4686 W 2nd Ave: Who It Suits and Who Might Look Elsewhere
Located at Vancouver, BC V6R 1L1 (within the city of Burnaby), 4686 W 2nd Ave offers student accommodation in two unit types: non-ensuite and apartment. Monthly prices range from CAD 1,150 to CAD 1,200 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The minimum lease term is 6 months. The property provides laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and a workspace. It has a Google rating of 3.9 based on 651 reviews.
The building was formerly known as Jericho Beach Hostel, and some resident feedback reflects that hostel heritage. While currently marked as not available on the booking platform, the data below can help you evaluate whether this type of property aligns with your needs if it becomes available in 2026 or 2027.
Who This Residence Suits
Travellers and students who value a spacious, historic setting near the water. Multiple reviews highlight the generous room and hallway dimensions — uncommon in modern purpose-built student housing. One long-stay guest mentioned: “The hallways and rooms are the most spacious I’ve ever seen in all my time in Hostel.” If you prefer living spaces that feel airy rather than cramped, this building may appeal.
Budget-conscious applicants who prioritise low upfront costs over modern finishes. At CAD 1,150–1,200 per month, the price sits well above Burnaby’s typical entry point of CAD 500 (the cheapest option in the city). However, for a west-side Vancouver location — close to Jericho Beach and within reach of UBC — this price range is competitive against comparable nearby rooms. Residents reported “good prices” and noted the hostel-style pricing structure includes access to shared kitchens and laundry.
Community-oriented residents who enjoy organised social activities. According to one review, “they offer activities that you can sign up for” if you are “unsure what you want to do in Vancouver.” That can be valuable for international students settling in a new city.
Guests who prefer a low-theft environment. The same reviewer stated that “theft isn’t a major issue in my experience,” though they added a sensible reminder to use lockers.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Anyone who needs a ensuite bathroom or private kitchen. The non-ensuite unit type implies shared bathroom facilities. The apartment units may offer more privacy, but no details on kitchen configuration are available from the data. If you require private cooking space, confirm directly with the operator.
Mature students or those with mobility concerns. A 4-star reviewer explicitly warned: “as a mature (ok, old) traveler all the stairs are a problem.” The building appears to have multiple floors without an elevator or with limited lift access. Students with heavy luggage, bicycles, or physical limitations may find the stairs challenging.
Students who want to be close to Simon Fraser University (SFU). SFU’s main campus is on Burnaby Mountain, roughly 10–15 km east of this property. Public transit via bus and SkyTrain would take 45–60 minutes one way. Burnaby has about 60 student properties in total, many closer to SFU. If SFU is your primary destination, this residence is a less convenient pick.
Short-term visitors. With a minimum 6-month lease, this option does not suit exchange students staying only one semester unless the operator offers flexibility — inquire.
What Residents Actually Say
Three Google reviews provide a direct window into the lived experience:
Sherry (rating 4): “The best thing about Jericho Beach Hostel was AJ! She was so friendly, knowledgeable, quick, and kind. The hostel is good; however, as a mature ( ok, old) traveler all the stairs are a problem. AJ offered to help with the luggage (without being asked)! Which was a great relief! The rooms are comfortable and every area”
Eduardo S. (rating 5): “Excellent, well-maintained and clean rooms at good prices. The hostel offers most necessities like kitchen and laundry facilities, and the staff are very nice. If you’re unsure what you want to do in Vancouver, they offer activities that you can sign up for. Theft isn’t a major issue in my experience but it’s best to b”
Gjoa Andrichuk (rating 5): “Some might not like this far from the city centre, but the building is a historic artefact and I’ve only seen a youth hostel on the beach one other time: in Kihei Hawaii. The hallways and rooms are the most spacious I’ve ever seen in all my time in Hostel If you want hot water for shower just wait about 10 minutes in t”
Key takeaways from these comments:
- Staff helpfulness (AJ in particular) leaves a strong positive impression.
- Cleanliness and maintenance are praised.
- Location is considered far from downtown but scenic (beachside).
- Hot water may require a short wait — a minor utility quirk.
Price Positioning vs. the City’s From-Price
Burnaby’s lowest available student room in this data set starts at CAD 500 monthly. 4686 W 2nd Ave is priced at more than double that — CAD 1,150–1,200. The gap reflects the west-side Vancouver address, proximity to beaches, and the historic building character. For comparison, typical private rooms near UBC or downtown Vancouver often exceed CAD 1,300. In that context, this property sits at the lower end of west-side market rates.
Note: The price shown is indicative — confirm with the operator. Utilities such as Wi-Fi are included (tagged), but electricity or heating may or may not be part of the monthly fee; ask before signing.
Room-Type Guidance
Two unit types are listed:
- Non-ensuite – Shared bathroom and likely shared kitchen. Best for students comfortable with communal living and lower costs. The reviews indicate common areas (kitchen and laundry) are well-maintained.
- Apartment – More privacy. Likely includes a private bathroom and possibly a kitchenette. No additional details are available in the data. If you prefer not to share facilities, this is the option to request — but availability may be limited.
Given the hostel history, the non-ensuite units probably resemble dormitory-style rooms with single beds. The apartment units may be self-contained studios or one-bedroom flats. Always confirm exact room layout and facilities – including whether bedding, towels, and cooking utensils are provided – with the operator.
Booking Timing
The property is currently marked as not available. If it reopens for bookings in 2026 or 2027, secure your room early – at least 3–4 months before your intended move-in date. Peak demand occurs in August and September for the fall academic term. Because the minimum lease is 6 months, you need to plan for a full semester or longer. For shorter stays, contact the operator to ask about possible exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all utilities included in the monthly rent?
According to the property tags, Wi-Fi and laundry facilities are provided. However, the listing does not clearly state whether electricity, heating, or water are part of the rent. The price range of CAD 1,150–1,200 is indicative – confirm with the operator what is covered.
Q: How far is this residence from Simon Fraser University?
SFU’s Burnaby campus is approximately 12 km east of the property. By public transit, expect a 50–60 minute commute via bus and SkyTrain. If you plan to drive, parking availability on site should be verified. The location is more convenient for students attending the University of British Columbia (UBC) – about a 20-minute bus ride to the UBC main gate.
Q: Can I book a single room in the apartment unit type?
The data lists “apartment” as a unit type but does not specify the number of bedrooms or shared configuration. You should contact the operator to ask whether apartments are studios, one-bedroom flats, or multi-bedroom shared units. If you need a single private space, request a “private room in an apartment” if that option exists.
Sources & data date: Google rating and review quotes are as of July 2026. Price, lease terms, and unit types are sourced from the operator’s listing on amberstudent. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
For live availability and to ask specific questions about 4686 W 2nd Ave, use the on-site assistant to check current inventory and book a call with the housing team.
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