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Abbott Hills
Category: Hotels & Travel Bed & Breakfast Bed & Breakfast [Edit]
4040 No 5 RdRichmond, BC V6X 2V1
(604) 247-0092
2 reviews for Abbott Hills
2 reviews in English
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Review from E W.
9/14/2011 3 photos
What exactly is Abbott Hills, is it a Bed & Breakfast or a Hostel? I've been around the world and stayed at a wide variety of establishments, yet knowing exactly how to classify Abbott Hills truly vexes me. Definitions of the two are various and tend to blur the line further. Allow me to explain.
For example, you will get breakfast at Abbott Hills, and a good one at that. From fresh local blueberries, cereal and toast for light eaters to a hearty Canadian breakfast complete with eggs, potato and meat for hearty appetites. But, I have been served similar breakfast at Hostels too- not to mention the fact that you do get a bed at either establishment. And yes, the owner, Phillip is very generous with beer and wine which is not a bad thing (something that is frowned upon at most Hostels). The owner is kind, hospitable, highly opinionated and loves to spin a good yarn. His autobiography makes Colonel Walter E. Kurtz look like a boy scout.
On the other hand, a Hostel is a great lodging alternative for the budget conscious traveler and Abbott Hills is one of, if not the least expensive "Bed and Breakfast" spots in the Vancouver area. In fact, it was the least expensive "Bed and Breakfast" that I've ever visited. However, they do charge more than some Hostels that I've visited which were just as nice, if not better, and is at par with any motor-lodge in the area.
So, what does all of this mean to the prospective traveler considering a stay at Abbott Hills? Allow me to break it down for you...
Here is my scale: 1 (Low) - 5 (High)
CLEANLINESS- 2
Forget the white glove; this place barely passes a grey glove test. The shared bathroom was creepy, filled with dozens of used personal hygiene care products from shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, toothbrushes (yes, used toothbrushes) and an entire drawer filled with old bars of soap from past guests. Who would save old bars of soap? Why? Also, the bath tub shower drain was clogged and I was up to my ankles in water in no time- YUCK! Ultimately, I rated it 2, because the towels and sheets were clean and there were no bed bugs.
NOISE- 4
The property is located near the airport, but what's considerably noisier is that the property is situated on a main thoroughfare which seems to be a favorite cruising spot for every local 'Fast and Furious' car enthusiasts who's installed every conceivable exhaust modification to their late model Japanese sport compact car. Go Speed Racer, Go!
AMBIANCE- 1
The building is a quadraplex (a building designed to accommodate four families) with each section containing three bedrooms, one bath, one kitchen and one living room. These units were not built to be aesthetically pleasing; they are utilitarian and cheaply constructed and as such offer little privacy (I could hear my downstairs neighbor snore throughout the evening).
SAFETY-1
The doors are unlocked, room keys are left unattended and out in the open and invoices containing personal financial information are also kept out in the open and unattended. However, you are furnished with a key to lock your individual room (I was able to open mine with a credit card).
In conclusion, I am reminded of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stewart who described his approach in defining pornography by saying, "I know it when I see it." Well I know a Bed and Breakfast when I see it, and Abbott Hills is not what comes to mind. But if your taste leans toward the bohemian, you will undoubtedly enjoy this inexpensive house of lodging and if a category does exist between Bed and Breakfast and Hostel, Abbott Hills would definitely fit.
Hostel Breakfast, perhaps? -
Review from Gilbert N.
9/21/2011
Drove past the place the first time because it was so run down we didn't think it was a Bed and Breakfast. After entering the place we decided to cancel. The representation online does not do justice to how dirty and decrepit the place is. For $60-80 a night I expect a clean bed. The owner wouldn't refund our money (it's probably how he makes most of his living, off cancellations that is). There are better deals to be had in Vancouver, and it turns out, it is so easy to get to the airport from the city on the train one doesn't have to stay in a run down hovel in the middle of no where to get there.
