6.8

546 reviews

Painted Turtle Guesthouse

Painted Turtle Guesthouse

121 Bastion Street, Nanaimo , V9R 3A2, British Columbia, Canada

Reservations:

+1-833-728-2041

Choose dates to view prices

Tour desk

Non-smoking rooms

Painted Turtle Guesthouse

Welcome to the Painted Turtle Guesthouse, your delightful retreat nestled in the heart of Nanaimo, British Columbia! Perfectly positioned just 0.1mi from the bustling city center, this charming guesthouse is your gateway to the best attractions, eateries, and experiences that this vibrant coastal town has to offer. With prices starting from just $86, you can enjoy a cozy and affordable stay while immersing yourself in the local culture!

With an impressive 546 reviews, travelers have fallen in love with the painted walls and warm atmosphere of the Painted Turtle Guesthouse. Guests rave about the welcoming vibe and spacious, non-smoking rooms that provide a perfect sanctuary after a day of exploration. Plus, with access to a tour desk, it's easy to plan out your adventures to discover Nanaimo's stunning surroundings. Stay connected with loved ones (for an extra fee) through our Wifi, so you won't miss a moment of sharing your journey!

Unleash your adventurous spirit by venturing out to the picturesque harbor, vibrant markets, and scenic parks that surround the guesthouse. The Painted Turtle is not just a place to rest your head; it's a cozy home base where new friendships and unforgettable experiences blossom. Come join us at 121 Bastion Street and find out what makes our guesthouse a cherished gem among travelers!

At the Painted Turtle Guesthouse, there's a room for every kind of traveler, whether you're a solo explorer, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family looking for adventure. Our warm and inviting Family room is perfect for those who want to create lasting memories with their loved ones, featuring a cozy Queen-size bed and accommodating up to 8 adults and 4 children. Alternatively, for those who thrive on camaraderie, our selection of dormitory options allows new friends to meet and share stories over coffee in our lively communal areas. Each dormitory is specially designated as Male Only or Female Only, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and relaxed while they unwind after exciting days spent discovering Nanaimo.

The fun doesn't stop at the guesthouse! Nanaimo is a treasure trove of adventures waiting just outside your door. Take a leisurely stroll to the picturesque harbor where you can bask in the soothing coastal breeze or hop on a ferry to explore nearby islands. For the thrill-seekers, outdoor activities abound—whether you're hiking up Mount Benson or trying your hand at kayaking in the vibrant waters around the city. After a day of exploration, you can return to the Painted Turtle, share your tales with fellow travelers, and maybe even plan the next big adventure together!

But don't worry if you feel drawn to chill out indoors; the Painted Turtle provides plenty of cozy spots for relaxation. Unwind in the common lounge with a cup of tea, or catch up on a good book in one of our sun-kissed corners. Each moment spent here will surely be a cherished chapter in your travel story. So, pack your bags, bring a dash of curiosity, and join us at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse for a memorable stay where fun, friendship, and fantastic adventures await!

Closest airports

Qualicum Beach Airport

23.9mi

Vancouver International Airport

34.3mi

Victoria International Airport

42.7mi

Comox Valley Airport

56.9mi

Friday Harbor Airport

60.7mi

Most popular amenities

Tour desk

Non-smoking rooms

Rooms

Show 6 photos

Family, Queen, Shared Bathroom

1 Queen Size Bed

100 sqft

Free wifi

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4 Person Family Room with Shared Bathroom/Shower down the hall. Free Wi-Fi, towels, and linens are included. Room has 1 Queen bed and 1 Bunk bed. Suitable for 2 adults and 2 children.

Queen Room with Shared Bathroom in Painted Turtle Guesthouse

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Queen Room, Shared Bathroom

1 Queen Size Bed

95 sqft

Shower

+

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Stay in our cozy Queen Room with a comfortable Queen size bed, perfect for 2 adults and 1 child. Enjoy a shared bathroom in this 97 sqft space.

Family Room with Shared Bathroom in Painted Turtle Guesthouse

Show 6 photos

Family, Shared Bathroom

2 Twin Beds

1 Queen Size Bed

95 sqft

Shower

x8

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x4

More details

Enjoy a cozy Family Room with a spacious 97 sqft area, furnished with 2 Twin beds and 1 Queen size bed, perfect for 2 adults and 3 children. No smoking allowed.

Show 4 photos

Dormitory, Bunk Bed, Female Only

1 Bunk Bed

120 sqft

Free wifi

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1 Single Bunk in a 4 Bunk Female Dormitory with Shared Bathroom/Shower down the hall. Free Wi-Fi, towels, and linens are included. Suitable for 1 adult.

Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room   in Painted Turtle Guesthouse

Show 4 photos

Dormitory, Twin, Bunk Bed, Female Only

1 Twin Bed

120 sqft

Shower

More details

Sleep comfortably in our cozy female dormitory room featuring a single twin bunk bed. The 118 sqft room is perfect for solo travelers.

Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room in Painted Turtle Guesthouse

Show 4 photos

Dormitory, Bunk Bed

1 Bunk Bed

120 sqft

Shower

+

More details

Stay in our cozy Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room, perfect for 1 adult looking to share with fellow travelers. Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in a shared space, without the option for smoking.

Bunk Bed in Male Dormitory Room  in Painted Turtle Guesthouse

Show 4 photos

Dormitory, Bunk Bed, Male Only

1 Bunk Bed

120 sqft

City view

Shower

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More details

Sleep in a cozy bunk bed in our vibrant male dorm room, perfect for solo travelers. Enjoy a comfortable stay in a shared space with all the essentials included.

Show 3 photos

Dormitory, Single, Bunk Bed, Female Only

1 Bunk Bed

120 sqft

Free wifi

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More details

Featuring a shared bathroom, this single bed is in a 4 bed female dormitory room. Free Wi-Fi and linen are included.

Deluxe, 2 Bed

100 sqft

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The double room provides a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features city views. The unit offers 2 beds.

Deluxe

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Family

1 Queen Size Bed

x8

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x4

More details

Classic, Queen

1 Queen Size Bed

x4

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x3

More details

Guest reviews

6.8

546 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

Featured reviews:

🇨🇦

Lemire

9.1

October 2023

I love how it is central, in a cool old building, and a decent price. The staff are absolutely wonderful.

Through no fault of the staff, the noise was bad. If you like a quiet place to sleep on a weekend this is not for you. The bars close at 2am, and people tend to be rowdy. There also was a yelling incident, which I place no fault on the staff or location for, but you just need to be aware, the rooms aren't at all soundproofed.

🇨🇦

Jon

8.2

July 2023

Nice friendly staff, accommodating ..... On my trip I stayed here on a few occasions (I went camping on Newcastle island and came back) letting me in to Shower early (after sitting on the train/ferry) and again to do my laundry (after camping) before the scheduled 4pm check in.

The Bar downstairs, it's a karaoke bar....I mean if it was just a regular bar it'd be fine, but you get to listen to very poorly sung songs into the wee hours of the morning. Also, I kept my marijuana in a cooler bag that I carried with me along with my electronics...I took a shower in the early morning and someone scooped my dope (but phone and electronics were there) I think the guy above me who checked out that morning did it. Not really the hostels fault, probably should have taken my cooler bag in the bathroom but.....I didn't like that (at least the pot shop is just around the corner)

🇨🇦

Haley

9.1

August 2023

Easy check in and late availability was nice. I purchased an extra hour in the morning which was also easy to do and only 20 dollars- 10am checkout was too early (could have sworn I was told 11 but I'm not going to argue). The bed was comfy. The shared bathrooms had hot showers which was nice, with clean towels in the room. Well stocked and everything I could ask for in a cheap but private hostel room. Wifi was free I think but didn't need to use it. There was a sign with the password visible behind the host desk and I was told to snap a pic once I checked in.

I lost my necklace, I wish someone got it back to me since I work nearby and asked if it could be returned to me once found.

🇨🇦

Christina

8.2

July 2023

Friendly staff, great facilities, and easy to walk everywhere. Although there's no A/C, there was a fan in every room, and the staff made every effort to air the hallways and rooms out, which made a huge difference.

Sadly, people didn't clean up after themselves, so the kitchen was always somewhat dirty. There was lots of noise from downstairs pub (karaoke) and from the street at night (homeless people) and early in the morning (street cleaning).

🇨🇦

Suzanne

8.2

July 2023

The room was good clean and neat. I didn’t know about the kitchen until I left the next day. I also heard if you get your keys past 11 pm there is a late charge. Parking just a short walk and inexpensive. Three bathrooms outside my door all clean . Great value.

It was hot and the window was open. Friday night bar next door, everyone spilled out into streets at 2:45am so a symphony of noisy patrons and police and ambulances . But it was a Friday night.

🇨🇦

Julija

9.1

August 2023

The best place for a short stay or for solo travelers. The Guesthouse is located in the downtown, easily reachable on foot from the main atractions. Highly recommended! A room was very clean and the bed was comfortable. The staff was very supportive and friendly.

The windows of my room was to the main street, so it was a little bit noisy with the traffic sounds outside. But if you're very tired, you will not hear any sounds :)

🇮🇳

Luke

10

August 2023

Everything was according to description. The bonus was a warm group of people to talk to at all times that were more than happy to tell you stories about their lives or the island. Very comforting atmosphere.

I was satisfied with everything. Although I hope the bathrooms are fitted with Bidets to accommodate international

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Gregg

9.1

October 2022

The private room was very spacious. The bed was super comfortable. The shared bathrooms and kitchen were very clean and well-appointed. Location was excellent - close to all downtown stores and very close to transport hubs.

Overall, a very pleasant short stay. The front desk manager was a bit snippy on occasion. The rooms overlooking the road can be a bit noisy until 10 pm or so, so use the free air plugs provided at the front desk if needed.

🇺🇸

Jacob

9.1

September 2022

The Painted Turtle was an overall amazing experience. People from all over the world came here. I stayed for one week and it was hard to leave due to all my new friends that I met. The staff is good and everything exceeded an expectation!

Lots of fruit flies in the kitchen. Staff might come in while you are sleeping in the morning to clean and change bedding.

🇨🇦

Harry

8.2

March 2023

Friendly staff. Decent location. Given a second floor room with heavy luggage.

Only a top bunk available in the room I was given. Two people sleeping on the couches in the kitchen/lounge area.

Points of Interest Around Painted Turtle Guesthouse

Attractions

Gulf Islands

23.3mi

Bowen Island

29.5mi

Amenities of Painted Turtle Guesthouse

Tour desk

Non-smoking rooms

Stay rules - Painted Turtle Guesthouse

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Reservations

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property