return
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Florencio

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Tanya

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Eleanor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Evelyn

Travelled with family and small children
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

Stephen, VANCOUVER

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

Mark

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doug

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Melissa

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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

2/10 Terrible

Olive

Travelled with family
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Catherine

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

8/10 Good

Joash

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025