5140 Slocan St – A Balanced Look at a Budget-Friendly Burnaby Option
Located at Vancouver, BC V5R 2A5, Canada, 5140 Slocan St is a housing property in Burnaby that offers ensuite, studio, and apartment units at monthly prices ranging from CAD 1,400 to CAD 1,950. It comes with laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and a workstation. The property currently shows as “not available” for immediate booking, meaning prospective tenants should monitor availability or check for upcoming vacancies. With a Google rating of 3.1 based on 593 reviews, feedback is mixed, and the following sections break down what this residence might offer to different types of renters.
Who This Residence Suits
Budget-conscious students or young professionals who prioritize location over luxury
At CAD 1,400 to CAD 1,950 per month, 5140 Slocan St sits in a moderate price bracket for Burnaby. The city’s overall starting price for student housing is around CAD 500, but that figure typically applies to shared rooms or basic hostels. For a private ensuite or studio, prices often climb well above CAD 1,000. This property offers a middle-ground option for those who want their own space without spending above CAD 2,000.
Occasional guests or short-term renters who value cleanliness and quiet
One reviewer, Patricia Asham, gave the property 5 stars and wrote: “I haven’t stayed at the motel but have been in it on two occasions. 1) A few family members and I visited our surprise out-of-town guests who were staying here years ago. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Our guests had absolutely no complaints. The visit was very pleasant. It was very quiet and we had a lovely eve” (the review cuts off). The mention of cleanliness, comfort, and quiet suggests that for short stays, the environment may be acceptable.
Renters who need basic in-unit amenities
The property includes laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and a workstation. For students or remote workers who need dependable internet and a desk, these features add value without extra sign-up costs.
People willing to overlook mixed online reputation for a chance at a decent room
Jason Metcalf, another 5-star reviewer, noted initial hesitation but was pleasantly surprised: “I was a first apprehensive, the place has a reputation that is less than desirable. However not having a credit card and needing a room for the night this was the only place I could find. The service was quick, respectful and informative. The rooms were far above my expectations. Spotless, with personal wifi, all furni” (review cuts off). This indicates that while the property may have a “less than desirable” reputation in some circles, some guests still had positive experiences.
Who This Residence Does Not Suit
Renters with low tolerance for heating or noise issues
Matthew Helstein’s 1-star review describes a serious problem: “This motel is genuinely awful. It’s been a really hot day, and the heat will not turn off in my room. It kicked in around 12am and has been going non stop. The fan I was offered is a space heater fan and is absolutely horrible. It has two settings. Loud and useless and Jet Engine and useless. It’s unlikely I’ll get muc” (review cuts off). This points to potential HVAC malfunctions and inadequate cooling solutions, which could make summer or warm-weather stays uncomfortable.
Long-term tenants expecting consistent maintenance and management responsiveness
Given the polarised reviews (both 5-star and 1-star), consistency appears lacking. If you are planning a 12-month lease, unresolved issues like the one described by Helstein could compound. The property’s “not available” tag may also indicate limited management capacity or intermittent vacancies.
Renters who rely on public transit or need walkable access to a major university
Burnaby is home to Simon Fraser University (SFU), but 5140 Slocan St’s exact location (near the intersection of Slocan St and E 22nd Ave) is more than 5 km from the Burnaby Mountain campus. Without a car or reliable bus service, daily commutes could be lengthy. Check transit routes before committing.
Those who avoid motel-style accommodations
The use of the word “motel” in guest reviews suggests the building may operate partly as a motel, which can mean thin walls, outdoor corridors, and limited common areas. If you expect a dedicated student residence with study lounges and social events, this is likely not the right fit.
What Residents Actually Say
The three Google reviews provided cover a range of experiences:
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Patricia Asham (5 stars): “I haven’t stayed at the motel but have been in it on two occasions. 1) A few family members and I visited our surprise out-of-town guests who were staying here years ago. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Our guests had absolutely no complaints. The visit was very pleasant. It was very quiet and we had a lovely eve” – positive about cleanliness and quietness, but note that she never stayed overnight.
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Matthew Helstein (1 star): “This motel is genuinely awful. It’s been a really hot day, and the heat will not turn off in my room. It kicked in around 12am and has been going non stop. The fan I was offered is a space heater fan and is absolutely horrible. It has two settings. Loud and useless and Jet Engine and useless. It’s unlikely I’ll get muc” – serious complaint about heating control and fan quality.
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Jason Metcalf (5 stars): “I was a first apprehensive, the place has a reputation that is less than desirable. However not having a credit card and needing a room for the night this was the only place I could find. The service was quick, respectful and informative. The rooms were far above my expectations. Spotless, with personal wifi, all furni” – a last-resort guest who found the room better than anticipated.
Key takeaway: The property may be acceptable for brief stays if you are lucky with room condition and weather, but there is a real risk of encountering the problems Helstein described. Book only if you are comfortable with a motel environment and can deal with potential maintenance issues.
Price Positioning vs City From-Price
Burnaby’s cheapest student housing listing starts at CAD 500 per month, likely for a shared room or a very basic hostel bed. For a private unit, prices typically begin around CAD 1,000–1,200. At CAD 1,400–1,950, 5140 Slocan St is slightly above the entry-level private accommodation but still within the lower-to-mid range for the city. However, given the motel character and the mixed reviews, the value depends heavily on the specific room’s condition. You could find newer dedicated student residences in nearby Vancouver for similar or slightly higher prices.
Indicative price notes: All prices quoted are indicative as of the time of writing (2026-07) and should be confirmed directly with the property operator. Seasonal fluctuations, length of stay, and room type may affect final rates.
Room-Type Guidance
Three room types are available:
- Ensuite: A private bedroom with attached bathroom, likely sharing kitchen and living areas with flatmates. Best for students who want bathroom privacy but don’t mind common living spaces.
- Studio: A self-contained unit with kitchenette and private bathroom. Offers maximum privacy. Suitable for couples or singles who prefer cooking for themselves.
- Apartment: A larger unit with separate rooms. Could be a one-bedroom or multiple bedrooms. Best for small groups or those wanting more space.
Given the property’s layout, the unit may vary significantly. If possible, request photos or a video tour of the exact unit you are offered to avoid surprises.
Booking Timing
The property currently displays a “not available” tag. This could mean:
- All units are leased for the current term.
- The operator is taking a break from listing.
- The property operates as a motel with nightly availability not reflected in the listing.
If you are planning for a 2026 or 2027 move-in, start monitoring the listing a few months in advance. Because reviews indicate inconsistent quality, it is advisable to book only after you have viewed the room or read a recent review from the same unit type. For September 2026 starts, begin checking in March or April. For January 2027, start in October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this property suitable for Simon Fraser University (SFU) students?
The distance from 5140 Slocan St to SFU Burnaby campus is roughly 8–10 km by road. Public transit requires at least one bus transfer and takes about 40–50 minutes each way. The property may suit students who have a car or prefer living in a quieter residential area away from campus. However, the motel-style setup is not typical of purpose-built student residences near SFU. If you value short commutes, look at properties closer to the university.
What should I do if I experience heating or maintenance issues like described in reviews?
Contact the front desk or manager immediately. If the issue is not resolved within a reasonable time (e.g., 24 hours), you may request a room change or a partial refund for days without functional AC/heating. Keep written records of complaints. If you booked through a platform, escalate through their support team. Since the property has a “not available” status, availability of alternative rooms may be limited.
Can I cancel or change my booking if the room is not as expected?
Cancellation policies vary by operator and booking channel. Before confirming, ask for the cancellation terms in writing. For long-term leases, a standard 30-day notice may apply. For short-term stays, some operators allow cancellation 24–48 hours before check-in. Given the mixed reviews, it is wise to choose a booking option that offers flexibility or includes a satisfaction guarantee.
Sources & data date: 2026-07
This review is based on publicly available listing data, Google reviews (593 total, 3.1 average rating, extracts quoted verbatim), and city-wide price ranges. Room types, prices, and availability are indicative and should be confirmed directly with the operator at the time of inquiry.
For live availability and to check current rates for your preferred dates, use the on-site assistant on this page.
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