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Ocean Island Inn / Backpackers / Suites – reviews, photos

791 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1N9, Canada
Hotel amenities
Ocean Island Inn / Backpackers / Suites
4.0 of 5 stars 264 Reviews
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264 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this Speciality lodging
  • Private room(17)
  • Very good(9)
  • Friendly and helpful(6)
  • Short walk(4)
  • Double beds(4)
  • Bar area(4)
  • Great Place(4)
  • So hot(3)
  • Communal kitchen(3)
  • First nights(3)
Traveller rating
    85
    105
    44
    18
    12
Only show reviews for Family (14) | Couples (70) | Business (14)
Date Rating
Leeds, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
“Cheap and cheerful, thin walls but good atmosphere”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 February 2012

This hostel is a fantastic price, probably the cheapest we have found in Canada. We stayed in a standard double room (there are about 10 different room types and prices). It was cheerfully decorated but very small, the bedsheets felt old and the walls were so thin that we could hear our neighbour blowing his nose!

However, the location is great, the staff are friendly and helpful and the bar/cafe downstairs is both a good deal and a good atmosphere.

If we were to stay here again, we'd probably go for a larger room and hope for thicker walls, but to be honest, we would probably look for an alternative next time and spend a bit more money.

  • Stayed February 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Amanda Thomson, General Manager at Ocean Island Inn / Backpackers / Suites, responded to this review
13 February 2012
Hi and thanks for taking the time to review us on TripAdvisor. We're glad you enjoyed the cafe, the front desk staff, our location and our affordable prices. We do replace our linen when it starts looking old, so we must have missed yours. Our apologies for that, we've asked our housekeepers to check more carefully from now on.
Our wall thickness and sound proofing is all built according to the British Columbia building code. Like any hotel, there can always be noise issues from other rooms, which is why we always encourage guests to bring these issues to our attention so we can deal with them right away. We do have some rooms that are at the back of our building and thus quieter. We also have Garden Suites at our other location in a residential area, which are very quiet and much larger. If you do request one of these the next time you are in Victoria, we're sure you'll enjoy your stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Cairns, Australia
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“WORTH IT!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 December 2011

Unique joint with a variety of room sizes and styles. The hostel is vibrant and full of colour (not just architecturally). The service is wonderful, they are down to earth but won't let you walk all over them. Although I did have some issues with the bathroom cleanliness (hair clogged drain), I blame the rarely encountered inconsiderate Sasqwatch guest that did not read the signs in the bathroom that tell you to clean up after yourself. I know that it is not the staff's fault. The cleaning staff is great and does an excellent job when they clean the washrooms. The prices are more than reasonable, with options to cater towards almost any budget. There are extended stay (weekly, biweekly, monthly) discounts and the opportunity to work for accommodation, food, and drinks.

The cafe lounge downstairs offers fun entertainment that brings guests together from around the world. The food is decent, with no complains nor rave reviews. The drink prices are fair also.

Overall, this hostel is highly recommended for those looking for a fun and budget friendly stay in Victoria. Whether it is for a single night or an extended period, it is totally worth it to stay here rather than an over priced, bland, and boring Best Western. When you are checking out, I am sure you will find yourself saying the same thing I did. WORTH IT!!

  • Stayed December 2011, travelled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Canada
1 review
“Extreamly well run... so much fun”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 December 2011

I am a newly retired male age 60. I was visiting my children in Victoria and wanted to stay somewhere economical and interesting. I have always wanted to stay at the inn, but never had the chance. Frankly, I was a little worried about staying in a hostel type of accommodation being older. Well what a great stay (10 nights) I had lots of fun. The hotel staff were magnificant, in all ways. Someone was up at 3:00 am to serve me coffee, I cooked most of my own meals but also ate in the bistro, listening to live music on several occasions.

Very well done. I would recommend it to any one.

Rodger Moore

Room Tip: I stayed in both dorm rooms and single. All had fridges for your food. Probably a window room is b...
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 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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Calgary, Canada
2 reviews
“Very Nice!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 December 2011

I stayed for 2 weeks in a private double room. I will stay here again next time I come to Victoria too. It was in a great location, everything is within walking distance. The rooms are nice and small and the restaurant serves amazingly good for for it's size. Great prices too! I would have preferred to not have a window and the outside street noice but it was fine for 2 weeks. The staff are amazing and so friendly and helpful. Was able to get and do everything I needed too. Thanks!

Room Tip: If you want a quiet sleep, don't get a room with a window. It would be cheaper and quieter.
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled solo
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Dresden, Germany
1 review
“great atmosphere and good service”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 November 2011

I stayed with a friend for one night and we were very content! Our room was tiny, yes, but due to really nice interior and a comfortable bed this was no problem.
The offered food tastes good and is not expensive at all.
Another positive aspect is the shared kitchen and bathrooms: Both are really clean and well equipped.
All in all it's a really nice place to stay if you're looking for a not too expensive but still comfortable and friendly hostel. :)

  • Stayed November 2011, travelled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about Ocean Island Inn / Backpackers / Suites

791 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1N9, Canada
Price range (per night):* INR2,564 - 4,291

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