Interviewing Canadas Hostels: HI Vancouver Central

Posted on April 8, 2010  •  3 minutes  • 635 words

Lucky number 7! As usual, HI Canada went above and beyond and hooked me up with another interview. These interview questions were answered by Keith Luciow, the Manager at HI-Vancouver Central Hostel. So rather than wasting your time, lets dive right into the meat and potatoes and find out a little more about one of Vancouvers most popular hostels.

Q: How long have you been operating your hostel?

<img src="http://ibackpackcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/HI-Vancouver-Central-300x268.jpg" title="HI-Vancouver Central"> A: The Vancouver Central hostel has been open for almost 8 years. It occupies a heritage building on Granville Street in the heart of Vancouver’s entertainment district.

Q: Tell us about your hostel?

A: We have 4- and 2-bed dorms. There is a large locker for every bed, and every dorm room has a sink. We also have private rooms with ensuite or shared washrooms. The hostel has an express kitchen, TV room, lounge, laundry room, internet kiosks, and free Wifi access. We also have free daily luggage storage, as well as long term storage for $3 per week.

Q: Does your hostel offer any activities or help book tours for it’s guests?

A: At HI-Vancouver Central we go out of our way to keep you busy! The hostel organizes daily tours of local attractions such as Granville Island and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. We run nightly activities such as pub crawls, comedy nights, and we also have cheap tickets to hockey and football games. We also sell tickets for public transit, as well as discounted tickets for bike rentals and attractions like the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Planetarium.  Our front desk is open 24 hours a day to provide travel information and advice about local attractions. We can also help you book tours and onward accommodation.

Q: What is your favourite activity / tour that your hostel offers, and why?

<img src="http://ibackpackcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/HI-Vancouver-Central-Lounge-225x300.jpg" title="HI-Vancouver Central Lounge"> A: My favorite activity is the Granville Island tour. Micah, our resident tour guide, takes you on a short ferry ride across False Creek to Granville Island. We visit the public market to sample some local treats and explore shops with works by local artists. My favorite part of the tour is the optional visit to the Granville Island Brewery. After a tour of the brewery there are delicious samples of some of Vancouver’s finest micro-brewed beers. Good times!

Q: Tell us about the area your hostel resides in?

A: Our hostel is located on Granville Street, right in the center of Vancouver’s vibrant entertainment district. The hostel is a short walk to most of downtown Vancouver’s tourist attractions, public transit, shopping, beaches, and art galleries.

Q: Do you offer work for backpackers?

A: No, unfortunately the hostel does not provide any work for stay programs.  We will hire backpackers who have a work permit, however.

Q: Are there any special promotions you’re currently running or have run in the past?

A: During the November to March winter season we offer a 7 for 6 deal. The 7th night of your stay is free when you book 6 nights at a time. This deal is currently on hold while the Olympics are in town, but will be back as of Feb 28.

Q: How much does it cost for:

A: Dorms from $27 and private rooms from $75. HI Vancouver Central Website HI Vancouver Central Facebook page Your hostels Twitter page: @hostelscanada [mappress] HI-Vancouver Central 1025 Granville Street Vancouver, BC 1.866.762.4122 There’s been a huge amount of hype behind Vancouver in recent days, what with the success of the 2010 winter Olympics. This is one of the most popular destinations to check out while traveling in Canada, so you’d be crazy not to include this on your itinerary. I guarantee you’ll run out of time before you run out of things to see and do.