Ocean Island Inn Backpackers Suites is in a great downtown Victoria location, and almost everything is within walking distance. The building is older, but it is well maintained considering its age and the large number of guests it welcomes.
The staff were all friendly, welcoming, and always happy to help. We especially appreciated that our private room included a small fridge, which meant we didn’t have to use the shared refrigerators in the communal kitchen. The kitchen itself is well equipped, with plenty of dishes, mugs, cutlery, cookware, and two sinks with dish soap and sponges so guests can wash their own dishes. Towels are available for a refundable deposit, which is a nice option for travelers. There are also plenty of shared bathrooms, and we never had to wait for one during our stay.
A few things to keep in mind: our room didn’t have enough electrical outlets to conveniently charge multiple devices overnight. We also noticed a strong bleach or cleaning product smell at times, which may bother guests who are sensitive to odors. Finally, the area immediately surrounding the hostel has a significant homeless population, so it didn’t feel like the safest block, especially after dark. That said, once we walked a couple of blocks toward the main downtown area—or when we were inside the hostel—we felt comfortable and safe.
One of the best parts of staying in a hostel is the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, and Ocean Island Inn was no exception.