SameSun Backpacker Lodge - Banff

SameSun Backpacker Lodge - Banff is an independent hostel (not an HI member) near the downtown of Banff.

The Location

You reach the centre of Banff within few minutes by feet or bus. The hostel is next to a Shell petrol station. A Safeway supermarket is within walking distance. The hostel is built around a court, with access to the rooms from a staircase outside the three-floor buildings.

Rooms and Bathrooms

You can choose from different types of dorms (private rooms, four- to six-bed dorms, eight- to ten-bed dorms), each with private washrooms. Free linen, towels, and pancake breakfast are included. Internet is also available, but only one computer did work (and they charge to use it). There is a twenty-four-hour reception with friendly staff. The kitchen is in the main building downstairs with several microwaves, stoves, and sinks. The hostel could be cleaner. The rooms should be renovated -- they have old furniture (the chair has been broken, wardrobe too). The heating in our room didn't work, so it was freezing cold.

The beds and mattresses are old too, but even so, the hostel is in a good location to have fun. Every night, another event is organized by the staff of the hostel -- a BBQ in the court of the hostel or less expensive drinks in a nearby pub. Ski/snowboards aren't allowed in the rooms for security reasons (in case of fire), but they've got lockers there.

Free pancake breakfast means you have to prepare breakfast on your own -- you will get some pancake wheat and syrup and then you'll have to prepare it on your own. People doing it for the first time can be very funny to watch. Free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate are included.

Summary

If you'd like to have a funny stay and a central location, then it's your hostel.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2008