Vancouver Hostels with Private Rooms: My Honest Reviews

Looking for somewhere affordable to stay in Vancouver, but don’t fancy sharing a dorm? That was exactly what I wanted when Simon and I visited.

During our trip through Canada and the USA, we passed through several times, trying different Vancouver hostels along the way.

We always booked a private room, preferably with a double bed and ensuite, although we sometimes settled for twin beds or a shared bathroom.

A comfortable bed, a convenient location and decent Wi-Fi were my priorities. Breakfast was a bonus, and I generally preferred somewhere quieter over a party hostel.

If you’re comparing the best hostels in Vancouver BC, these reviews focus on private rooms. Here’s what I liked, what wasn’t so great and which hostel was my favourite, along with a few additional places to consider.

These reviews describe our earlier visits.

Some properties have since been renovated, so check current photos, room details and recent reviews before booking. My own photos show the accommodation at the time of our stay.

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HI Vancouver Downtown: My Favourite of the Hostels We Tried

HI Vancouver Downtown was my favourite of the hostels we tried, although our stay was short. We arrived around 9 pm and left at 7:30 am the next morning.

The hostel has since undergone substantial renovations and reopened in 2023, so our experience predates the makeover.

Our private double room had a comfortable bed, enough space to move around, and a sink and mirror. We shared a bathroom down the hallway.

The Burnaby Street location in the West End was a little further from some of the downtown sights than our other stays, but there were plenty of places to eat nearby.

The common areas stood out. We found books, a games room, a TV room and a rooftop terrace, with space to socialise or sit quietly.

There was also a large shared kitchen with proper cooking facilities. It was a much better setup for preparing meals than the small kitchenettes at some of the other hostels.

Breakfast was included during our stay, and the Wi-Fi worked well. Check the inclusions for your chosen rate before booking.

My verdict: This would be my first choice to check for another Vancouver visit. Our room was comfortable and I liked the shared facilities, although our brief stay only gave us a taste of the place.

Address: 1114 Burnaby Street, Vancouver.

Check current prices and availability at HI Vancouver Downtown.

St Clair Hotel-Hostel: A Basic Private Room in a Handy Location

We stayed at St Clair Hotel-Hostel for two nights. Its Richards Street location was convenient for exploring downtown Vancouver, but the accommodation was basic.

The first thing we saw inside the entrance was stairs. We had to carry our luggage up a flight to reception, with more stairs to reach our room. If that would be difficult for you, confirm access before booking.

Our private twin room had comfortable beds, a small hanging space, and a sink and mirror. Space was tight, so we tucked our luggage under the beds.

The afternoon sun made the room surprisingly warm. A fan was supplied and we could open the windows, although our street-facing room became noisier with them open.

We used shared bathrooms down the hallway and didn’t have trouble getting a shower when we needed one. St Clair’s current room information still lists private rooms with sinks and shared bathroom facilities.

During our stay, the kitchen facilities amounted to a kettle, microwave and fridge rather than a full cooking setup. Breakfast wasn’t included.

The small common areas didn’t tempt us to linger. It felt more like a simple budget hotel than a social hostel, which suited us for a short visit.

Wi-Fi worked well when we stayed, but the property now advertises it in common areas, so don’t assume you’ll have a strong connection in your room.

My verdict: A practical option if you want a basic private room in a convenient location. I’d weigh up the price against the small rooms, stairs and shared bathrooms.

Address: 577 Richards Street, Vancouver.

Check current prices and availability at St Clair Hotel-Hostel.

The Cambie Hostel Seymour: A Simple Stay Near Public Transport

The Cambie Hostel Seymour was the cheapest of the Vancouver hostels we stayed in. Its Seymour Street location was handy for public transport, with plenty of places to eat nearby.

I was worried about noise before we arrived. There was a bar downstairs, and several reviews mentioned noisy nights. As a light sleeper, that’s something I pay attention to.

We stayed on a Friday night in a street-facing room on the second floor, but I wasn’t bothered by noise. That was just one night, though, so I’d still read recent reviews before booking.

Our private room was the most basic of the trip: a bunk-style bed, two metal stools and little other furniture. I would have preferred a standard double bed, but it was comfortable enough and we had space to move around.

The atmosphere was more social than at our other stays. Activities were advertised, and we spent some time chatting with other guests in the common areas.

The shared kitchen was small but had cooking facilities, and we saw travellers preparing meals. The Wi-Fi also worked well during our visit.

One practical point: Cambie confirms that its buildings have steep stairs and guests must be aged 19 or over.

My verdict: It worked for a short, inexpensive stay. I’d consider it again if the saving was worthwhile, but comfort and quiet would matter more to me on a longer visit.

Address: 515 Seymour Street, Vancouver.

Check current prices and availability at The Cambie Hostel Seymour.

Samesun Vancouver: A Renovated Option to Compare

Samesun was on my list when we booked our Vancouver accommodation, but I couldn’t find an available room for our dates. I haven’t stayed here.

The hostel reopened in June 2025 after a major interior renovation, so its current appearance is different from the property I walked past during our trip.

It offers private rooms and dorms in the Granville Street entertainment district. Its website lists some ensuite private-room options, along with free breakfast, Wi-Fi and a guest kitchen. Check the bathroom arrangements and inclusions for the specific room you book.

The location could suit travellers who enjoy being near restaurants and nightlife. For me, recent reviews about noise would be an essential part of the decision.

My verdict: Worth comparing, especially following the renovation, but I’d base my choice on the current room details and guest reviews.

Address: 1018 Granville Street, Vancouver.

Check current room options and availability at Samesun Vancouver.

The Guesthouse Vancouver: Another Private-Room Option

The Guesthouse Vancouver is a sister property to Samesun, with its reopening announced in January 2026. It’s a budget guesthouse rather than a traditional hostel, but fits the same search for simple accommodation with your own room.

I haven’t stayed here, so this is another option to compare rather than a personal review.

There are private queen, double and twin rooms, all with shared bathrooms. Rooms have a desk and mini fridge, and some have an in-room sink. The heritage building has no lift, so rooms are reached by stairs.

I’d compare its total price with the private rooms above, then check recent reviews for comments about noise and the shared facilities.

Address: 1212 Granville Street, Vancouver.

Check room options and availability at The Guesthouse Vancouver.

More Options Outside Downtown Vancouver

If staying downtown isn’t essential, these two hostels are also worth considering. I haven’t stayed at either.

HI Vancouver Jericho Beach

HI Vancouver Jericho Beach sits in parkland beside the water. Its current room list includes private rooms, ensuite options and family accommodation, as well as shared rooms.

It could suit a visit focused on beach walks and time outdoors. Check the bed configuration and transport connections before booking, as it’s outside downtown.

Check rooms and availability at HI Vancouver Jericho Beach.

Pacific Spirit Hostel at UBC

Pacific Spirit Hostel offers seasonal accommodation at the University of British Columbia, from mid-May to mid-August.

There are private single and twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Breakfast isn’t included, and the hostel has stair-only access with no lift.

It’s worth comparing for a summer visit, particularly if you plan to spend time around UBC. For downtown sightseeing, weigh up the saving against the extra travel time.

Check seasonal dates and availability at Pacific Spirit Hostel.

What to Check Before Booking a Vancouver Hostel

A private hostel room can help keep costs down, but I’d always compare it with hotels for the same dates. For two people, the saving needs to justify any compromises.

Before booking, check:

• Bathrooms: A private room doesn’t necessarily include a private bathroom. Look for “ensuite” if that’s essential.
• Beds: Private rooms may have a double bed, twin beds or bunks.
• Total cost: Compare the price for both guests, including taxes and extra charges.
• Access: Confirm stairs and lift availability if carrying luggage would be difficult.
• Noise: Read recent reviews about nearby bars, street noise and sound inside the building.
• Facilities: Check breakfast inclusions and whether the kitchen has proper cooking equipment.
• Location: Look at the route to public transport and the places you want to visit.

For me, a comfortable bed and a convenient location are worth paying a little extra for. A bargain loses its appeal quickly if I’m sleeping badly every night.

Which Vancouver Hostel Would I Choose Again?

HI Vancouver Downtown would be my first choice to check. It was my favourite of the hostels we tried, and I’d be interested to see it after the renovation.

St Clair and Cambie Seymour worked for basic, shorter stays. I’d also compare Samesun and The Guesthouse before deciding, with particular attention to the beds, bathrooms and total price.

Staying in private hostel rooms gave Simon and me our own space while keeping accommodation costs down. We made a few compromises, but having more money left for the rest of the trip made them worthwhile.

Looking for things to do in Vancouver? See my other posts here
Travel Diaries – Vancouver (Part One)
Travel Diaries – Vancouver (Part Two)
Travel Diaries – Vancouver (Part Three)

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