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Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

1.5 star property
Explore your adventurous side by bike or on foot. Then unwind over coffee or drinks at this charming hostel.

Choose dates to view prices

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

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Business services
  • Bar
  • Laundry room
  • Kitchen
The current price is RM278
RM322 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Jan - 18 Jan

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 fridge/freezer
Premium bedding
Detached private bathroom
8 bathrooms
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Freezer
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Partial sea view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Single 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 fridge/freezer
Premium bedding
Detached private bathroom
8 bathrooms
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Freezer
Shared/communal kitchen
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for 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 fridge/freezer
Premium bedding
Detached private bathroom
8 bathrooms
Microwave
Toaster
Free bottled water
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room, Shared Bath, Shared Living Space

Highlights

Full-sized fridge/freezer
Premium bedding
Detached private bathroom
8 bathrooms
Microwave
Toaster
Free bottled water
Shared/communal kitchen
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for 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 fridge/freezer
Premium bedding
Detached private bathroom
8 bathrooms
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Freezer
Shared/communal kitchen
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed
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About the area

Located in Nanaimo, Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) is near the airport and near a boardwalk. 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 match 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 guideOpens in a new window
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Map
121 Bastion St, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 3A2

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 - 3 min drive - 2.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Red’s Bakery - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Vault - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Old City Station Pub - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Mrs. Riches - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Gabriel's Cafe - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Hostel near Vancouver Island University
Located close to Bastion and Nanaimo Museum, Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) provides a library, laundry facilities and a bar. Active travellers can enjoy amenities, such as 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 hire, coffee/tea in reception and 1 meeting room
  • Luggage storage, tour/ticket information and concierge services
Room features
All guest rooms at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) include thoughtful touches, such as premium bedding, in addition to amenities, such as free WiFi and free bottled water.
Other amenities include:
  • 8 bathrooms with showers
  • Communal kitchens, full-sized fridge/freezers and microwaves

Similar properties

Exterior
The Port-O-Call Inn & Suites
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Microwave
7.2 out of 10, Good, 837 reviews
The price is RM297
RM344 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb
The Port-O-Call Inn & Suites

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

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
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Rice cooker
  • Shared kitchen access
  • 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

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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

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-authorise 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 any lifts
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 16 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) on 17 Jan 2026 start from RM 277.66, 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 to 2:00 AM for a fee.

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

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel) located?

Situated near the airport, this hostel is steps away 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

7.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 97 out of 262 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 90 out of 262 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 262 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 262 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 29 out of 262 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

Shop

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

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

8/10 Good

Brody

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

James

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

10/10 Excellent

Christina

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Denise

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

10/10 Excellent

Sheila l

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

8/10 Good

Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Central location and cost. Friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Glen

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

10/10 Excellent

Darcie

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

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary

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

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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lorena

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

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

6/10 Okay

Wai Suen Loretta

Liked: Staff & service
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

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

6/10 Okay

Lana

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

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