The Hostelz.com Review
SameSun Backpacker Lodge - Kelowna is a gateway to all the activities the town is known for -- depending on the season, Kelowna is either home to the Interior's summer party scene (did someone say WakeFest?) or a rocking pit stop on the way to world class ski resorts, Big White and Silver Star (which are around an hour away).
The hostel also has the facilities you would expect -- free Wi-Fi plus terminal internet access, bike rentals, pool and games table, a BBQ, and a supremely comfortable TV room stocked with amp-up boarding DVDs. Plenty of parking is available as are a few dangerously tempting options for cheap fast food right next door (Canada's usual suspects -- Tim Hortons, McDonalds, and a convenience store).
Dorm beds with locker space are available in addition to private rooms (with semi-private bathroom) and they are all air-conditioned -- more important in the humid summertime. Rooms are kept tidy as are bathrooms, which are impeccably cleaned and stocked. The kitchen is big enough to ensure you won't be fighting for elbow room and plenty of information is available for furthering your tour of Canada.
As for downsides, a security presence is felt but there can be an unsavory element to the area at night. Like so many hostels around the world, you would be advised to avoid being alone at night -- and this isn't necessarily exclusive to females. With that said, Kelowna offers a great nightlife with many clubs and pubs only walking (or stumbling) distance away.
Managers and staff stand out in particular as they are extremely understanding and more than happy to help you out with anything from the ski shuttles they run, storing your considerable amount of gear, or showing you where to find anything in Kelowna. While the individual staff members themselves will always change, on each on a number of stays, we experienced a relaxed and friendly vibe to make us feel at home in Canada's summer playground.
With a well-connected location only minutes from the beautiful Lake Okanagan, this hostel comes very highly recommended. Affordable, friendly, and above all, fun, it is a perfect spot to explore the place they call K-Town.
The hostel also has the facilities you would expect -- free Wi-Fi plus terminal internet access, bike rentals, pool and games table, a BBQ, and a supremely comfortable TV room stocked with amp-up boarding DVDs. Plenty of parking is available as are a few dangerously tempting options for cheap fast food right next door (Canada's usual suspects -- Tim Hortons, McDonalds, and a convenience store).
Dorm beds with locker space are available in addition to private rooms (with semi-private bathroom) and they are all air-conditioned -- more important in the humid summertime. Rooms are kept tidy as are bathrooms, which are impeccably cleaned and stocked. The kitchen is big enough to ensure you won't be fighting for elbow room and plenty of information is available for furthering your tour of Canada.
As for downsides, a security presence is felt but there can be an unsavory element to the area at night. Like so many hostels around the world, you would be advised to avoid being alone at night -- and this isn't necessarily exclusive to females. With that said, Kelowna offers a great nightlife with many clubs and pubs only walking (or stumbling) distance away.
Managers and staff stand out in particular as they are extremely understanding and more than happy to help you out with anything from the ski shuttles they run, storing your considerable amount of gear, or showing you where to find anything in Kelowna. While the individual staff members themselves will always change, on each on a number of stays, we experienced a relaxed and friendly vibe to make us feel at home in Canada's summer playground.
With a well-connected location only minutes from the beautiful Lake Okanagan, this hostel comes very highly recommended. Affordable, friendly, and above all, fun, it is a perfect spot to explore the place they call K-Town.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
August 2007
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SameSun Backpacker Lodge - Kelowna Details
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SameSun Backpacker Lodge - Kelowna Reviews from the WebHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Overpriced closet Perhaps we were naive to assume otherwise, but the "private" rooms were not a suitable substitute for a hotel room. If you are seeking privacy or a full night's sleep, then this is not a good choice. The room was not as depicted on the website. It was much smaller, the a/c was broken, the blinds would not close, and there was no TV (as shown in the photo). The semi-private washroom was a nuisance to share with our loud guitar/bongo playing neighbors, and every sh*t they took was heard and smelled in our room. I couldn't even have some privacy for a shower without one of them knocking on the door. The "no excessive noise after 11 p.m." rule is only apparently enforced inside the building. We were rudely awakened at 3 a.m. when their shuttle van returned and it's occupants continued to listen to music and drink in the parking lot outside our window. I finally had enough and left to find a hotel room to check into. On my way out I found the "security" guard completely oblivious and playing solitaire on the communal computer. (On a positive note he did go and speak to the partiers after I informed him). We checked out the next morning and they were kind enough to give us a refund for our prepaid second night. If you are looking for a college residence experience, then this is what you will get, otherwise I recommend paying a little extra for a hotel. — Chica and Chico , Canada (2008-08-27) The facilities are very nice and the staff are friendly, but unless you're there for the party scene, it's not the best choice. All the walls had posters of girls in bikinis on them, copies of FHM and Maxim were in the reading room (and hey, I'm not a prude, but give me a break...it's a reading room!), and drinking games were common in the dining area. Plus, loud bass pumps through the building all day and the rooms are poorly lit, so if you want to spend your evenings just hanging out or reading a book, good luck. That being said, if you're there for the party scene, it appears to be the place... — Smitty (2005-04-29) We stayed here for six days in November 2004 and were pleasantly surprised at the value of this hostel. We paid $45 per night for a double with TV and a shared bathroom (no one was in other room so it was en suite!). Everybody was friendly and trusting. They provided cheap Rockets hockey tickets as well. It's a nice place. Book early for summer, though. — Tony and Tracey (2005-02-03) I stayed here for two nights in April of 2004, on my way up from Vancouver to see David Bowie in concert. It was worth double what I paid, for sure. I had a blast. The staff were great, and everything was so clean and beautiful. — Tweak (2004-08-30) I have stayed at the Kelowna SameSun many nights and found it to be a VERY sweet hostel. The place itself is very clean and of very high quality and the staff kicked ass! Also, they always have things going on, even for cheap guys like me! I came through on one of their ski packages and have come back time and time again, especially for the bikinis on the houseboat in the summer! — Anonymous (2004-06-08) On my 78 day camping trip to Alaksa last year, I stayed here one night in June, the only hostel of this trip, and was highly pleased, although for some reason I slept poorly. I did have friendly and helpful staff and really nice facilities. — Eric (2004-03-06) My friend and I stayed here last March, prior to our trip to Big White. We enjoyed the accomodations. The staff was courteous and helpful. Our room was clean and reasonably comfortable. The kitchen is HUGE and very accommodating to more than one person cooking at a time. It seems like there's always something going on at this hostel, especially during the summer when their houseboat is put to good use (Boozin' and Cruisin'). We took their shuttle to Big White, which was a nice perk. I plan to return during a future summer. — Inasuitcase (2004-02-14) Pretty good and hospitable, there are always things going on and it's close to everything including the beach. Kelowna is known for car theft and break-ins though, so don't leave anything behind. — Lonestranger (2004-02-08)