I stayed at Samesun Banff for 3 nights during my visit to Banff National Park. It’s been a while since I last stayed at a hostel - about 6 years ago when I was still in my 20s. These days, I usually go for comfort, even if it means spending a little more. In Europe and Asian, it’s pretty common to find single rooms that don’t cost a fortune, so I’ve gotten used to a bit more privacy when I travel.
But Canada is a different story. Most private rooms are made for two people, so as a solo traveller, I’d end up paying more than double. Since I was only staying for 3 nights, I figured it was a good time to try a hostel again. Samesun Banff had really great reviews, and it seemed like a solid option. I booked a bed in an all-female 6-bed dorm with its own bathroom.
Location
The location is one of the best things about Samesun Banff. It’s right on Banff Avenue, the main street in town, so everything is within walking distance - shops, restaurants, cafes, and even the bus stop if you’re headed out for hikes or day trips. I didn’t need to use public transport at all during my stay. Everything I needed was just a few steps away.
Amenities
I got a lower bunk bed, which I was happy about. The bed was comfy enough, but it does creak a bit when you move, so if you’re a light sleeper, keep that in mind. Each bed has a thick privacy curtain, a small lamp, a charging outlet, and a small cubby-style shelf you can use like a bedside table. You also get a locker to store your valuables, and there’s enough space under the bed to slide in a medium-sized suitcase.
The dorm itself felt spacious. The fact that the bathroom was inside the room made it super convenient - you didn’t have to leave the room just to shower or brush your teeth. There was also a vanity area with a sink and mirror just outside the bathroom, which meant someone could wash up or do skincare while another person was in the shower. This setup definitely helped save time in the mornings.
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| morning view from my bed, which was next to a big window |
Breakfast is included for all guests. It’s basic, but decent. You get toast with jam or butter, hard-boiled eggs, make-your-own pancakes with maple syrup, coffee, fruit juices, fresh fruit, and dessert pastries. The spread is pretty much the same every day, but hey, free breakfast is always a plus.
The hostel also has an in-house restaurant and bar that hosts nightly events. If you're looking to meet people, it’s a good spot. I joined the quiz night and ended up making new friends. It reminded me of what I liked about hostels when I was younger - how easy it is to strike up a conversation and bond with people over shared travel stories.
Cleanliness
No complaints here. The dorms and bathrooms are cleaned daily (your personal stuff, of course, is left untouched), and the common areas were also tidy. Sure, your roommates might leave their clothes on the bed or spread their things around, but that didn’t bother me. It’s part of the hostel experience, and as long as everyone keeps to their own space, it’s all good.
Customer Service
The staff were friendly and helpful from the start. They responded quickly to my online inquiries before my stay, and when I checked in, I was told I had an upper bunk. I asked if I could switch to a lower one if any were available, and they let me choose my room and bed since there were still a few open. I really appreciated that - they didn’t have to, but they made the check-in process easy and stress-free.
Price
I paid PHP8,280 for 3 nights, which works out to about PHP2,760 per night, or roughly CAD66 per night. That’s really affordable considering the location, cleanliness, and the free breakfast. If I went for a private room instead, I would’ve paid at least three times more, so I was happy with the value I got.
To be honest, I was a bit unsure about staying at a hostel again, especially now that I’m in my mid-30s. A lot of hostels tend to cater to the under-30 crowd, and I thought I might feel out of place. But Samesun Banff had a good mix of guests. I saw a few travellers around my age and even an older couple who looked to be in their 50s. It didn’t feel awkward at all. I even made a few friends during my stay - one of them was a Korean girl I ended up meeting again in Seoul six months later. It’s those kinds of spontaneous connections that really make the hostel experience worth it.
Overall, I had a really pleasant stay. It was clean, convenient, safe, and social without being too loud or chaotic. If you’re a solo traveller looking for a solid place to stay in Banff without breaking the bank, I’d definitely recommend giving this hostel a try.
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