Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Property class: 1.5

Choose dates to view prices

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
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About the area

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 hiking/biking trails and ziplining. 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 - 0.4 km
  • Bastion
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Nanaimo Museum
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Vancouver Island Conference Centre
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Casino Nanaimo
    4 min walk - 0.4 km

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
  • Old City Station Pub
    2 min walk
  • The Vault
    4 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 ecotours and cycling 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 concierge services
    • Coffee/tea in the lobby, 1 meeting room, and tour/ticket assistance
  • 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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  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
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8.2 out of 10, Very good, 1,536 reviews
The price is CA $105
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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 Oct 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) on Nov 28, 2026 start from CA $124, 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?

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
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 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
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