Convenient downtown location amid Granville Street bars and clubs
Dorms include lockers, personal fans, and bedside reading lamps
Private rooms with and without en-suite bathrooms are available
Hostel has a few female-only dorms
Well-equipped communal kitchen and lots of lounge space
Sports bar serving drinks and food, including happy hour specials
Wi-Fi and continental breakfast included
Secure luggage storage (including ski and snowboard storage)
Noise from the surrounding bars and clubs is bad
Rooms are small and cramped
No air-conditioning
Bathrooms are generally shared
No parking
Located in the heart of the entertainment district, the 67-room Samesun Vancouver is a lively and conveniently located spot. Features are numerous and geared toward the young and social. Expect a communal kitchen, a sports bar and restaurant, and free continental breakfast. The majority of the rooms are unisex dorms, though guests who aren't keen on sharing may want to consider reserving a private room. Some of these have en-suite bathrooms. Personal fans are available, but there's no air-conditioning. Noise from Granville Street's nightlife is a major issue at the Samesun, so if you're not part of the party don't expect to sleep through it. Travelers looking for a budget option without the noise might consider the HI Vancouver Downtown Hostel instead. It's just a few blocks away.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Eclectic hostel with local Canadian charm, caters to younger travelers on a shoestring budget
The Samesun Vancouver caters heavily to backpackers who are looking for a centrally located hotel that doesn't charge high rates to sustain amenities or flashy features. The building is four-story renovated heritage property and is painted in an eclectic array of bright colors inside and out. Private space is not a recognized concept here, something the Samesun embraces with a busy sports bar in the lobby. There, guests can acclimatize to Canadian hockey and the local beer culture, while daily group trips to popular tourist destinations in the area foster that communal vibe even more. With that in mind, the Samesun isn't exactly the place for getting a restful night's sleep. While quiet hours are enforced, that doesn't apply to the sports bar or neighboring clubs on Granville Street. Come here prepared to party the night away, or don't expect to enjoy yourself much.
Location
In the heart of the Granville Entertainment District in downtown Vancouver
This hostel has a great central location along Granville Street amid all manner of bars, nightclubs, and performance venues. For restaurants and stores, its a 10-minute walk to the Pacific Centre Shopping mall and a 12-minute walk to the popular shops along Robson Street. Several public transit routes are immediately accessible and can take visitors to some of the most popular Vancouver destinations. It's a 20-minute direct bus ride to Stanley Park's main entrance, or you can take the scenic route. For that, opt for the bus to English Bay, a 15-minute trip, and then walk into the park from there. The transit system can even take you to the local ski hill, Grouse Mountain, which is an hour away. Budget 40 minutes to get here from the airport by public transportation, or around 25 minutes by taxi.
Rooms
Compact dorms with bunk beds and linens, plus a few private rooms and women-only units
The Samesun has a collection of private and dorm-style rooms that include eight-bed, six-bed, and four-bed variations plus an assortment of doubles. The majority of dorms are mixed, but there are a small selection of female-only rooms available. Dorms and private rooms are compact, but the Samesun still manages to provide a locker for each guest (lock not included), plus personal reading lights, personal fans, free Wi-Fi, and clean bed linens. Private rooms add small TVs and desks. The finishes are kept to a minimum, but small remnants of heritage charm can be found by the discernible observer. Communal bathrooms are located on every floor and include shower stalls. There is one female-only washroom located on the second level. Three of the private rooms have their own en-suite bathroom if you're looking for a little more privacy.
Features
Popular sports bar, quiet common room, and lots of space to socialize
The Samesun Vancouver is an affordable option for travelers who don't require personal space and want a lively communal vibe. The hostel's sports bar is a popular addition for travelers here, and offers happy hour specials. Food and drink are available from the sports bar in the evening. There's also a well-outfitted communal kitchen for cooking up your own meals. For those who want a quiet night in, the hostel has a common room where you can socialize or tuck away with a book. A coin-operated laundry room is available for guests to use, something that will be necessary after a long hike on the north shore or a day at the beach. With included features like Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast options like muffins, fruit, bagels, coffee, and juice, guests can save their money for the more exciting (and expensive) sights in the city. Luggage can be stored for free, including ski equipment and snowboards.
