Turtle Hostel

The neighborhood made me uneasy, with many homeless people nearby, and the rooms were cramped, tiny and had a stale smell. The guest kitchen was hard to use comfortably because the woman managing the hostel stood there staring and giving dirty looks while I cooked my own food. Her attitude was awful and bossy. Before checkout time, she came into our room while we were cooking to strip the bedsheets for laundry. She ordered people around constantly, even telling them when to turn the lights off. It felt like being treated with no respect. Between that behavior, the smell and the overall atmosphere, I’d avoid the place.

I slept cold, so I can’t give this five stars. The window had to stay open because there was no other ventilation, but that made the room chilly, and the baseboard heater knob was broken. The pillow was tiny and the comforter thin. I also had to knock on the staff door to get help, and nothing was provided. I paid $1 for a towel to take a shower. Still, the bed was made and staff were ready when I arrived, even though I’d given the wrong arrival time. It’s a really nice hostel in a nice location. If the room had included a towel, another pillow and a second, thicker blanket, I’d have rated it five stars.

I stayed here while working night shifts in Victoria, and the staff were so kind and flexible about my unusual hours. I needed to sleep during the day and couldn’t check out at the usual time, and they made it work. The room was cute and clean, and the people were lovely. I don’t know what the negative reviews are about. I’ll definitely come back.

The whole house felt peaceful and safe, just right for winding down after a hot afternoon. I’d stay again. I was on the second floor, where a little door opens onto a charming deck with a patio table. It stayed open, letting fresh air flow through the house. The bathrooms were old-fashioned, but clean and spacious. I spent four nights in a private room with a vent. It was tiny, but spotlessly clean and had everything I needed. The owner hurried to clean it so I could check in early, which I appreciated. The mattress was very comfortable, especially for my back, and the fan was strong but quiet.