Samesun Banff Hostel
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Summary of reviewsSamesun Banff Hostel is highly regarded for its excellent location, situated just a short walk from downtown Banff. This prime spot offers easy access to shops, restaurants and public transportation options, including buses to popular destinations like Lake Louise and nearby ski shuttle stops. Guests appreciate the scenic mountain views and the relaxed, clean environment provided by the spacious rooms and well-maintained facilities. The atmosphere is further enhanced by a welcoming staff and an on-site bar that fosters a friendly and communal vibe, making it a great choice for both weekend getaways and extended vacations.
The hostel's breakfast experience receives consistent praise, featuring a do-it-yourself pancake station, boiled eggs, bread, fruit, muffins and a selection of beverages. While the breakfast start time of 8 AM may not suit early risers, the overall variety and quality exceed expectations, providing guests with a fulfilling start to their day.
The on-site Beaver Bar offers a lively dining experience with an extensive menu, daily activities and fun events such as karaoke. Guests enjoy the bar's social atmosphere, affordability and the quality of food and drinks with special deals like Taco Tuesdays and burger nights enhancing the appeal. Excellent service from the friendly staff adds to the overall positive dining experience.
Rooms at Samesun Banff Hostel are praised for their cleanliness, spaciousness and comfort. Many rooms include en-suite bathrooms, which are appreciated for their convenience and cleanliness. While some guests note that larger dormitories could use more bathrooms and that room temperatures can be warm at night, the overall room experience is comfortable and well-maintained with amenities like privacy curtains, fans and outlets adding to guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness throughout the hostel is generally commended with daily housekeeping and well-maintained common areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Though there are occasional mentions of inconsistent cleaning, the overall standard is seen as adequate for a hostel setting.
The hostel staff contribute significantly to the positive experience with many guests highlighting their helpfulness, friendliness and efficiency. Specific staff members are often commended for their excellent service, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for travelers.
Guests appreciate the free Wi-Fi, which is typically reliable and fast, though some experience occasional connectivity issues in public areas. The hostel's parking situation is mixed with a limited number of underground spaces available. While parking can be challenging, offsite and nearby public options are available but may require some walking.
Samesun Banff Hostel is particularly appealing to ski enthusiasts, thanks to its proximity to shuttle buses for ski resorts and dedicated storage for ski and snowboard gear. The hostel caters to an adult-only crowd, providing a peaceful and relaxed environment ideal for backpackers and short-term stays.
Overall, Samesun Banff Hostel is a well-situated and enjoyable accommodation option in Banff, offering a combination of comfortable rooms, friendly staff, excellent breakfast and dining options and convenient facilities for travelers seeking both adventure and affordability.
Categories
The hostel's breakfast experience receives consistent praise, featuring a do-it-yourself pancake station, boiled eggs, bread, fruit, muffins and a selection of beverages. While the breakfast start time of 8 AM may not suit early risers, the overall variety and quality exceed expectations, providing guests with a fulfilling start to their day.
The on-site Beaver Bar offers a lively dining experience with an extensive menu, daily activities and fun events such as karaoke. Guests enjoy the bar's social atmosphere, affordability and the quality of food and drinks with special deals like Taco Tuesdays and burger nights enhancing the appeal. Excellent service from the friendly staff adds to the overall positive dining experience.
Rooms at Samesun Banff Hostel are praised for their cleanliness, spaciousness and comfort. Many rooms include en-suite bathrooms, which are appreciated for their convenience and cleanliness. While some guests note that larger dormitories could use more bathrooms and that room temperatures can be warm at night, the overall room experience is comfortable and well-maintained with amenities like privacy curtains, fans and outlets adding to guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness throughout the hostel is generally commended with daily housekeeping and well-maintained common areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Though there are occasional mentions of inconsistent cleaning, the overall standard is seen as adequate for a hostel setting.
The hostel staff contribute significantly to the positive experience with many guests highlighting their helpfulness, friendliness and efficiency. Specific staff members are often commended for their excellent service, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for travelers.
Guests appreciate the free Wi-Fi, which is typically reliable and fast, though some experience occasional connectivity issues in public areas. The hostel's parking situation is mixed with a limited number of underground spaces available. While parking can be challenging, offsite and nearby public options are available but may require some walking.
Samesun Banff Hostel is particularly appealing to ski enthusiasts, thanks to its proximity to shuttle buses for ski resorts and dedicated storage for ski and snowboard gear. The hostel caters to an adult-only crowd, providing a peaceful and relaxed environment ideal for backpackers and short-term stays.
Overall, Samesun Banff Hostel is a well-situated and enjoyable accommodation option in Banff, offering a combination of comfortable rooms, friendly staff, excellent breakfast and dining options and convenient facilities for travelers seeking both adventure and affordability.
Hostel for Adults Only
This hostel offers a peaceful and adult-only atmosphere, making it a suitable retreat for those seeking a relaxed environment. The property enforces a strict adult population policy, which adds to the overall tranquility of the experience.
Luxury Hostel
Hostel near Ski Resorts
Small Hostel
3-Star Hostel
Guest Reviews
Samesun Banff Hostel boasts an incredible location that is frequently highlighted in guest reviews. Situated just a short walk from downtown Banff, the hostel offers easy access to main shops, restaurants, pubs and various attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. The proximity to public transportation options, including buses to popular destinations like Lake Louise and nearby ski shuttle stops, enhances its convenience.
Guests appreciate the picturesque surroundings and beautiful mountain views that add to the overall charm of the hostel. Despite being centrally located, the hostel manages to provide a relaxed and clean environment with spacious rooms and well-maintained facilities. The on-site bar and welcoming staff contribute to a friendly atmosphere, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors.
Whether it's for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, the hostel's prime location near the main commercial corridor of Banff and its excellent access to public transport make it a top choice for travelers. The added perks of free parking and close proximity to supermarkets and other amenities further enhance its appeal, solidifying its reputation as a well-situated, convenient and enjoyable accommodation option in Banff.
At Samesun Banff Hostel, the breakfast experience stands out among guest reviews, earning consistent praise for satisfying a wide range of tastes. Guests appreciate the included breakfast, describing it as good, very good and even great. The highlight for many is the do-it-yourself pancake station, allowing guests to make fresh pancakes each morning. The breakfast spread typically includes boiled eggs, bread, fruit, muffins and pancake batter, accompanied by coffee and orange juice, providing a decent variety and generous portions.
Though some reviews mention a simpler or more basic offering, such as muffins and coffee, others find the selection to be quite comprehensive, noting options like muffins, fruits, pastries and a range of beverages. The breakfast area, often conveniently located in the bar, adds a cozy touch to the mornings. Some guests have noted the breakfast time starts at 8 AM, which could be late for those setting out early, but overall, the convenience and added value of the complimentary breakfast are well-appreciated.
In summary, the breakfast at Samesun Banff Hostel is acknowledged as a pleasant addition to the stay, often exceeding expectations with its variety and quality, making it a considerable perk for travellers looking for a fulfilling start to their day.
The Samesun Banff Hostel offers a vibrant dining experience with its on-site Beaver Bar, which has garnered numerous positive remarks from guests. The bar doubles as a cozy restaurant, boasting an extensive menu akin to that of a full-fledged eatery. Guests particularly enjoyed the bar's lively atmosphere, complemented by a range of daily activities and fun events like karaoke. The food and drinks were consistently praised for their quality and affordability with specific mentions of special offerings such as Taco Tuesdays and burger nights. Happy hours and various meal deals were also highlighted, making it easy to enjoy a good meal and drink without straining the budget.
The Beaver Bar stood out not only for its fun vibe but also for the top-notch service provided by the friendly staff. The social atmosphere was a big draw with many guests appreciating the opportunity to meet new people and engage in the nightly entertainment. While the hostel's kitchen facilities were noted as less satisfactory, the meals served at the bar more than made up for it with some guests dubbing them the best around. Overall, the in-house dining experience at Samesun Banff Hostel is highly recommended for those looking to enjoy tasty, affordable food and a welcoming social scene.
The rooms at Samesun Banff Hostel receive high praise for their cleanliness and spaciousness with many featuring their own bathrooms. Guests consistently commend the large, airy rooms that provide stunning mountain views. The beds are often described as comfortable with amenities like fans, outlets and privacy curtains enhancing the overall experience. Both private and shared rooms are noted for being cozy and well-maintained, maintaining a homely atmosphere.
Although the size of the rooms can vary with some guests finding them slightly smaller than expected, the space is generally sufficient and well-organized. The en-suite bathrooms are appreciated for their convenience and cleanliness, though some guests noted that the number of bathrooms in larger dormitories could be insufficient.
Despite occasional reports of the hostel being warm at night and lacking air conditioning, the overall room environment is comfortable. The staff's friendliness and efficiency add to the positive experience, making it a pleasant stay for travelers. The shared kitchen and common areas are also highlighted as clean and convenient with a good atmosphere throughout the hostel.
In summary, Samesun Banff Hostel offers clean, comfortable and spacious rooms with adequate facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, though minor issues like room temperature and bathroom availability in larger dorms exist.
The beds at Samesun Banff Hostel generally receive positive feedback for their comfort with numerous mentions of comfortable and cozy beds. Many guests appreciated the privacy curtains around the beds, individual fan, sockets and lamps, which add a level of personal comfort and convenience. The dormitory beds are consistently described as comfy, though a few reviews noted noise issues with the bunk beds being squeaky or creaky. Some also mentioned that the beds were low or small, which might be a consideration for taller individuals. While the bedding is often described as clean and comfortable, there were occasional complaints about dirty bed clothes and the quality of mattresses and pillows. Overall, despite a few areas for improvement, the beds are largely seen as providing a comfortable and private space for travelers.
Samesun Banff Hostel receives mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness, but many guests highlight positive experiences. Overall, rooms are frequently described as very clean and comfortable with visitors appreciating the daily housekeeping service and well-maintained facilities. Cleanliness in the common areas, including the kitchen and bathrooms, is generally praised, although inconsistent cleaning in shared spaces is mentioned.
Some guests noticed dusty floors and hairballs under beds, but these issues seem relatively rare. The hostel's staff are often commended for their efforts in maintaining a clean environment, ensuring shared bathrooms and common areas remain tidy. Specific praise is directed at the clean and organized kitchen.
Despite these positives, there are mentions of occasional shortcomings with some areas like dorms and kitchens needing deeper cleaning. Additionally, the cleanliness of personal items lying around and communal spaces can be hit or miss depending on guest behavior. Nonetheless, for a hostel setting, Samesun Banff Hostel is often considered clean and well-kept, providing a comfortable stay for travelers.
The reviews of the Samesun Banff Hostel highlight a predominantly positive experience with the hostel's staff. The majority of the guests found the staff to be incredibly helpful, friendly and accommodating. Several individuals were specifically commended, including Sam, Katie, Abigail, Max, Henry, Kate, Chewie, Liz, Declan, Sophie, Yvi, Hele, Linzi, Abi and Katy, all of whom were mentioned for their warmth and efficiency. The front desk staff received high praise for their quick and professional service, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for new arrivals.
While a few negative comments were noted, including instances of rudeness and unhelpfulness, the general consensus suggests that the staff were supportive and eager to assist with various queries, ranging from activity suggestions to local transportation information. Housekeeping was also consistently highlighted for their thoroughness and diligence.
Overall, the staff at Samesun Banff Hostel seem to play a significant role in creating a memorable and pleasant stay for guests, embodying a friendly and enthusiastic spirit that many travelers appreciated.
Samesun Banff Hostel offers free Wi-Fi which is often praised for being great, quick and accessible with high-speed capabilities. Many guests report reliable and strong signals with fast internet available throughout most areas of the hostel. However, experiences can vary; some guests have encountered issues such as slow speeds or spotty connections in public areas. Occasionally, the Wi-Fi drops or has data transfer problems, leading to an inconsistent experience for some. Despite these fluctuations, the overall Wi-Fi quality seems satisfactory to most guests and the staff provide clear instructions for access.
Guests at Samesun Banff Hostel have varied experiences when it comes to parking availability. While the hostel offers complimentary underground parking that several visitors found convenient and well-maintained, the number of spaces is notably limited. This often means first-come, first-serve and many guests highlighted the challenges of finding an available spot, especially during peak times with only 6-7 spaces underground. Offsite or nearby public parking is an alternative with some free options close by and free street parking available during certain hours. However, these offsite solutions sometimes require walking from the hostel. Many reviews point out that parking in Banff can be hectic and suggest that more dedicated parking slots at the hostel would make a significant improvement. For those arriving during busy periods or with larger vehicles, additional planning for parking alternatives may be necessary.
Nestled in the heart of Banff, Samesun Banff Hostel offers a strategically advantageous location for ski enthusiasts. With shuttle buses to nearby ski resorts stopping just a few minutes' walk from the hostel, guests can easily access the slopes without hassle. The hostel provides a dedicated space for storing ski and snowboard gear, complete with secure locks, adding an extra layer of convenience for those carrying their equipment. Additionally, the free storage for ski boots is a welcome perk for travelers.
The proximity to the 8x bus stop that heads to Lake Louise further enhances its appeal for winter sports fans. The presence of a snowboard rental shop just around the corner ensures that those who didn't bring their gear can easily rent equipment.
Guests praised the ski/board equipment section with many people visiting the area specifically for skiing or snowboarding. The hostel atmosphere is described as home-y, encouraging a sense of community among guests, who often gather to unite for slope adventures.
Accommodations include rooms fitted with TVs, many equipped with Roku for entertainment after a long day on the slopes. While there were some minor issues with long bathroom queues and scattered luggage, the overall vibe and amenities make it a hub for ski lovers seeking both adventure and affordability in Banff.
Samesun Banff Hostel offers a peaceful and adult-only atmosphere, making it a suitable retreat for those seeking a relaxed environment. The property enforces a strict adult population policy, which adds to the overall tranquility of the experience. The hostel caters mainly to backpackers in their 20s, providing simple and affordable accommodation. The first-floor female-only dorms are noted for being comfortable and allowing sufficient personal space. However, some guests have found it difficult to meet others in the evenings and there have been occasional issues with cleanliness in the showers. Long-term stays might slightly affect the noise levels, but overall, the hostel remains a good choice for short stays and those looking to enjoy Banff in an adult-focused setting.
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Location
Guests appreciate the picturesque surroundings and beautiful mountain views that add to the overall charm of the hostel. Despite being centrally located, the hostel manages to provide a relaxed and clean environment with spacious rooms and well-maintained facilities. The on-site bar and welcoming staff contribute to a friendly atmosphere, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors.
Whether it's for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, the hostel's prime location near the main commercial corridor of Banff and its excellent access to public transport make it a top choice for travelers. The added perks of free parking and close proximity to supermarkets and other amenities further enhance its appeal, solidifying its reputation as a well-situated, convenient and enjoyable accommodation option in Banff.
Breakfast
Though some reviews mention a simpler or more basic offering, such as muffins and coffee, others find the selection to be quite comprehensive, noting options like muffins, fruits, pastries and a range of beverages. The breakfast area, often conveniently located in the bar, adds a cozy touch to the mornings. Some guests have noted the breakfast time starts at 8 AM, which could be late for those setting out early, but overall, the convenience and added value of the complimentary breakfast are well-appreciated.
In summary, the breakfast at Samesun Banff Hostel is acknowledged as a pleasant addition to the stay, often exceeding expectations with its variety and quality, making it a considerable perk for travellers looking for a fulfilling start to their day.
Dinner
The Beaver Bar stood out not only for its fun vibe but also for the top-notch service provided by the friendly staff. The social atmosphere was a big draw with many guests appreciating the opportunity to meet new people and engage in the nightly entertainment. While the hostel's kitchen facilities were noted as less satisfactory, the meals served at the bar more than made up for it with some guests dubbing them the best around. Overall, the in-house dining experience at Samesun Banff Hostel is highly recommended for those looking to enjoy tasty, affordable food and a welcoming social scene.
Rooms
Although the size of the rooms can vary with some guests finding them slightly smaller than expected, the space is generally sufficient and well-organized. The en-suite bathrooms are appreciated for their convenience and cleanliness, though some guests noted that the number of bathrooms in larger dormitories could be insufficient.
Despite occasional reports of the hostel being warm at night and lacking air conditioning, the overall room environment is comfortable. The staff's friendliness and efficiency add to the positive experience, making it a pleasant stay for travelers. The shared kitchen and common areas are also highlighted as clean and convenient with a good atmosphere throughout the hostel.
In summary, Samesun Banff Hostel offers clean, comfortable and spacious rooms with adequate facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, though minor issues like room temperature and bathroom availability in larger dorms exist.
Beds
Cleanliness
Some guests noticed dusty floors and hairballs under beds, but these issues seem relatively rare. The hostel's staff are often commended for their efforts in maintaining a clean environment, ensuring shared bathrooms and common areas remain tidy. Specific praise is directed at the clean and organized kitchen.
Despite these positives, there are mentions of occasional shortcomings with some areas like dorms and kitchens needing deeper cleaning. Additionally, the cleanliness of personal items lying around and communal spaces can be hit or miss depending on guest behavior. Nonetheless, for a hostel setting, Samesun Banff Hostel is often considered clean and well-kept, providing a comfortable stay for travelers.
Staff
While a few negative comments were noted, including instances of rudeness and unhelpfulness, the general consensus suggests that the staff were supportive and eager to assist with various queries, ranging from activity suggestions to local transportation information. Housekeeping was also consistently highlighted for their thoroughness and diligence.
Overall, the staff at Samesun Banff Hostel seem to play a significant role in creating a memorable and pleasant stay for guests, embodying a friendly and enthusiastic spirit that many travelers appreciated.
Wi-Fi
Parking
Ski
The proximity to the 8x bus stop that heads to Lake Louise further enhances its appeal for winter sports fans. The presence of a snowboard rental shop just around the corner ensures that those who didn't bring their gear can easily rent equipment.
Guests praised the ski/board equipment section with many people visiting the area specifically for skiing or snowboarding. The hostel atmosphere is described as home-y, encouraging a sense of community among guests, who often gather to unite for slope adventures.
Accommodations include rooms fitted with TVs, many equipped with Roku for entertainment after a long day on the slopes. While there were some minor issues with long bathroom queues and scattered luggage, the overall vibe and amenities make it a hub for ski lovers seeking both adventure and affordability in Banff.
Adult Only
No, Samesun Banff Hostel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Samesun Banff Hostel.
No, Samesun Banff Hostel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Samesun Banff Hostel.
No, Samesun Banff Hostel doesn't have a gym.
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