FAQs For Groups
Accommodations:
What types of accommodations do you have?
We have several types of accommodation options. Please visit our accommodations page for pictures and information on each type.
Do you have accommodations available year-round?
Yes! We welcome guests 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.
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:
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 stayhere@sfu.ca
Our group is on a budget. Do you offer discounts?
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.
My group isn't from Canada. Do we still have 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:
I have a group coming 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.
I am bringing a youth group/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.
The chaperone policy will also be located in your contract with us.
Meals:
Is there a dining hall?
Yes, there is a dining hall in residence. We would be happy to make arrangements for your group to have their meals there.
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:
How does the check in procedure 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.
We'll be arriving in a large passenger van. Where do we 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.
My group is using a chartered bus to go on and off campus. Where are the pick up/drop off locations? Can the bus park at SFU overnight?
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.
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.