Frequently Asked Questions

 

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FAQs for Individual Guests

Making a Reservation:

1. Do you offer special rates?

We have a discounted rate for alumni and parents of residence students.  Groups seeking special consideration should contact the Conference and Guest Accommodations Office at 778-782-4503.

2. Are there age restrictions?

Guests 18 years of age and under must be accompanied by a chaperone at all times.  Youth groups (under age 19) who are staying with Conference and Guest Accommodations must provide adult chaperones at a ratio of 1:10.  Chaperones are responsible for the behaviour and full supervision of each individual in the group.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept payment by: Visa, MasterCard, and SFU departmental journal vouchers.

4. Do I have to be associated with SFU (alumni, student, staff) to stay with you?

You do not have to be associated with SFU to stay in our Guest Accommodations; all visitors are welcome!

5. Are there rooms with private washrooms?

Yes, The Simon Hotel suites have private washrooms.  All other rooms have access to shared washrooms.

6. Do you have rooms that are wheelchair accessible?

Yes.  The Dormitory Towers are wheelchair accessible and have specifically designed rooms for wheelchair accessibility.

7. What is the maximum occupancy for a room? Do you provide cots or cribs?

Maximum Occupancy is as follows:

Queen Suite - 2 people
Queen Sofa Suite - 4 people
Single Dorm Room - 1 person
Townhouse Quad -  Designed to house 4 adults in single beds. We give guests the option of having up to 4 additional occupants provided they provide their own bedding. We do not have cots or extra linens available for rent or lending.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide cots or cribs in any of the room types.

Things to know before you arrive:

1.Can I check-in before 3pm?

Individual guests arriving before 3:00pm will be accommodated where possible.  Group check-in must make special arrangements for early check-in times.

2. Where do I check-in?

Check-in takes place in the Residence Administrative Building, located below the Dining Hall. The Simon Hotel and Residence guest service desk is open for check-in from 3:00pm until 5:00pm. Please see our directions page for a map of the Residence area.

3. Where do I park?

When you arrive, please park in the Residence Main Lot as indicated on the "Residence Map" on our directions page. You may park in the stalls indicated as "Hotel Parking".  During check-in parking can be arranged by registering your vehicle and receiving a guest parking permit at the Residence Administrative Building.

4. When will my credit card be charged?

Your full reservation charges will be processed to the credit card number provided up to 24 hours prior to check-in time.  Individuals arriving as a part of a large conference group may have their charges processed up to 72 hours prior to arrival.

5. What is your cancellation policy?

If you would like to adjust or cancel your reservation, we require 24 hours notice prior to your arrival date. Reservations cancelled within 24 hours of arrival are subject to a one night charge.  Cancellations can be made by contacting us by phone at 778-782-4503 or by emailing confacom@sfu.ca.

6. What happens if I arrive to check-in after your office closes?

If you will be arriving after our office closes, our on-call accommodations staff can be reached by using the outdoor access phone located in front of the Residence Administration Building. On-call staff will then meet you for check-in at the Residence Office. Arrivals after midnight are discouraged.

Things to know while you are here:

1.What time is check-out?

Check-out time is by 11:00am.

2. Are there laundry facilities?

Yes, card-operated laundry facilities are available in each Conference and Guest Accommodation area.  Smart Cards may be purchased in the Residence and Housing Lobby.

3. Is there Internet access?

All guest rooms are supplied with highspeed Internet connection.  The Simon Hotel has wireless provided inroom, whereas private residence rooms and townhouse guests need to plug his or her computer into the modem to connect them to the network as there is no wireless.  Guests not travelling with a computer have access to an Internet terminal in the Residence and Housing Administration Office.  Please see the front desk staff for details.

4. What buses service SFU?

The #135 runs to and from Downtown Vancouver.
The #143 bus runs to and from Coquitlam Station (peak weekday hours only).
The #144 bus runs to and from Metrotown Station.
The #145 bus runs to and from the Production Way/University skytrain station.
Translink website

5. Where can I eat during my stay?

The Residence Dining Hall is located directly above the Residence Administrative Office and is open during the fall and spring term to the general public. Offering a variety of food, the Residence Dining Hall is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accepts cash or debit.  During the summer months, the Dining Hall has limited hours.  

SFU offers a variety of dining options on campus including a Tim Hortons, White Spot Express, and multiple restaurants in the UniverCity area of campus.  Please see following websites for a complete list of restaurants available on campus or ask for a list at the Residence Administrative Office: http://www.univercity.ca/community/shop_and_services.60.html

6. Are there fitness/recreation facilities close by?

Yes, there are fitness/recreation facilities available just a short five minute walk from the Residence area. For a drop in fee, guests are able to use the pool and gym.  Please contact SFU Recreation at 778.782.3675 or 778.782.3668 for more information on drop in fees and schedules.

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Our Location

1. How far are your accommodations from the rest of the SFU Campus?

SFU Residences are on the west side of campus.  We are a 5-10 minute walk from the recreation complex and a 5-20 minute walk to the furthest academic buildings.

2. How do I find you once I am on campus?

We’re located in the Residence and Housing Administration Building (A1001), below the Residence Dining Hall on the west side of campus.  Be sure to visit the Security and Information Centre for a map and additional directions.  It’s the first building you will pass and they are open 24 hours a day.

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FAQs for Group Coordinators

Accommodations:

1. What type of accommodations do you have?

We have many different types of rooms available: accommodation options

2. Do you have accommodations available year-round?

Yes!  We welcome groups 12 months of the year however; we have reduced availability from September to April.  The Simon Hotel is available year round with the exception of the University break in December.

3. I’m organizing an academic conference and I want participants to rent and pay for their own accommodations.  Should I bother to contact you?

Yes, please do.  We prefer to block a set of rooms for specific conferences to ensure that conference participants are able to stay on campus if they wish.  This also allows us to provide your guests with consistent information regarding your conference and on-line registration forms.

Group rates:

1.Do your rates change?

Yes, our accommodation rates vary depending on the season.  Our low-season is from September to June and our high-season is from July to August.  Please contact us to get the most up-to-date rates  778-782-4503 or confacom@sfu.ca

2. We are on a budget, do you offer discounted rates?

We offer discounted rates based on your group’s size, length of stay, and additional needs.  Talk to us about your budget restrictions and we’ll do our best to present you with a variety of options.

3. My group isn't from Canada; do we still need to pay the taxes?

Yes, all guests must pay the taxes.  There’s good news though, if you keep your receipts, you can apply for an HST rebate when you leave the country.

Groups:

1.I’m arranging to bring a group to stay at SFU.  Do you need to know exactly who will be coming and, if so, when do you need to know by?

We do require a list of occupants in our buildings.  The roster is usually due two weeks before your group’s arrival however, this date will be determined by us and may vary slightly.

2. I’m bringing a youth team to stay at SFU, what is your chaperone policy?

We require one adult (aged 19 and older) for every ten youth (aged 18 and under).  Chaperones must reside within the same building and area as their youth group and must be responsible for their group’s behaviour.  More information about our chaperone policy can be found here.

Meals:

1.Is there a dining hall in residence?

Yes, there is a dining hall in residence.  We would be happy to make arrangements for your group to have their meals there.

2. Arrangements? Can't we just walk in?

In the summer months, our dining hall operates based on scheduled groups.  This means that prearranging is the only way to guarantee that the facility will be open.  Inform your SFU Conference Coordinator of your group’s needs to ensure that meals run smoothly for everyone.  From September to April individuals are welcome to make use of the Residence Dining Hall on an as needed basis.  The Dining Hall accepts cash and debit payments.

Coming and Going:

1.How does check-in work for groups?

Check-in is usually after 3:00pm in the Residence and Housing Administration Building.  Please discuss your group’s needs with SFU Conference Coordinators as check-in time, location and procedures vary.

2. We wil be arriving in a large passanger van. Where do I park?

We have parking spots available for passenger vans.  Please register your vehicles when you check-in to receive a parking pass and we'll gladly direct you to an apropriate parking stall.

3. My group is using a chartered bus to go on and off campus.  Where can we do pick-ups and drop-offs?  Can the bus park at SFU over night?

There is a designated bus pick-up and drop-off area.  You will be asked to provide SFU Conference Coordinators with your estimated travel times so that we can inform the community.  There are designated over night parking stalls for buses.  Please register your vehicles when you check-in to receive a parking pass.

4. What are the check-out procedures for groups?

Unless otherwise arranged, all keys must be returned to the Residence and Housing Administration Office by 11:00am on your departure day.  There is a charge for lost or unreturned keys.