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Painted Turtle Guesthouse – reviews, photos

121 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 3A2, Canada
Hotel amenities
Painted Turtle Guesthouse
Ranked #11 of 30 Nanaimo B&B and Inns
4.5 of 5 stars 71 Reviews
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71 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    48
    16
    3
    2
    2
Date Rating
Tofino, Canada
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Great stay!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 January 2012

Back in October '11, my co-worker and I booked a room at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse for a 3-night stay. We were attending a conference at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, which was just around the corner. We would have normally booked a standard hotel, but thought the guesthouse/hostel would be a more convenient and budget-friendly option, plus they were highly recommended. Very convenient indeed -- just a quick 3-minute walk to the centre! We opted for a large room with 2 bunk beds, each having a bunk bed to ourselves. Beds were comfortable and clean. The washrooms (shared between the rooms on our floor) were very clean, and we never had a problem finding one that was open, at any time of day. We rarely heard or saw other guests, though we were pretty certain most rooms on our floor were occupied. We didn't spend much time in their kitchen/lounge area, since we were busy with our conference schedule, however it seemed comfortable and inviting. The service provided by owners, Bruce and Angie, was fantastic. They were warm, friendly and helpful. We will absolutely stay there again, whether on business or pleasure.

  • Stayed October 2011, travelled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask cocotofino about Painted Turtle Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Vancouver, Canada
1 review
“Awesome hostel!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 January 2012

My friend and I discovered this place back in May and we liked it so much that we went back again in July! The rooms are bright and cheerful. Everything is spotlessly clean - the rooms, the bathrooms, and the kitchen. The rooms have locked charging stations all your electronics. The lounge area is surrounded by windows and is bright and cheerful. It could use some more seating, though, instead of the faux fireplace and the foosball table. The owners and staff are very friendly and full of information on what to see and do in Nanaimo. They provided bracelets that gave us discounts at a number of the local shops and restaurants. The location is fantastic - walking distance from everything in downtown Nanaimo. It is just a few blocks from coffee shops, cafes, a grocery store and the waterfront. You can even walk from the ferry terminal (approx. 45 minutes), which I recommend since the buses are not timed to meet the ferry, and the taxi is expensive.

If I were to put together a wish list for improvements, it would be more couches in the lounge area and reading lights for each bed in the dorms so we don't keep our roommates up with the overhead light.

  • Stayed July 2011, travelled with friends
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Celia Q about Painted Turtle Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Lustenau, Austria
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Clean and Nice”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 December 2011

It was a very nice woman at the reception. The rooms and bathroom/shower are very clean, you get even a towel. There is a nice living area, where you can cook and spend the evening.

  • Stayed August 2011, travelled with friends
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask HelloAlex about Painted Turtle Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Vancouver, Canada
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
“Great location”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 November 2011

We recently spent 2 nights at this hostel. It's right in downtown Nanaimo so everything is within walking distance. Upon arrival we were given a tour of the guesthouse which included a very clean, bright great room with a spotless kitchen and also laundry facilities. We opted for a private double room which was clean and located on the 3rd floor. We had a great time exploring Nanimo and would definitely stay here again.

Room Tip: We had a room on the top floor located on the back side which turned out to be reasonably quiet. The...
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  • Stayed November 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask westcoasthiker1 about Painted Turtle Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Port Hardy, Canada
1 review
“Great stay”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 September 2011

Stayed here for 1 night on our trip to the north of the island. Staff were very welcoming and helpful showing us to our rooms and all the amenities. Guesthouse was very tidy. Kitchen was well equipped and spacious communal area. Rooms had plenty of space the only minor downside was very very squeaky beds. Great value place to stay. Would recommend to anyone and stay here again anytime.

  • Stayed September 2011, travelled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask doolia83 about Painted Turtle Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Additional Information about Painted Turtle Guesthouse

121 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 3A2, Canada
Price range (per night):* INR2,800 - 3,641

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