Spanning over 993 acres of land, UBC is regarded internationally as a beautiful campus and an attractive destination for visitors.
Yet residents have often said the university’s Point Grey campus lacks a suitable supply and range of accommodation options needed to host visitors.
This summer, UBC Properties Trust (UBCPT) and its subsidiary Village Gate Homes leveraged the city’s co-hosting of the FIFA World Cup and the long-term need for more accommodation options in the campus neighbourhoods by adding five two-bedroom guest suites at Symphony, a staff and faculty residential building located in Wesbrook Place at 3638 Wesbrook Mall.
There are now a total of fourteen suites in Symphony on offer for visitors, including 13 two-bedroom units. With air conditioning, in-suite laundry, and fully equipped kitchens, the Symphony Guest Suites are an attractive option for UBC staff and faculty members looking for a temporary stay, as one recent visitor found out.
Ontario resident Kim de Bellefeuille told The Campus Resident she had a “truly excellent” experience staying at Symphony during her July visit to B.C. Instead of the “limited confines of a hotel room”, she said she had “a fully stocked home away from home”.
“It was clean, quiet and comfortable, with ample space — and better value than any other accommodation I could have found on my own. It also felt entirely safe and secure, so for a woman staying alone, I had total peace of mind,” de Bellefeuille said.
When asked what could be improved, de Bellefeuille had a few suggestions. “It would be helpful if the guest could receive the booking and procedural information along with the staff tenant”, she said. “When it comes to information in the small print, two sets of eyes are better than one, and I might have reduced undue logistical stress on my host if I could have taken care of some aspects of my stay, like communicating with the office about the booking, fob retrieval, etc”.
Overall, de Bellefeuille’s favourite part about staying in the guest suites was “having my own modern, cozy living space just a few steps away from my friends.”
Symphony has a one-bedroom and den unit for two adults for $120 per night, and their two bedroom/two-bedroom and den units can accommodate 4 adults, with rates at $220 per night with a $150 booking cleaning fee per booking.
In addition to Symphony, there are also studio and one-bedroom suites at Theory, Echo, Evolve, Mundell House, and Pine House – all located in Wesbrook Place. And you don’t have to be a resident of those specific buildings to reserve them — all suites are open to all UBC faculty and staff renting through Village Gate Homes. Those wishing to book a stay can do so via the resident portal on the Village Gate Homes website.
The university also has a limited number of hotel and suite accommodation options available for all community members.
Those looking for an upscale apartment- style stay may be interested in West Coast Suites, which offers year-round one-bedroom suites featuring full kitchens, complimentary coffee, and living spaces at a higher price point, while Gage Suites at UBC provides hotel-style rooms and traditional suites. Both are located centrally at 5961 Student Union Boulevard near the UBC bookstore.
Another option is Carey Lodge, located on the calmer side of campus on 5920 Iona Drive. Rooms here come with complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi.
Lastly, the Pacific Spirit Hostel at 1935 Lower Mall is a budget-friendly option that offers single and double rooms primarily during the summer months, from the middle of May to late August.
With the addition of the new rental suites to existing options, more residents now have the option to spend extra time with their guests right here on campus.
AIZA MUBASHIR IS A GRADE 12 STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY HILL SECONDARY SCHOOL.