When you are visiting Nanaimo, you will not find a lack of fine accommodations - that is a simple fact. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, there is a wide assortment of places to stay including your standard chains of hotels and motels. However, for those of you looking for a special experience while staying in Nanaimo, consider the Painted Turtle Guesthouse. Located in central Nanaimo, this unique accommodation is within walking distance to the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, major hotels and a myriad of pubs and restaurants. The hostel-style rooms are clean and simplistic - no television or telephone to distract you from your sleep (although there are 2 computer kiosks with internet that you can purchase internet time for OR free wireless internet access in the building if you bring your own laptop). Guests share access to clean and well appointed private washrooms (one guest at a time with locking doors and well equipped with large shower, basin and toilet). There are 4 centrally located on each floor - and an excellent ratio since there are only 10 rooms per floor! Aside from the ambiance, the friendly atmosphere and the spotlessly clean accommodations, many travellers are attracted to the Painted Turtle Guesthouse for its rates.  For two people in peak season you are only paying about $75 CDN per night for a private room, and that comes in well below the city's average (Vancouver Island can be pricey as far as accommodation is concerned). You will have more funds to enjoy all that Nanaimo has to offer. If you are on a tight budget while travelling the world, the dormitory can accommodate you for around $25 pp per night (on average although higher in summer). If you are travelling with a large group you can take advantage of significant savings by booking a block of rooms (or the entire guesthouse!!) at group rates. Best of all, while staying at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse you can buy your own groceries and whip up a fabulous home-cooked meal in their fully appointed kitchen - and perhaps share it with the new friends you have made from all corners of the earth in the Great Room.  Perhaps read email or catch up on business from the conference you attended earlier in the day. Better yet, just relax, read a book or get to know your fellow travellers. Instead of a busy, formal and expensive hotel, why not try something a little different while visiting Nanaimo? You are sure to love it... just ask the swarms of repeat guests!