Swept Away Inn

Location: 5505 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, British Columbia, V9Y1T6, Port Alberni, CA

Star Rating: 2 Stars

Property Type: Houseboat

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Instructions: This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.

Amenities & Facilities

• Free breakfast
• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Free WiFi
• 24-hour front desk
• Terrace
• Luggage storage
• Concierge service
• Wheelchair accessible
• Picnic area
• ATM/banking
• Hiking/biking trails nearby
• Free breakfast
• Smoke-free property
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Rowing or canoeing on site
• Free self parking
• Free full breakfast
• Housekeeping on request
• Fishing nearby
• Casino nearby
• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Coin laundry on site

Rooms Available

• Exclusive Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

  1 Twin Bunk Bed

  Overlooking the ocean

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Free bottled water

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Detached private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels

  Practical - Wardrobe or closet

  Comfort - Heating

  Need to Know - Housekeeping on request

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Bottle of water
  • Free WiFi
  • Private bathroom (not in room)
  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Bedsheets provided

• Double Room with Sea View

  2 Twin Bunk Beds

  Overlooking the ocean

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Free bottled water

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, bathtub or shower, and shower or rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Wardrobe or closet

  Comfort - Heating

  Need to Know - Housekeeping on request

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Bottle of water
  • Free WiFi
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Bedsheets provided

• Exclusive Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

  1 Double Bed

  Overlooking the ocean

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Free bottled water

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Detached private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels

  Practical - Wardrobe or closet

  Comfort - Heating

  Need to Know - Housekeeping on request

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Bottle of water
  • Free WiFi
  • Private bathroom (not in room)
  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Guest Reviews

• Mary (6/5): - It was a unique experience to stay on a tugboat. The room and bathroom were teeny tiny which is to be expected on a boat but the beds were clean and comfortable. We had a sitting room adjacent to our room which gave us more space. The host was friendly and the breakfast was excellent. The host also recommended a Moroccan restaurant run by his wife which was 3 blocks away and which was excellent. The problem with our visit was that it was chilly during our stay and there was no heat upstairs in the boat where our accommodation was situated. Also, the window to the bathroom would not close. I was way too chilly to shower and the sitting room was also too cold.
• Vahideh (2/5): - I booked for a double bed room and was provided with a 2-twin bunk bed room. It was freezing cold at night. Before you choose this place search about sleeping in crew rooms in a tub boat.
• Melinda (10/5): - My friend and i could not have been more pleased with our visit to Swept Away. We met some terrific people and made long term friendships with two of them. What more could we ask. Thank you.
• Geraldine (10/5): - What an amazing experience to sleep on a boat! Highly recommend staying here. The hosts are wonderful and the breakfast was delicious!
• Michael (8/5): - It was a nice quiet evening on a tug boat. Tight room but excellent breakfast and hosts
• Leonard (10/5): - Fantastic experience!
• Esther (10/5): - The location was spectacular, we saw dozens of bald eagles on the water and the trees around the property. I was unable to read at bedtime because the light was not working so the only light was the overhead one.
• Linka (10/5): - Such a great experience! By far one of the most unique stays Ive done. Super friendly hosts. Highly recommended
• Catherine (8/5): - This was a fun and unique option for accommodation in Port Alberni.
• Mario (2/5): Very deceiving description! - I felt so uncomfortable being there. Nothing as indicated on hotels.com website is how the property actually was. It was not mentioned that you would have to shower a bathroom and shower with guests in 5 other rooms. The rooms were tiny with no AC and some of the most uncomfortable bunk beds I ever stayed on. The doors have no locks. The hosts ask you to go to your room at 1030 and not make any noise. I had to leave as I felt super uncomfortable especially with half naked people going from shower to rooms and since doors can’t be locked or closed everything was visible. On top of it town closes at 7pm with nothing to do afterwards plus highway is closed for next few years making it impossible to access property. Booked two nights asked owner for a refund of 2nd night and he said I had to discuss with Expedia and then he pulled out his machine to charge me. Extremely disappointed with this property as nothing from website is realistic of property. They offer breakfast so we mentioned we were leaving early just to get on highway before they closed and never offered anything to bring with us.
• Andrew (10/5): - Being on a converted minesweeper with moroccan touches
• Angela (10/5): - The Tug boat is such a neat experience to try, with amazing food and cute cabins to stay in. Daniel and Bouchra are outstanding chefs, and very accommodating. If you have any motion sickness, this is not the adventure for you. Even docked, I did not have the sea legs for this lovely boat. My husband and son did very much enjoy the stay!
• Jeff (10/5): - We were made to feel right at home form the first time we stepped onboard. Daniel and Bouchra are friendly and gracious hosts. We enjoyed a relaxing evening and a excellent breakfast. A complete experience we strongly recommend to anyone.
• Benjamin (10/5): - Don’t expect luxury, it’s not a cruise ship. was totally fun, the food was amazing, and it’s birthed in the most interesting part of town.
• Shelley (10/5): - Excellent, in every way. Great dining experience. Wonderful hosts.
• Leigh (10/5): - Bouchra and Daniel were amazing hosts. Staying on a tugboat was quite the experience. It was well decorated, clean and welcoming. Breakfast was delicious! We will definitely stay there again.
• Gabriel (10/5): - Amazing experience. Fantastic dinner and breakfast. Wonderful hosts. Truly unique and excellent stay.
• Jillian (10/5): - Probably in the top 10 of unique lodgings in western Canada. 2nd visit, this time I brought my 70 yr old mother. She loved it. Leave your 5star hotel comfort and yacht expectations behind for this 100 yr old Tug boat. Rooms are as pictured.. tiny and not a lot of space. Shower and toilets are clean and shared. Breakfast is deliciously local produce and unique. The hosts are gracious, accommodating and eager to make your stay comfortable. I wouldn’t hesitate to come back for a third stay and you shouldn’t hesitate to experience it for yourself. Re: the review from Elaine.. this reads like someone who had unrealistic expectations, constructed a fantasy in her head and failed to review any info of the accommodations. When she discovered her fantasy was not matched with reality, instead of adjusting her expectations she took it out on the hosts. Having stayed numerous times, I find her review ridiculous, petulant and absurd.
• Elaine (2/5): - I would not recommend it!! Upon arrival our lady host was full of attitude. The property was poorly kept up. The room itself was very small, no room for our luggage. Beds were were more for children. We were suppose to have dinner, no dinner. Not enough booked, so they canceled n never told us. When asked, she said take it up with her husband. It was very disappointing. We were looking so forward to the whole dinner n drinks n sleeping on the Tug boat. Just a whole disappointment. We stayed at another hotel last minute. We could not get our refund back, cause of that day of cancelation. Which I believe swept Away didn't live up, with what n how they advertise. We should of gotten a refund or half of it back. I would not recommend, this property.
• Michelle (10/5): - This was the highlight of our mother-daughter trip to the Island! She’ll always remember the time we slept on a boat. Hosts were lovely - that unique combination of warm/welcoming and yet professional… gave us plenty of space for quiet reflection on the deck. And what a beautiful view of the harbour from there! Other guests were quiet, it’s not a party boat, which suited me fine. The hosts also pull the steps in and lock the gate at night, which made me feel that my teen daughter and I were safe while sleeping. Before our stay I was worried a houseboat would rock too much as I’m prone to motion sickness, but it barely moved. I was also worried that I would barely sleep on a boat bunk, but the bed was so comfortable, I slept like a log. Coffee was ready when I got up, breakfast was home-made and delicious. They even accommodated my need for gluten-free, which was a pleasant surprise. I would absolutely recommend the Swept Away Inn!
• Verified traveler (6/5): - Everything was good until it was time to pay, i was charged more than i was supposed to pay.
• Christine (10/5): - This is a 100 foot completely renovated tugboat. Absolutely gorgeous! The owners are amazing people and so down to earth. Talking with them is like enjoying speaking with friends you've known for years
• Jennifer (8/5): - Fun idea to have a B&B on a tug boat. This was my first B&B experience so I do not have much to compare it to. The owners were very nice and welcoming. If you are social and an extrovert this is the place for you. However, the one issue was there is a curfew of 11:00 pm, which I was not aware of upon booking. If I would have been made aware of this I would not have stayed at this B&B, so I felt I was misslead. I haven't had a 11:00pm curfew since 1985.
• Verified traveler (8/5): Swept Away - Good experience with charming hosts. We enjoyed a drink in their cozy seating area sharing stories and their insider knowledge of the area. Accommodation was rustic as expected on a tugboat. Booked room with private shower which unfortunately wasn't working. Breakfast was amazing and suitable for vegetarian diet.
• Christina (10/5): - My stay here was very much what I was looking for. The experience was great from the start. The warm and inviting welcome from hosts, the clean and freedom of space to use and the beautiful location where the boat is docked to my departure sent off with an amazing breakfast. It was very magical. My new place to stay over and over.
• Karen (8/5): - Very diffulct to practice any sort of social distancing. The people were good though.
• Lesley (8/5): - Unique and funky old boat!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - It's a unique bed & breakfast on board a renovated tug boat afloat in the Harbour. The French-Moroccan cooking is delicious, and eating at the shared table with the other guests gets some fun conversations going. Look forward to staying there again next year!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Very happy
• Verified traveler (10/5): - This is a very unique experience. The hosts are wonderful and the boat is cozy.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - Unique experience staying in the boat, which is right at the harbour. Great view around. However, the room is extremely small and be aware the washroom and shower is NOT in the room - they are shared with all hotel guests and whoever dining at the boat. Very nice breakfast included as well as free parking.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - It is a BOAT! An incredibly relaxing, delicious food filled and good company stay. I just wish we stayed longer.
• Beau (10/5): Super cute boat and wonderful hosts - Had a wonderful one night stay on the tug - super cute and well maintained boat. The best part however was the hospitality of the hosts - really friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately we couldn't get dinner on the boat the night we were there but if breakfast was anything to go by it would be worth going bavk for dinner!
• Louis (10/5): e were Swept Away !! - Great People Fun time
• Verified traveler (6/5): - Price reflected by you did not match that of the property owners! Even though it stated $140.00 per night, I was charged a total of $237.00. The cleaning fee of $30.00 was extra, I had salad for dinner with a shot of Zambuca that cost $20.00 extra, plus taxes totaled $237.00. Customers need to be warned that unlike staying at a hotel and pre-paying for it upfront where there are no other surprises; the property at Swept Away is different! They said that you did not collect the one night’s stay from me and so I had to pay everything the morning I left at 7:30am! We need to know that in the future!
• Verified traveler (2/5): - When we arrived we were told to be quiet as there was a gathering going on in the living/dining area, even though we were paying guests and check in already applied. Sitting areas were crowed, our room was tiny.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Friendly welcome, host and hostess made personal contact with everyone. This shipboard B&B is obviously unique . Communal gourmet dinner truly memorable. .
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Daniel and Bouchra are a unique couple doing something very cool and interesting in Port Alberni. The food was outstanding, the boat is full of character, and the welcome was sincere.
• RK (10/5): - reeze blowing into the room from Alberni Sound made for a great night's rest. Food was delicious, hosts made us feel like family, and the conversations with travellers from around the world made dinner even better. Yes, the rooms are small but that's part of the charm of sleeping on a converted tugboat/minesweeper built in 1944!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - A very unique experience with gracious hosts who made me feel so at home. Excellent breakfasts, and wonderful food available for dinner as well if desired. In terms of facilities, it was perfect for me as a single traveller but might be less perfect if I wanted to travel with friends, as a boat is less spacious than a hotel room if one wishes to share expenses. However on this occasion it was delightful and I would love to return - thanks, Bouchra and Dan, for a very special weekend!
• Jackie (10/5): - Unique experience - one of a kind accommodations with delicious and different food. Comfortable feel.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Very unique & fun place to stay. Service was friendly and breakfast was excellent. We were shocked by the add on of a $30 "cleaning fee" which was not specifically mentioned. We do not see why cleaning would be an add-on as it is always required.
• Gillian (10/5): A night on the Water - We loved our stay at the Swept Away Inn. It is a really neat place. We only wish we could have stayed longer. We just loved this little tug boat.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - This B&B on board a renovated 1944 tug is incredibly unique and beautifully decorated. It is fully licensed and also offers homemade dinners, specializing in French and Moroccan cuisine. Our hosts were incredibly friendly and welcoming. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and would recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different. The amenities were plentiful, including shampoo and conditioner in the tiny private bathroom across the hall (looking out of the porthole while showering was a treat), as well as extra pillows/blankets in the room. There was plenty of shelves/counters in the room for bags and knapsacks, even a small closet, but no more than one full-sized suitcase would fit comfortably. The only slight problem was that the room we booked was advertised as 1991 sq feet, but it was 10' x 7'...perhaps if you included the common sitting areas and the decks it would be 1991 sq feet, but the room itself (I think it was #36 - one double bed and a twin fold down bunk) definitely was not. However, saying that, the beds were remarkably comfortable. The bottom double bed with the top bunk folded down could prove to be quite claustrophobic for some people, I found it cosy. It was quite windy during the evening, but the boat barely moved, so there should be no problem for anyone who may be afraid of seasickness. Breakfast was made from local organic produce and absolutely delicious. They were happy to cater to dietary restrictions.
• Martin (10/5): Unique experience - Unique experience. We decided to have dinner as well and it was the best call we made. Probably the best place to stay and eat in Port Alberni.
• Joseph (10/5): We will be back - A unique and welcoming stay. Really enjoyed the experience.
• Philip (10/5): Great choice? - Great little spot, great people, great food. When your hotel makes your entire trip worth it that's saying something.
• Bill (10/5): Highly Recommend This B and B - Charming and attractive converted tug boat. Wonderful hosts.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The Swept Away Inn is a tugboat! My mom and I were so surprised and enchanted by the idea - it was incredibly welcoming and cozy, with lovely furniture and decor and even lovelier hosts! Daniel and Bouchra's comforting welcome and beautiful personalities made our stay incredibly special, and the breakfast was to die for - my mom and I's only regret is that we didn't book on a night they cooked dinner! We can't wait until Bouchra's cookbook comes out! (and Daniel's guitar solo :) Until then, we'll reminisce on our magical night on the little tugboat where our worries were, truly, swept away.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Amazing unique experience - A truley unique experience We all lived it. Breakfast was amazing!
• Tom (10/5): - Our two-night stay at the Swept Away Inn, led me to a place of wonderment and still lingers in my mind. Back home I can almost smell the fresh ocean air mingling quietly with the sounds of a working harbor. Visions of water craft taking on their charge for the day while I relaxed with friends reminded me of my childhood books about tugboats and the work they performed. Those of us who took refuge on the boat found comradery and a connection with Daniel and his lovely bride, Bouchra (owners). The food was delightfully soothing to the soul and luxurious to our sense of taste and smell. Perhaps it was their kindness and compassion that won me over, or maybe their genuine conversation around our meals that made our visit feel like coming home to family; but whatever it was, it made our lives richer for the experience. You’ll be blessed too if you chance a stay at the Swept Away Inn.
• Don (10/5): - The chance to be on the water in a historic boat was a unique and memorable experience. The hosts were great. Wonderful breakfast. Our room was small and cozy, as expected.

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