The Hostel is a shared accommodation with 8-10 beds per room. All beds are bunk-bed style, most with in suite bath. The rate is a per person per night rate, and includes a continental breakfast.
Star Rating:
Local Attractions:
Sears Tower Skydeck, Millennium Park, Art Institute, Museum Campus, Auditorium Theatre, Magnificent Mile, Grant Park
Hotel Reviews for Hostelling International Chicago
4.5out of 5Based on 152 guest reviews, Very Good
Based on 190 traveler reviews
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Excellent
92
Very Good
79
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Most Recent Traveler Reviews:
“good price, great location, free breakfast and wifi”
May 18, 2013
iselynjenniep, Saluda, North Carolina | Trip type: Solo travel
This hostel was huge! I stayed in a six person female only dorm. It was cleaned daily but the bathroom still got pretty dirty. They provide lockers in the room...
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This hostel was huge! I stayed in a six person female only dorm. It was cleaned daily but the bathroom still got pretty dirty. They provide lockers in the room (bring your own lock), shampoo, a hair dryer, towels, linens, and individual reading lights. I really wish they'd had more outlets in the room; individual outlets for each bed would be great. The free breakfast was decent (toast, bagels, muffins, juice, cereal, cheese). They have an information desk and tons of brochures and info for travelers. The location was great - near the subway, straight shot to O'Hare, walking distance to Grant and Millennium Parks. I felt safe walking around at night alone. « less
“Hotel experience, hostel price”
May 18, 2013
TheVagueWanderer, London, England, United Kingdom | Trip type: Solo travel
Beautiful, huge building both inside and out with high ceilings and enormous windows - my experience staying here was much more like being in a hotel than a hostel. I...
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Beautiful, huge building both inside and out with high ceilings and enormous windows - my experience staying here was much more like being in a hotel than a hostel. I stayed in a dorm for 10 people but the room was so big and well laid out that it didn't feel at all crowded. The bed was really comfortable and the personal light, table and plugs were a real bonus. I didn't think that one bathroom per floor would be enough but I actually never had any problems with busyness. The kitchens on each floor were well equipped and all the social areas were great for meeting people. The laundry and computers were also cheap and easy to use and there's posters and literature everywhere on things to do so you're never stuck for ideas. Free breakfast was good although not as much choice as other Hostelling International Hostels I've stayed in and I didn't find the staff as friendly as I'd expected either. Location wise, it's really easy to walk to the main attractions like the Cloud Gate and several loop stations but it did feel a little iffy with lots of homeless people around. You could avoid the worst areas by taking a different route though so don't let it put you off. Without doubt I would stay here again, I still can't believe how little I paid for such a great experience. « less
“Great hostel in fabulous location”
May 17, 2013
Phil_in_wolvo, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Clean, safe, friendly and well run hostel in a superb downtown location. We stayed in a private room. Double bed with duvet which beats bunks and sheet bags :-)
Basic...
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Clean, safe, friendly and well run hostel in a superb downtown location. We stayed in a private room. Double bed with duvet which beats bunks and sheet bags :-)
Basic but ample breakfast. Good facilities. I had a complaint about noise on the first night that front desk dealt with immediatly. Was worried about noise from elevated railway but that stops before midnight (or at least I slept through it and I sleep light).
Toilet facilities may have been crowded if the hostel was full and one toilet was blocked for the 3 days we stayed.
Great location for lakeside, millenium park with its great art inc. The bean and great public transport links. Come to this great city and stay here! « less
“Unbeatable location, staff. Terrific building and vibe”
May 4, 2013
GlynCarre, Guernsey, Channel Islands
Really enjoyed this high-end hostel. Location faultless. Found reception staff incredibly helpful with general advice. Info on 2nd floor also excellent. Guests really friendly i felt comfortable here. Super old...
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Really enjoyed this high-end hostel. Location faultless. Found reception staff incredibly helpful with general advice. Info on 2nd floor also excellent. Guests really friendly i felt comfortable here. Super old building with high ceilings. Stayed in private room, arranged next to a few others with common area/kitchen. Room was huge. Overall good value considering location. « less
“Best hostel I've stayed at yet”
Apr 23, 2013
grillin, Buffalo, New York
Prior to this trip my only experience with hostels was in Mexico. I didn't have high expectations when I booked, although the pictures made it look really nice. I was...
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Prior to this trip my only experience with hostels was in Mexico. I didn't have high expectations when I booked, although the pictures made it look really nice. I was very pleasantly surprised when I got there.
It is conveniently located near rail and bus lines, so getting there from Union Station was a breeze. The building is spacious and in fantastic condition. Staff was attentive and allowed me to use the facilities while I waited to check in (I arrived several hours ahead of time).
Rooms were immaculate, spacious and comfortable. Loved that they had big lockers in the room, but keep in mind you need to bring your own lock. All guests I shared rooms with were very respectful of others at all times.
Bathroom and shower facilities were exceptionally designed and maintained. There were enough facilities that I never had to wait to use toilet or shower.
I was slightly disappointed with breakfast because it had too few options. They served mostly wheat products and only fresh apples. So it helps you start your day, but you still have to plan on completing your breakfast elsewhere or bring your own food to complement.
I liked that people of all ages stay here (not just young party-minded backpackers like there seem to be in other places) and that they also have rooms for meetings and events. I mean, this place was so nice I'd bring my mother here. « less
These reviews are the subjective opinions of individual travelers and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.
Cancellation: Cancellations must be made in writing more than 30 days prior to arrival for a refund.
Reductions of up to 10% of the group allotment can be made up to 21 days prior to arrival with no penalty. Any reductions made less than 21 days prior to arrival wi
Nightly Parking:
30
Typical Group Deposit:
50%
Total Taxes:
15.40%
Total Misc Fees:
$0.00 USD (mandatory resort fees/taxes)
Room Types - Hostelling International Chicago
Standard male dorm 8-bed w/ shared bath
One Bunk Bed
Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. You will have access to a shared bathroom, while your room has a hair dryer and a double sink. Daily housekeeping, an iron and ironing board, and electronic/magnetic keys are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Co-Ed room with Shared bath
One Bunk Bed
Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. You will have access to a shared bathroom, while your room has a hair dryer and a double sink. Daily housekeeping, an iron and ironing board, and electronic/magnetic keys are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Standard Female Dorm 8-bed shared bath
One Double Bed
Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. You will have access to a shared bathroom, while your room has a hair dryer and a double sink. Daily housekeeping, an iron and ironing board, and electronic/magnetic keys are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Amenities - Hostelling International Chicago
Air conditioning
ATM
Baggage storage facilities
Central location
Complimentary breakfast
Credit card accepted: Mastercard/Visa
Elevator
Free local calls
Games room
Hairdryer available
Handicap accessible
Central heating
Ice Maker
Internet - wireless
Kitchen facilities
Laundry facilities
Mixed dorms
Non-smoking rooms
24 hours opened
Office or business center
Shows or evening entertainment
Tea and coffee making facilities
TV room
Pet Friendly?
Sorry, pets are not allowed.
Airport & Shuttle Information - Hostelling International Chicago
O'Hare Airport is about 1 hour from downtown Chicago and HI-Chicago. BLUE line; O'Hare Airport to JACKSON stop.
For the subway, follow the signs to Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), subway to Chicago. The subway station is underground. Walk to the hostel from JACKSON stop: exit underground on Dearborn, follow Dearborn 2 blocks south to Congress Parkway. Turn left (east) onto Congress Parkway and walk 2 blocks, the hostel is on the corner of Congress and Wabash.
Airport Shuttle? Sorry, no airport shuttle available.
Local Shuttle Info: Airport Express: $27-35
Testimonials: Why use Hotel Planner?
"I can't say enough about your event planning service. You have a client for life. We will definitely use you next year for our annual 46th reunion in 2010. We don't know where the destination will be as of this writing, but we know who will be our planner! Thank you so much again for your excellent and professional service. I would be happy to fill out any type of evaluation or recommendation of your service. Just let me know." D.S. - Orlando, FL
"Country Inn and Suites was fantastic. Dianna Landon and the staff was great. I would highly recommend this site for any group." A.P. - Waynesboro, MS
Based on 190 traveler reviews 
Value
Rooms
“good price, great location, free breakfast and wifi”
Standard male dorm 8-bed w/ shared bath
Co-Ed room with Shared bath
Standard Female Dorm 8-bed shared bath