I was in a bad mood when I arrived here, staying in kelowna and kamloops just before for a few nights, I was overloaded and glad for a break, the check in was simple and easy to find my way around after a welcome from the staff and orientation.
Plus the staff were very helpful, arranging my orientation and helping to check in for my vancouver stay later,,
It was a very good price considering the price of some other HI in Canada..


Unique Qualities: FREE internet station(with donations)
Unique staff members
Great nights out at the hockey matches of the penticton vee's..
Bike hire
Nice tv room underneath and quiet nights on occasion,

This hostel is not on the main drag but about 2-3 mins from - this is ideal because there is very little street noise. Towels and bedding were included which is the same as many HI hostels (most but not all provide this).

We have a private room which has a comfy enough mattress with bunk over it. The only HI bed we've liked more was the one at Banff - but this hostel is our favourite of all. Even if you were to stay in one of the share rooms, they are not big dorm rooms and it wouldn't be a big issue I don't think, ie 2 bunks in the rooms I've peeked into which would be good for families too. The women's bathroom is great and very private although there's only 1 upstairs - but there is another downstairs so its not an issue.

There is a washing machine & dryer which is $1.25 which is fantastic. The facilities of dining area/lounge/kitchen are really lovely with natural light. There's lots of bench and fridge space in the kitchen. The staff here are really lovely and fun to have chats with.

There are only 3 carparks out the back so you might need to park on the street - in which case you'll need to put money in the parking machine every 2 hours during business hours m-f. it's a good motivation to get up and go early.

This region is not exactly your party-hard type area so we were pleased to see the people staying here are "mature" (not meaning many are much older than us in our 30's) but there is a much broader range of people here and we all respect a good nights sleep!

It's worth having a car in Penticton because you can drive to all the wineries. There are some great walks here too and the area is hilly so you'll have no probs getting your heart rate up! Also, go to CK's Grill on the foreshore (in the "Mediterranean" building up from the Mexican place) as it's an inexpensive but delicious feed with the best views - and the SANGRIA is to die for!!!!! $11 a half litre can't be beat! Mondays in Penticton at the Pasta House there is $6 pasta, a great feed.

I stayed in this hostel one day in March, off-season, so no other travellers.
The only occupants were homeless, jobless, unsympathetic men, aging 30-60.
They were very noisy at night. There is a dirty kitchen and a dirty toilet/shower.
Good parking round the back.

No fun place to be.

Like other Hostelling International places, this hostel had quiet time, usually between 11pm - 7am, which is a real bonus. The hostel is located close to Okanagan Lake and just off the main street. Rooms are fine and the beds are secured to the wall (no rocking when your bunk mate moves). Staff are friendly. i would recommend this hostel for travellers on a budget. My only complaint - very few showers so you might have to wait during peak periods.