Budget Lodging in Vancouver

I’ve been solo camping and stayed at pensions in Greece, hosteled in California and enjoyed the convenience and comforts of the Indian Y in London England, so I understand the importance of the budge traveler in finding affordable, clean and conveniently located accommodations while on the road. Hostels are a great place to meet fellow travelers and these places are usually located in the heart of the city’s activities. Vancouver has several high-rated budget lodgings.

In downtown Vancouver, the YWCA Hotel, 733 Beatty off Robson, is a great choice with rooms to suit your needs and your budget.  It’s located close to Vancouver’s live theatres, entertainment and sports venues, and trendy Robson Street with it’s selection of shops, cafes and restaurants. Book your stay at 1-800-663-1424  or hotel@ywcavan.ca

Jericho Beach

Hi-Vancouver at Jericho Beach is located just 20 minutes from downtown by bus. This is an ideal location for summer vacationers (Open May 1 – Sept 30).  The hostel has bike storage and is close to the many bike trails, street routes and pathways available for cyclists in vicinity and the Lower Mainland.  Jericho Beach is one of the loveliest sandy beaches in Vancouver, great for swimming.  The hostel has a licensed cafe or you can cook for yourself in the guest kitchen.  it’s close to U.B.C. and the Museum of Anthropology as well as Pacific Spirit Regional Park and the trendy neighbourhood of Kitsilano.

Samesun Backpackers Lodges is one of the newest hostels in town located in the heart of Vancouver’s entertainment district.  It’s a renovated heritae building located at 1018 Granville St.  There are also Samesun hostels in other B.C. locations (Kelowna, Silverstar ski resort and Revelstoke) and at Banff.  They offer a 2, 4 or 7 night package deal for $79 CDN for Vancouver of Banff that introduces you to the best of these locations including dorm accommodation and breakfast, airport transfer at Vancouver or Hot Springs admission at Banff, as well as other benefits.

Gastown

The Cambie Hostel operates two hostels in Vancouver, one in Gastown and one on Seymour Street, and one in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  The Gastown location is a heritage building built in 1897 as a saloon in Vancouver’s most historic district.  The Cambie Street hostel is in the heart of Vancouver close to major attractions. It’s also a heritage building, once known as the Clarence Hotel, and is also the home of Malones Bar and Grill where you can enjoy a meal or a beer.  Nanaimo’s hostel is known as a party hostel and features live Indie music in the Legendary Cambie Bar.

The C&N Backpackers Hostel has two locations, one, The Source,  at 927 Main St. and the other just down the street at 1038 Main St, once the historic Ivanhoe Hotel now transformed into the Central Station Hostel.  It’s right next door to another historic Vancouver landmark building, the Vancouver Railway Station (now VIA train and bus station) Close to nearby Science World and the Main St. skytrain station as well as Chinatown. The C&N offers private rooms at $50 — $55 and single beds for $20 to $22.  Weekly rates available.

American Backpackers Hostel

American Backpackers Hostel at 347 W. Pender @ Homer St. has dorms for $20, single room $25 and doubles at $55.  Right on the corner beside the hostel is the quaint little Finch’s Tea and Coffee House, 353 W. Pender, a great place to hang out or meet your friends. No booking is necessary if you check in before 2 pm.  There’s free pickup from the bus depot.  604-688-0112  amerbackpack@hotmail.com