C & N Backpackers Hostel - Central Station

The heat made the room unbearable. It wasn't even that hot outside, but the room was scorching, with no fan, and it felt like a sauna. We could barely breathe. We planned to leave at 10 a.m. but got out at 5 a.m. after maybe three hours of sleep, just to get away. We also found cockroaches in the room and bathroom, and the area felt so sketchy I kept a tighter hold on my purse. Looking for a cheap place in Vancouver? Think twice, because that's what you'll get. I wouldn't stay here. It's worth paying more for a decent hotel. This place is well below basic health and safety standards. I'd give zero stars if I could.

The hostel is well placed for catching buses to tourist spots, though there are better places closer to Granville for going out at night. The shower and bed were good, the location worked, and there are reliable employees. But the smell was bad, garbage was piled in corners, rooms were tiny, WiFi was poor, and service was weak. We also got a surprise of almost 30% in fees. Near the end, we saw two mice in the kitchen, but the owners said it was no problem.

It was a busy Friday in Vancouver, and this was all that was available. Luckily I only had to drop my things, go out, come back to sleep, then leave. I'm pretty low maintenance, but this place was rough. The shower situation was a challenge, even for a hostel, because there weren't enough showers for the guests. My room floor slanted, and the staff could be downright rude. How do you act like a jerk to someone checking in? It also got so hot in the room. I had it to myself and can't imagine sharing it with anyone. On the plus side, you can walk to the long distance bus and train station, the SkyTrain, and a few decent restaurants.

The room itself was fine, but WiFi only worked for us in the lobby. The toilets are shared, and people can use the toilet bowls while you're showering, so there's no private bath area. I booked through bookings, the person handling it messed up my booking, and I was charged extra.