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Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

1.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Water view
Front of property - evening/night
Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space | Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets
Reception hall

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

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

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

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

  • 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)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Nanaimo

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) is adjacent to popular attractions such as Bastion and Nanaimo Museum. This hostel has 24 rooms and welcomes guests with conveniences like a bar/lounge, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.
View more Hostels in NanaimoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Bastion - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Nanaimo Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Old City Quarter - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Casino Nanaimo - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Vancouver Island University - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

About this property

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Guests of Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and a meeting room. If you plan to drive, free parking is available. Front-desk staff can assist with concierge services and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a library and laundry facilities.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding. 8 bathrooms, refrigerators, and microwaves are also standard. Private bathrooms are not ensuite; housekeeping is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Total with taxes and fees
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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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 10 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for CAD 10.0 per stay

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • 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.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

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

Are free cancellation options available at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) provides free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

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

As of Feb 27, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) on Mar 21, 2026 start from 69.37, 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.

What is there to do close to Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

This hostel is located in Nanaimo, just steps from Bastion and Nanaimo Museum, and within a short walk of Old City Quarter. You'll also find Casino Nanaimo and Petroglyph Park less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hostel.

Does Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) have a casino on the premises?

No, Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

Is Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) good for couples?

Couples staying at this hostel will appreciate amenities like premium bedding as well as a bar and concierge services.

Does Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) have a hot tub?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel).

Does Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostel.

How far is the airport from Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

The closest major airport to Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) is Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome), which is within a mile. Another top airport is Nanaimo, BC (YCD), which is located 8.9 mi away (13-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel).

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 100 out of 265 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 90 out of 265 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 265 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 265 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 29 out of 265 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Lana

Business traveler, Traveled 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 traveler

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 traveler

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

8/10 Good

ANGEL DANIEL

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Personal amable, especialmente Jonathan y el host. El cuarto estaba limpio pero el tapete se notaba sucio
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025