Hostelling International Chicago

This hostel opened in 2000 in an historic (circa 1886) brick building and quickly became popular, given its location and very attractive rates in the heart of downtown Chicago. Of course it attracts droves of young backpackers and other international travelers, but it also draws a much more diverse clientele. Middle-age couples, vacationing families, and individuals or groups in town to attend a concert or conference are common as well. The spaciousness of this huge, seven-story building is part of its appeal. The breakfast area features long tables that face two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows where guests watch trains zoom by. The common area is simply massive and stays energized with guests playing billiards, watching the TV, or simply relaxing in seating arrangements including oversized leather armchairs. It has an industrial feel, with concrete pillars and original timbers across the ceiling. The lobby is spacious and comfortable, too, with leather chairs and sofas.

The hostel is located inside Chicago’s Loop along busy Congress Parkway, just off the heavily traveled 90/94 expressway. It’s only a seven-minute walk to Buckingham Fountain in the heart of Grant Park, and it’s just a two-minute walk to Robert Morris University’s campus. It’s about a two- to three-minute walk to several CTA lines, making connections to the Amtrak Station and Union Station about 10 to 12 minutes by public transit. The Greyhound Station is about six to nine minutes away by CTA, and the Megabus stop is about 15 minutes away by foot or eight minutes by CTA. Approximate travel times by public transit to the airports are O’Hare (50 to 60 minutes) and Midway (30 minutes). Airport travel times by car are about half those on public transit, depending on traffic and time of day. Approximate public transit times in minutes to popular attractions include Wrigley Field (25 minutes), United Center (30 minutes), Navy Pier (25 minutes), The Field Museum/Shedd Aquarium (15 minutes), and the heart of the Magnificent Mile at Michigan & Erie (16 minutes). Numerous retail stores and restaurants are within a brief walk, including a CVS Pharmacy that’s a two-minute walk. There also is a cafe next to the entrance of the hostel. Many large corporate office buildings and some college housing complexes are adjacent to the property.

Guests universally praise how clean the rooms and shared bathrooms are across all categories. Decor can vary a bit by room, but is generally bright with simple decorations, off-white blinds, and painted walls with dark stripes and accents. The bunk beds are a light natural wood, and carpet is generally light brown or gold patterned, but some rooms have multicolored striped carpet. Bright white linens are supplied as well as blankets and towels. Each room includes at least one small desk and simple plastic chairs. Every room has at least one window, and some rooms have several large windows that make them quite bright. Each bunk bed includes a reading light and small shelf for personal items, as well as an electrical outlet and locker (guests must bring their own locks). Dorms are single-sex or co-ed and have four, eight, or 10 beds, and shared en-suite or hallway bathrooms. The bathrooms feature beige tile and single showers that lock. Two-sink vanities, hairdryers, and soap dispensers are typically included. Soap and shampoo dispensers are included in the showers as well. 

Couples and families can opt to stay in private rooms that can sleep up to four with bunk beds and double beds. Only some of these rooms have private en-suite bathrooms (with showers only). Some private rooms only sleep two people with bunk beds and can be quite narrow, but room size and configuration can vary. Private rooms each have a clock radio, and some include a flat-screen TV. All rooms have ironing facilities. Be aware that trains pass right by the hostel and can be heard at all hours, especially from the east side of the building. 

For a budget option, the Hostelling International Chicago has a fair amount of extras that add to its value. A free continental breakfast buffet is included in room rates and served in a large dining room/common area that includes a flat-screen TV, billiards and ping-pong tables, and various seating arrangements. The hostel also has a weekly welcome reception with free snacks and sporadically has free Chicago-style hot dog dinner nights. A cafe next door can provide more meal options, and the hostel has vending machines for beverages and snacks. Guests looking to do their own cooking can use the communal kitchens on each floor, which are fully equipped. They include refrigerators for guest food storage. 

The hostel conducts a regular schedule of group programs such as free walking tours and evenings in music clubs. Free lockers are available for luggage in the lobby area, and a smaller locker is provided in the rooms for each guest. Guests must supply their own locks. The front desk also has a safe deposit box for passports, laptops, and other electronic equipment. The front desk is staffed 24/7. Guests praise the security measures that require a room key to enter the building or access floors from the elevator. There are coin laundry facilities and an ATM on-site. Two small meeting rooms are available, and free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the building. There is a staffed information desk where guests can purchase tickets to some local attractions. There are no parking facilities on-site, but the hostel offers discounts to a parking garage across the street --  though it’s still pricey.