5859 Sussex Ave – Decision Review
Located in Burnaby, British Columbia, 5859 Sussex Ave is one of more than 60 student housing properties in the city. It is listed on the amberstudent platform and offers a mix of non-ensuite, ensuite, and apartment units. With a monthly price range of CAD 975 to CAD 1,500, it sits above Burnaby’s median starting price for student housing (CAD 500). Below is a factual breakdown of who this residence suits, what residents report, and what practical factors to consider before committing.
Overview & Location
5859 Sussex Ave is situated at Burnaby, BC V5H 3B7. The property is across from a SkyTrain station, giving it direct transit access to Simon Fraser University (SFU) and downtown Vancouver. Walking distance to grocery stores and bus stops is noted by residents. The building includes laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and workspace areas – amenities commonly sought by students. Minimum lease length is three months, which provides flexibility for term-based stays.
The property has a Google rating of 4.2 from 1,087 reviews, indicating strong overall satisfaction but with room for variation in individual experience. The reviews available on the listing come from what appears to be a hotel operation at the same address; however, the building currently offers student housing units through amberstudent, and the service quality patterns described can inform expectations.
Who This Residence Suits
Students who prioritise transit connectivity. Being directly across from a SkyTrain station is a major advantage for commuters to SFU or to Vancouver campuses. If your daily travel involves frequent use of rapid transit, this location reduces the time and cost of getting to class.
Those who want a private or semi-private living situation. The available unit types include ensuites and apartments (usually private bathrooms and kitchens) as well as non-ensuite (shared bathroom). If you prefer not to share a bathroom with many flatmates, the ensuite and apartment options here (priced at the upper end of the range) may be appropriate.
Short-stay or term-based renters. The minimum lease of three months is shorter than typical 12-month contracts. This works for co-op terms, exchange semesters, or anyone who prefers not to lock in a full year.
Students who value cleanliness and basic service quality. Multiple reviews highlight clean rooms and responsive staff. For someone moving into a managed property rather than a private rental, knowing the site is regularly cleaned and staffed is reassuring.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
Budget-conscious students. The starting price of CAD 975 is nearly double Burnaby’s lowest-priced student housing (CAD 500, indicative — confirm with the operator). If saving money is the top priority, there are shared rooms or older buildings in a similar zone that may cost less. Note that the CAD 500 figure is a city-wide minimum and likely for a shared non-ensuite in a different building.
Students seeking a quiet, large apartment-style unit. The reviews mention the building is “on the older side” and that the TV was a treat for a family. While the apartment units exist, the property may not offer the modern finishes or spacious floor plans that some renters want.
Those who prefer a dedicated student-only building. The listing integrates with a hotel operation (as seen in reviews that discuss “hotel staff”, “breakfast”, “underground parking”). If you want an environment exclusively for students with no transient guests, this might feel different from a pure-purpose student residence.
Resident Feedback (Quoted Reviews)
Three Google reviews are available. While they reference a hotel stay, the overall care and quality translate to the same property management.
Ivy Lai (5/5): “The staff were extremely professional, and the location was very convenient. The breakfast was delicious with a wide variety of options. I was especially impressed that the hotel employs people with disabilities as part of its breakfast service team, which reflects a caring and inclusive culture. The bed was very…”
Ryan C (5/5): “We’ve stayed at this Holiday Inn location several times over the years due to the convenient location and cleanliness. While the hotel is on the older side, our sheets were clean, nothing smelled nasty, and the large TV was a nice treat for our family (we usually don’t watch TV). Parking is free and underground, and yo…”
Nina Pantazopoulos (5/5): “Stayed for 4 days/3nights and everything was great. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Complimentary breakfast was great with multiple hot breakfast items (eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, hash browns, etc). Right across from skytrain station and bus transit. Walking distance to grocer…”
These comments reinforce consistent cleanliness, friendly staff, and exceptional transit access. The mention of complimentary breakfast is likely a hotel-specific service; students renting on a monthly basis should check whether any meal service is included or has changed since the reviews were written.
Price Positioning & Room Type Guidance
Burnaby’s student housing market has a lowest monthly price of CAD 500 (indicative — confirm with the operator). 5859 Sussex Ave begins at CAD 975, which places it in the mid-to-upper price tier for the city. Here is how the price relates to room types:
- Non-ensuite (shared bathroom): likely around the CAD 975 mark. This is the most affordable option here but still nearly double the city minimum.
- Ensuite (private bathroom but shared kitchen/living): likely in the CAD 1,100–1,300 range.
- Apartment (private everything): likely CAD 1,300–1,500, indicative — confirm with the operator.
If you compare with a typical shared room elsewhere in Burnaby, the price difference can be CAD 400–500 per month. However, the onsite amenities (laundry, Wi-Fi, workspace, and possibly cleaning services from the hotel side) add value that a cheaper shared rental may not provide.
Room selection tip: Because the property appears to have a hotel component, some units may be furnished in a more standard hotel style (bed, desk, TV). Ask about furnishings before signing – especially if you need a full workspace beyond a small desk.
Booking Timing & Practical Tips
- Minimum lease of 3 months: This makes it viable for fall, spring, or summer semesters. If you need only 4 months for a co-op term, you are not forced into a 12-month term.
- Availability: The listing does not show an “available from” date, which means you should contact the operator directly to check current vacancies. Given the high number of reviews (1,087) and a 4.2 rating, turnover is likely steady.
- Book early for fall intake. September is the busiest month for student rentals in Burnaby. If you plan to move in August or September 2026, begin inquiries by April–May to secure a specific room type.
- Deposit: The listing does not show a deposit amount. Clarify this before paying any holding fee.
- Visit or request a video tour. The property’s age (“older side” per one review) means that room condition can vary. A real-time walkthrough is better than relying on promotional photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5859 Sussex Ave strictly student housing, or is it a hotel?
Based on the listing on amberstudent, it is offered as student housing. However, the same address has been used as a Holiday Inn hotel, and some reviews describe hotel-style services such as complimentary breakfast and daily room cleaning. It is likely that either a portion of the building is dedicated to long-term student stays, or the management has transitioned the property. Confirm with the operator whether you will receive hotel-like services (cleaning, breakfast) or standard student apartment services.
How far is it from Simon Fraser University (SFU)?
The property is located in Burnaby, across from a SkyTrain station. SFU’s main Burnaby campus is situated on Burnaby Mountain. The SkyTrain connects to Production Way-University station, then a bus or gondola (seasonal) reaches the campus. Total commute time is roughly 30–40 minutes by transit, depending on wait times. Walking distance is not practical because the campus is on a steep hill.
Are utilities and internet included in the CAD 975–1,500 rent?
The listing tags include Wi-Fi, laundry facility, and workspace, but the tags do not specify whether utilities (electricity, water, heat) are covered. In purpose-built student housing, all utilities and internet are often bundled. Given the hotel-oriented history, it is likely that basic utilities and internet are included. Still, ask the operator explicitly: “Is electricity, heating, and water included? Are there any extra fees for parking or laundry?”
Sources & data date
Data sourced from amberstudent listing ID 1011639, accessed June 2026. Google reviews and ratings as shown on the listing. City-wide price and property count are aggregate indicators from the same platform. All prices mentioned are indicative — confirm with the operator.
If you need live availability or want to compare current offers, use the on-site assistant at amberstudent for real-time information.
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