Hostelling International Chicago - Chicago Hostel - Chicago

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close to transportation, restaurants, and the Chicago library with free on-line access. The people were friendly and the bed was comfortable. Couldn't ask for more!

I was impressed by the cleanliness and the amenities available at this hostel! i've stayed at hostels all around the world, and this was was impressive. Granted, the showers in our room were out of order, and word was that they almost are never in service. Sharing a shower with 8 people vs. going into a hallway and sharing with larger numbers isn't […] very comfortable when you aren't expecting to have to do so. I still enjoyed my stay, and would recommend it to anyone. Great location, nice people, clean, cheap, and you don't have to bring a towel or sleeping bag! Read more

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Very noisy. Subway is right next door and you might end up with neighbors slamming doors all night to access common bathroom area.

The only small problem was a bed assignment was wrong, but it was quickly resolved.

I had a very nice experience here and will go back any day. Friendly staff, clean rooms and great location!!

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Been through my share of hostels in the States and abroad and this is one of the top three I've ever stayed in-- hands down best in the States. Friendly staff. Clean dorms. Laundry. Central location. Key-card security. Just great all around. Plus, connected to the lobby is a Cuban inspired cafe that serves great espresso drinks. Cortadito!

Very good hostel. Location can't be any better. Clean, organized and nice staff. I really recommend it.

Absolutely amazing hostel

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The shower was dirty when I checked in & stayed that way for the entire 3 days I was there. There was something on the shower floor that look black & the shower floor & soap dish was dirty. There was no washcloths & I had to ask for towels each day to shower & to lay on the floor after showering. There were signs on the door inside the room that said […] no eating but saw several young people carrying food, 24 pks of water etc to their rooms, no questions asked. The room was comfortable although cold at times, the maid help adjust the temperature. The movie room was used by the men mostly looking at sports although women were guest too. Not all the desk workers was friendly only about 3 total on night & day. Location was close to buses & stores which is a plus. I probably would stay again but make sure the shower is cleaned properly & I have enough towels for each night stay. Read more

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Very conveniently located. Clean. Breakfast adequate.

Very good hostel: convenient location, friendly staff, very clean room and amenity, high-level security. The only concern is the mattress was a little bit sagging, and the CTA train station is around (which is good and bad: 1 minute walk take you to the train, but it was noisy when you try to sleep)

Very affordable, clean overall, but management needs to reinforce to other (?younger) guests the need to leave showers etc., clean for the next person. Otherwise very enjoyable stay, and very cost effective. Much quieter than a more expensive hotel I used my last itme in Chicago and room in better shape, too.

great stay in female single room.came back one night to clogged communal toilet and they had it fixed in minutes. Only complaint is windows have a bolted bar so you cannot open them, and the a/c circulation is not the best. In summer it could be bad. Breakfast was simple, toast or cereal, but free! Will definitely be back.

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cant beat that price and the quality is not 5 star but very comfortable and cozy. close to metro and bus station. bring a lock for locker-use. Had little trouble with key cards, but there were usually other roommates in the room, so didnt have to run down to front desk.

It's a great place to stay. It's not expensive, and it's dorm-apartment-style is comforatble and clean.

I stayed at the HI Chicago for about a week, first in the 8-person dorm room, then in the 2-person shared room with a friend. The 8-person dorm room was decent, but the 2-person shared room exceeded my expectation! Our bedroom was clean and has a bunk bed that was quite comfortable (suitable for families as well). The shared bathroom/living room/kitchen […] area (had a refrigerator in it) was clean and well-kept as well. The continental breakfast was served everyday 7-10am and included cereal, croissant, muffin, bagel, coffee, tea, milk, and orange juice. HI Chicago is close to all the must-see sights and has easy access to the airport via the CTA metro. The neighborhood around is safe, fun and artistic, and HI Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to socialize and explore around Chicago. I will definitely patron this hostel Read more

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Pros: The location on E. Congress is convenient to major tourist destinations and public transportation. Staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was included. Cons: The room had no air conditioning and the window would not open even a crack. Despite being one of the interior, "apartment-like" rooms, you could hear significant noise from the neighboring […] rooms. The bathroom and shower were fine, but the toilet and shower were in the same room; that meant if someone was using either, you could use neither as the door was locked. The bathroom and shower out in the hall were always locked. The complimentary wireless access worked only about half of the time. The continental breakfast was very basic: mostly bread, cereal, and cheese. The price I paid was not that much less than that for a room in a nice, full-service hotel. Read more

I'm generally satisfied with Chicago Hostel. It's right at the downtown, with good transportation links. It's safe, and the room (I stayed at the 8-bed dormitory) is surprisingly nice (big, spacious with large bay windows). The shared, communal bathroom is rather smallish (it's for the entire floor) but perhaps since I only used it very early in the […] morning, so it was never a queue. The staff is not particularly friendly (only one is), but they're efficient. I came very late due to the flight delay and the service was smooth. Overall, if your budget is limited as mine, it's recommendable. Read more

Advantages: I've stayed in several hostels and this one is the cleanest I've ever stayed in! If you're concerned about sharing a dorm room with strangers, keep in mind that they have private rooms available - I shared one with a friend and we split the cost. Friendly staffers went out of their way to help me when I locked myself out of my room, as well […] as when there was a misunderstanding upon check-in. Extremely convenient if you're in the city for Lollapalooza, Pitchfork or any other events happening in Grant Park - only two blocks from the entrance! Downsides: The hostel is really close to the L train - convenient when you need to catch a train, but noisy when you're in your room. I was so tired each night, though, so falling asleep was not a problem for me. Also late-night food options are a bit lacking in the immediate area. There's a Dairy Queen downstairs, a Quiznos and a few breakfast places nearby. Overall, I made some great memories during my stay here! If you're looking for a cheap place to stay near Grant Park and the downsides wouldn't bother you too much, consider this hostel. Read more

I'd say this was the best hostel I've ever stayed. I had very good suitemates, some foreign, some American just traveling cheap. The common areas are outstanding: good kitchen and eating areas and comfortable lounge. It's easy to get to on the Red Line. Nice professional staff.

Great place to stay. I took my 10-yr old on Amtrak vacation and stayed in a private room while in Chicago. The room was spacious and the bunk beds he enjoyed. Plenty of room in the lower bunk as it was a queen sized bed. The ONE thing to look out for is that the private rooms are on the 6th floor on the side where the "L" train is located. This can […] be bothersome and it simply does not make sense to locate the more expensive rooms on the less desirable side. Breakfast is more than adequate and the staff and customers are fun to be around. The gameroom had a pool and ping-pong table and there is lots of room to just sit and relax. I would stay again just remembering to ask which side my room is on. Read more

When I arrive there I requested to the blond front desk guy to try to place me in a room not too close to the train line and he decline my request. Once I got to my room, I realized that he put right by the train stop line so I decided to come back to the front desk to get my money back but this time the only sweet person around there her name 'Tamy' […] I think, She found another room for me and thanks to her I ended up staying my 4 nights there without much problem! Read more

Hostelling is one of the coolest things on this planet, if you like a sense of community & meeting people from all over the world. Also,the locations,buildings, settings,atmospheres are always so dang cool and interesting...in this country and abroad. The Chicago Hostel is no exception :-)

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The Hostel is an excellent value and was a wonderful find. I will definitely consider it again in the future when in Chicago!

I chose the hostel because it was downtown, decent price, and said they had air conditioning. When I got to my room it was closer to the outdoor temperature than the lobby's temp, and for the life of me I couldn't figure out the light switches. The good news is that a girl from the front desk was willing to come up with me and play with the thermostat […] (which was locked so we couldn't adjust it on our own). What she did cooled the room down eventually (over several hours) but it was doubtful for a while, as the thingy read in the low 60s while it was obviously mid 80s in there. Like I said, it all worked out in the end. Breakfast is served from 7-10am, but it's very continental. Still, nice surprise!\ Non-members are told to pay $3 fee at check-in to stay the night, and while it's not much I was just lucky to have the cash! Read more

I was really unstatisfied with some staff. When I walked in the hotel, the staff in the front was unpleasant and rude. They looked at me like I wasn't suppose to be there. I felt unwelcome and un-invited. It's like okay poor customer service skills. One lady said we will be right with you, and the man said why I say I had a reservation very rudely. […] I will never stay hear again. I asked the staff can I sit in the lobby with my son, until my ride comes. He replied sure, but some staff were looking at me like why is she sitting here. I shut my eyes and as I woke up, one white man was steering at me and he, but he was conversing with the staff member at the front desk. I didn't see what the problem was, if I was waiting on a ride. I felt destrimanated againt because of race. Read more

"L" train: The elevated train system of downtown Chicago has a major intersection next to the Hostel. There was a train passing every 30 seconds to 3 minutes on a Friday evening. After midnight it dropped to once an hour maybe (I have insomnia). I was able to tune it out but not everyone may be able to. Location!!!! Love this spot as I have a student […] at Columbia college. It was close to everything. Loved that! WiFi: I was able to connect up easily in my room and stream in Netflix. Loved that. Linens: We had our own room with a double bed below and a single bed upper bunk. The beds had fitted sheets and lots of comfy pillows and a duvet covered blanket. We only had one flat sheet. There was 2 bath towels in the room for us to use. No washclothes. The bathroom had paper towels but ran out in the morning. Sharing a bathroom: We only ran into one suite mate. No problem. Had a kitchen with dish soap and a sponge. I didn't find any dishes or linens. Breakfast: Cereal and milk, juice and fruit. Security: To get beyond the desk there was a keyed entrance. To use the elevator it had to be keyed as well. Kind of a nuisance but made me feel very safe in the city. They have about 20 lockers by the main desk for you to lock up your luggage while you're out of the hostel. However you have to go to the CVS Pharmacy to purchase a $5 lock for each locker. Mostly I was pleased. Read more

Spent last weekend there to go to the Gold Coast Art Fair, two blocks away. First time and it is quite impresive considering the price. Pub;ic transportation right there and more air than one needs, Only hassle is the security cards which you have to use everywhere. Had a private room )over the railrroad tracks0 with clean shared bath. Noise from the […] train from the 7th floor minor inconvenience. Read more

Wonderful experience. This was my first time to experience Hostels. Would definitely do it again.

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I liked the location a lot. I would definitely recommend this over any other hotel especially if you aren't going to be in the room and are looking for a great price. You will have to share a bathroom with 6 other guests most likely, but we were lucky not to have any conflicts. There were no toilet seat covers in our bathroom unfortunately so that kind […] of sucked. The top bunk mattress in my room also sagged a lot. Everything else was pretty good. Read more

Honestly, I read bad reviews about it and nothing was true. Really safe, the situation is really good, rooms and hostel in general were very clean and the staff was really helpful. The only "bad" thing would be breakfast. Only bagels and bread, but when everything else is great, who cares?! I am really happy about my stay and would go back there if […] needed. Read more

My stay in this hotel was excellent. All amenities available and performed as advertised. Security was excellent as well - your key card was required for entrance from the lobby and operation of the elevator. Included continental breakfast was ready each morning on time with normal fare. This was excellent accommodations at a great price.

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It did not have hot water in the morning, so I had to take a show with cold water.

This is one of the cleanest and well-renovated hostels I have seen. Staff is heloful too and they have free wi-fi. I stayed there only one night but my experience was pleasant. However if you stay on the side of the building close to the train, and if you are sensitive to noise, you may have a hard time sleeping. They have put double windows though, […] which helped with the noise. Read more

Perfect location! In the middle of the Loop of Chicago, nice neighbourhood and helpful staf!