HI Chicago Hostel

HI Chicago Hostel descritpion

Experience the excitement of Chicago from downtown where all the action is at this beautiful historic hostel, featuring comfortable and contemporary accommodations with complimentary continental breakfast in the heart of the city.
In the south Loop area and moments from beautiful Lake Michigan, HI - Chicago Hostel provides easy access to some of the area's top attractions. Museums, renowned restaurants, shopping districts and a vibrant nightlife are all within walking distance of the property.
To make your stay in the city unforgettable, Chicago Hostel - HI hosts a number of activities for guests, including free walking tours and excursions throughout the city. A number of discounts for area attractions are also available through the hostel.
Chicago Loop is a great choice for travelers interested in architecture, parks and museums.

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They speak 3 languages——HI Chicago Hostel's staff speaks:French,Spanish,English
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Facilities of HI Chicago Hostel

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Pool Table | Ping-Pong | Game Room | Library

Food & Drink ：Restaurant

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and charges apply.

Languages Spoken ：French | Spanish | English

Reviews for HI Chicago Hostel

Review 1：Slightly cold room, no privacy in the room, not so clean carpet - still need your shoes, was not warned to carry a padlock (had to buy $7), noisy metro passing by constantly,

Review 2：Friendly staff, cheap price, central location, free and fats internet, unlimited breakfast and coffee, clean towels provided, clean toilets, most people are 30-40, even 50 of age, nice people, travelers and students. I liked large locker in the room, but had to buy a padlock ($7). Free storage of your luggage at the last day after you leave the room.

Review 3：Literally nothing.

Review 4：Location is perfect. The rooms are really big for a hostel and they provide a comfort level way above any other hostel I've been to.

Review 5：Heating system was not that good.they should work on it because Chicago is a v.cold place.

Review 6：I liked the service...cleanliness,staff was cooperative..I will definitely live there again if visiting Chicago .safe and affordable place to live in

Review 7：I thought the value for money was outstanding. $30 for one night, which included hot dogs for dinner, breakfast and a free walking tour. Staff were also extremely helpful.

Review 8：It's in the Loop, near Millennium Park, shops and restaurants. It's a really safe neighbourhood and I felt safe walking alone also by night. I chose a room for 4 people and I spent one night alone, so it felt like an hotel room. The bathroom was shared with another room, but it was always clean. Breakfast was included and I also participated to a walking city tour for free.

Review 9：Don't have a negative.

Review 10：Friendly staff and people, set up in the rooms/common spaces/dining spaces really well done! High ceilings too so being top bunk didn't result in the usual hunched shoulders. Location very convenient! Free walking downtown tour with Paul was great!! Good spread for breakfast-go early to get all the options.

Review 11：I wish I could have stayed longer than the 5 hours that I had in order to rest in my long travels.

Review 12：This is a fantastic experience to stay at this hostel It has everything that could be desired.Location, location, safety, clean, equipped, & constructive staff. I truly hope this remains an icon of the area. RR$

Review 13：I like that the hostel doesn't have a time to check out , well we left late and we wernt kicked out our room. The staff are very friendly and this location is really good and easy to get around. Also we were allowed to wait at the recreation room even after we checked out the hostel. Will be booking here again !!

Review 14：wish I stayed LONGER!! :(

Review 15：Free Guided Tour! Tom Judge was our guide, and he was AWESOME! So informative, he offered everyone to have snacks and hot chocolates after our tour. He mentioned he started doing this guided tour 20+ years ago, and HE PROVED IT by being so awesome!! :)

Review 16：The hostel does not offer locks for their lockers, so be expected to bring one over or buy one from the CVS nearby.

Review 17：The location is very convenient (in the loop), and the price is affordable. Breakfast was good. Staff were all very friendly.

Review 18：The girl that was sleeping under my bed didn't seem to be a tourist. She seemed to live there, in spite of the fact that the hotel says they don't allow stays which are longer than 14 days. My locker was already being used when I arrived into my room.

Review 19：The staff was very helpful. Breakfast was good.

Review 20：Breakfast is the same from day to day.

Review 21：Huge separate bathrooms Spacious rooms Individual lights and sockets Great entertainment zone with billiard and table tennis.

Review 22：I really like the location. Everywhere where would you like to go was only walk distance. Also I would like to say special thank to Tom who has given us free downtown walking tour was great! Also place was very clean and nice breakfast..

Review 23：Those who care much about beds and those who are bothered by the noise might have some difficulties as the hostel is located right next to the city tram. But for me, it was not a problem.

Review 24：Almost everything was quite satisfied. Nice facilities and nice location.

Review 25：The carpet in the room was stained in numerous spots. Mold and dust allergies kicked in, not fun. Hoping hostel will consider replacing flooring with bamboo, cork, linoleum or some other easy to clean material.

Review 26：Aside from the carpeting, the hostel facilities, friendly and helpful staff, and location with easy access to the surrounding parks, restaurants, stores, library, cultural arts made my stay lovely and enjoyable.

Review 27：There are too much other's hairs on my linen. My hair is black because I am Asian, but too much other color hairs there.

Review 28：It's very convenient location. Wi-Fi is good.

Review 29：--

Review 30：Very friendly and helpful staff. You get clean sheets & a comforter. Warm blankets are available in the rooms (free), if it gets too cold. You even get shampoo/soap and a towel to shower. Breakfast doesn't include scrambled eggs, but there are hard-boiled eggs, add some salt to it and be happy. They have muffins, croissants, sliced bread, cereal, coffee, orange juice, bananas, apples, and more. Great selection. Walking distance from museums and other landmarks. The only thing you need to remember is to BRING A LOCK. The locker fits a backpack.

Review 31：If you find a deal around 10-15 dollars go for it. Otherwise don't. This place is worth max 20 dollars per night, since it has a good location. But for 40 dollars! It is like a joke! For 40 dollars I expect at least clean sheets please. Sheets were not clean, the beds and other places were dusty. The dorm rooms are like prison rooms - nothing like what you see in the pictures. So if you are running a hostel, either charge reasonable prices, or, try to provide some value for your overrated price. Like freehand chicago does for example... ...And there is the daily hostel international non-membership fee that you have to pay, which is written in TINY TINY letters below the add - Annoying!

Review 32：It was clean but there were some details at ladies bathroom but in general it was cool.

Review 33：The staff was awesome! And the location was the best you can think of...

Review 34：I did not have a bad experience but you do have to share your shape with many others. It's not bad, if you can handle it. If you need some privacy, it's not really for you.

Review 35：I certainly meet very interesting people to talk with. Much better than other social scenes.

Review 36：The bathroom was not so clean but overall it was very nice

Review 37：If you need a place where to sleep while visiting chicago this is the place you are looking for!

Review 38：Awesome community outreach programs and mission of the hostel. Also loved the free social events the hostel put on so that I could meet others staying there. Facilities were also very nice and wifi was fast and reliable.

Review 39：The window faces the train which makes it quite difficult to get a good night sleep I was staying at a private room with shared bathroom. For the price I paid I could've taken a room in a hotel nearby with private bathroom and TV

Review 40：Right in the city center Very good breakfast Overall, nice room

Review 41：The only thing that I was not satisfied with was there are no plugs near the higher beds of 8-people rooms...

Review 42：Great location, great service, many interesting events-- and free breakfasts also!

Review 43：The top bunk was difficult to climb up to in the middle of the night!

Review 44：Very close to the conference hotel (Hilton) as well as lots of shopping if you like that. Also close to DavidsTEA ad several CTA stops! Clean, seemed to have lots of cool activities if you have time do take part in some of them.

Review 45：I wish some of the bunks had plywood under the mattresses rather than just a spring frame. Firmer is better for older backs.

Review 46：Location, friendly staff, interesting dorm mates, free breakfast, TV, ping pong, pool, 24 hour access, etc.

Review 47：Wish there was ketchup available at breakfast. There probably was some somewhere, but I couldn't find any.

Review 48：Everyone was very welcoming! I loved coming home to a new roommate every night! Roommates were very amicable and respectful!

Review 49：4 th floor facing the L train tracks. windows insufficiently sound proof n can disrupt your sleep pattern when they operate in the early hours.

Review 50：one of the cheapest accom that is safe. location is safe. walking distance 15 mins to Millinial Park and Lake Front.

Review 51：Mattresses can be to soft and the fact that you have metro running over your head can be difficult for a good sleep. But i didn`t have those troubles :)

Review 52：Great location! Security measures are realy good in hostel so yu feel safe for you and your stuff. Very nice relax area, they organize free walking tours and you have info pult in the building. I liked the breakfast and the the dining area as well. Overall, great value for money!

Review 53：It's an odd experience sleeping in a room in which you don't know anyone. That was slightly odd.

Review 54：I liked the atmosphere of being able to meet people from around the world. There seemed to be a sense of camaraderie built between the people who stayed there.

Review 55：Breakfast starts too late. Location of light in the rooms sucks - you can't get up and brush your teeth without the bathroom light waking up most of the other people in the room

Review 56：I tried really hard, but nothing comes to my mind, seriously.

Review 57：One of the best hostels I've ever stayed at. Very clean (I mean it!), the staff is nice, good breakfast already included in the price, great location (nice view of "L" trains from the windows in the dining-room). The price is quite reasonable, too.

Review 58：Bathrooms/showers could be more clean. Would be nice to have some gluten-free bread or carbohydrate options for bkfst.

Review 59：Loved the staff! Very accomodating, friendly, and helpful.

Review 60：My 4 people room shared a bathroom with another 4 people room. I had to ask at the reception how often they clean the bathrooms, as after 3 days it was not pleasant to use it anymore.

Review 61：The breakfast is excellent for a hostel! No charge for keeping the luggage to the check-in time. I loved having a private living room and a kitchen, shared with my 4 room people and another similar room.

Review 62：Subway tracks are quite close to the hostel so bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper and happen to get a room facing the tracks.

Review 63：Excellent location close to all subway lines. Our room had a power bar, and not just an electrical outlet, which was really helpful for charging our electronic devices. Breakfast offered a great selection and was very generous. Volunteers organized outings to jazz clubs and also local tours (very well done). Any issues were dealt with by staff quickly and efficiently (the toilet near our room was backed up and it was fixed within 1 hour of informing the front desk).

Review 64：The breakfast finnish very early. You have to go before 09.00 if you want to get some food.

Review 65：The location is amazing, the people is very nice, everything is very clean and organised.

Review 66：Bedside lamps must be looked at and adjusted so that thy are in good working order. Rooms need to be vacuumed more frequently. At breakfast, very few gluten-free choices. Also, cleanup (busing of tables and counters) at breakfast, and in the common space in the evening and at night needs to happen more frequently. On one particular night,there were empty beer bottles everywhere, remnants of a party earlier. Perhaps the guests need to be reminded or informed to clean up after themselves.

Review 67：Enjoyed cheerfulness and helpfulness of staff. Liked the common leisure space on second floor. Pool tables, flat screened TV, comfy couches, ping-pong table were used and much enjoyed.

Review 68：Staff was kind of rude when my key wouldn't work. Also, even after they reactivated it, my key still wouldn't open the bathroom. Couldn't store my luggage before check in because all the lockers were taken.

Review 69：Awesome location in the Loop at a walking distance from universities, Union Station, Target, and Millennium Park. Breakfast in the mornings and a lounge area on the second floor. Nice rooms and beds with lights for reading.

Review 70：They have only one toilet per floor, and inside only tow shower and two toilet options. There is big line during morning for shower and waiting. in dorm in room 419, upper bed are risk while come down in night and not comfortable

Review 71：location is good

Review 72：Rooms confusing, beds marked in a way it was hard to find them and there was some other peoples belongings on the bed from previous night

Review 73：Great location, good breakfast, very good price

Review 74：The stuff was really rude and didn't seem willing to help at all, all the time it felt like they did a huge favor

Review 75：The location was great, the place was clean, big windows, a lot of light

Review 76：It is located close to metro route, so sometimes it could be a bit noisy.

Review 77：It is the biggest and at the same time the most well organized hostel i've ever stayed at. Helping staff, highest security level, a lot of facilities. If travel once more, would definitely stay again.

Review 78：The shared bathroom can get a little messy/dirtyi

Review 79：The beds are conifer than most hostels and the free breakfast is great. Staff are really friendly and helpful too. Also love the free activities that they put on, like the walking tour.

Review 80：It wasn't communicated properly to the other guests staying in the room that beds are assigned to the specific guest, so when I checked in and took my bags up to the room, another guest had taken the bottom bunk assigned to me. When I explained that I have a disability that would prevent me from climbing the ladder to the top bunk to a member of reception staff, they came up to the room, changed the bed and advised me to leave my key card wallet on the bed showing my bed number/letter. However, when the other guest returned later whilst I was out, she still took the same bed. When I arrived back later that evening, she was asleep on the bed and I had to use the top bunk as it was too late to make any changes. This caused me an injury and left me in a great deal of pain. This could have been avoided if reception emphasised that beds are assigned and can't be changed by guests at whim.

Review 81：The staff were friendly, welcoming, and mostly helpful. Great facilities throughout the hostel.

Review 82：I loved how friendly the staff is. Facilities are clean, there is privacy and my roomates were quite and polite. Love the high speed wifi and the living room area. Very comfy, spacious and entertaining.

Review 83：Hostel has the right idea about providing affordable rooms, however, we both know this hotel could do much better than that! It would also help if all staff there knew exactly what the room rates were and were on the same page about it. I could use a refund for one night. That would please me very much.

Review 84：I like the idea of Hotel it seemed unique and different which is what every city could use!

Review 85：Great location, you can basically walk everywhere! The included breakfast was a nice start for the day and the facilties were all very clean! I can just recommend staying there if you're looking for a nice place for exploring Chicago!

Review 86：The Staff are Awesome! Paula was very nice and helpful when i ask from her help with Taxi, she tried to do everything for the Hostel guests and i was impressed by what the place offer relative hostel. they are very fair and the location is good. the room is space for 8 people

Review 87：The staff is wonderful, very friendly and very helpful. Especially Ray (the Assistant Manager) and Poala (front desk). In addition, I have enjoyed the breakfast.

Review 88：in my room most of plugs had no energy, although they repaired that later, thre were just 2 showers for the whole floor fo men, which is definitely no enough.

Review 89：More than very kind and optimistic staff, open buffet breakfest, no password internet, kitchen on every floor, amazing location!

Review 90：The train tracks are close so you might find it hard to sleep, I took earplugs so it was fine. Just a suggestion, there is a sign in the kitchen please clean what you use but nothing to wash with, it would be a good idea to put a sponge and soap. Still the kitchen was clean.

Review 91：Everything!! Excellent location, clean, big rooms, comfy bed, breakfast was awesome, amazing walking tour, staff is great, they even have a kitchen in the common area.

Review 92：Didn't really bothered me, but be aware that the hostel is right next to the L system (the elevated train tracks), so even with soundproof windows, you can still hear the noise from the trains.

Review 93：Huge hostel! The location is great, within walking distance from most of the attractions in Chicago. The lobby area is very nice, with a big TV, pool, table tennis and sofas so you hang around, chat, charge your phone, etc. The hostel also hosts events on most nights, so it's a good place to meet new people. Complimentary breakfast was also a plus.

Review 94：Location is very central and just a short walk away from the airport train station. Big lockers to put away your stuff are also available in the rooms.

Review 95：air conditioning was not user customize able or the staff wasn't successful in turning it off or lowering it some of the staff wasn't the most "user friendly" so to speak

Review 96：locale was perfect, style of the hostel

Review 97：Cold!! AC everywhere while the weather was perfect outside! Very cold in all the common areas and noisy, cold and annoying AC in the rooms! Is it so difficult for americans to make windows that can be open or to sleep without feeling in Antartica??

Review 98：Very good location, big and with a lot of facilities!

Review 99：carpeting needs to be shampooed! Otherwise pretty great.

Review 100：The quilt on the bed was cozy and just right. Lots and Lots of pillows! Great value breakfast! Best oatmeal and yogurt ever! generous amounts of food, nice variety.

Review 101：No particular charm, as usual at Hi Hostels. It's a chain, you know what you get, not more.

Review 102：The usual at Hi Hostel: clean, safe, convenient (towels, soap, breakfast). Great location. Great second floor with comfortable couches, ping pong table, TVs etc. Good Wifi.

Review 103：Excellent location,friendly staff. Safe and comfortable rooms. Easy walk to main attractions in Chicago.Lockers available, make sure to bring your own lock. Blue line train stops very close to hostel. Makes it easy to get to and from the airport.

Review 104：Windows not double glazed very noisey in the street and from the transit system Thicker bed clothes should be provided as it can get cold at night

Review 105：Very very helpful staff who looked after our bikes and didn't mind every time we checked them in and out ( which was a lot) Pre arrival we got great help and communication all e-mails were dealt with promptly by the manager. Nice atmosphere about the place and the location is a1

Review 106：Location was excellent, staff were friendly and knowledgable and hostel was clean and had a nice atmosphere. Bed was super comfy and I liked that my room was ensuite.

Review 107：Location is really good, located in the center of Chicago It's just 5-10 minutes walk to metro. Staff is really friendly and helpful.Everything is good! This is my first time staying in Hostel and it's more than I expected

Review 108：At first, the location is very convenient which is near the sightseeting views. Then, the facility is good; room is clean. Also, since the breakfast is included, so you don't need to buy breakfast outside.

Review 109：Some people were really loud but I know that is out of the hostels control.

Review 110：The location, the fast food places near by, the breakfast, the comfortable beds! This was my first time staying at a hostel and because of my awesom experience, I will stay at more!

Review 111：It was strange that there was a kitchen in our suite, but no plates/utensils/cooking materials, and the stove was missing all its burners.

Review 112：Good location. Wifi worked good. Bed comfortable. Breakfast ok for an American hostel.

Review 113：The crew at the front dest wasn't kind and fast. So I had to wait so long, bed was bad. I had backache for 4 nights.

Review 114：breakfast, wifi, lobby, location

Review 115：The hostel is right next to an El train which runs 24 hours a day. Beds were creaky

Review 116：Excellent location right in the middle of the loop, excellent wifi available in the rooms and common areas.

Review 117：The staff is super nice and help you out with every thing, the rooms are huge, the hostel offers free tours, meals, activities. Breakfast was amazing and it starts early and runs until quite late! The kitchen is clean and free to use 24/7. I really loved staying there and will stay there the next time I visit!

Review 118：The doors to the street and hostel elevator did not always close and lock properly after coming inside. As in any bug city, we encountered a few shady characters right outside the hostel at night. Though they have many levels of security, with keycard access, i would feel a bit more secure if they fixed those doors to close fully behind you.

Review 119：The bed was quite comfortable, and it was nice to have a private suite. The price was wonderful given the downtown location.

Review 120：Waiting at the elevator could take awhile and it's understandable when there are people at every floor wanting to get on it. Perhaps there's a more efficient way in the future?

Review 121：The staff were very friendly and I loved the activities offered everyday which gave me the opportunity to meet other international travelers.

Review 122：The train ran right next to my room but I managed. One problem I had was that one the roller shades in the room was stuck and would not roll down therefore making you visible to the outside at night. I reported it my first night and again my second night. I was eventually taken care of after my second request. Also, breakfast could use more protein. Breads, cheese and cereal were served. Could have used some meats or hardboiled eggs at the very least. But that really wasn't a big deal

Review 123：The facility was very clean and the deluxe room was very spacious with its own kitchen. I found this very helpful to store leftovers or drinks in the fridge. There was also an electric stove and a microwave. There was also extra dressers as well as closet space so you don't have to live out of your suitcase. Extra bathrooms with showers on every floor. Extra blankets in the closet were nice too. There were also water fountains on the 2nd floor in case you want to refill a bottle and not spend $1.75 at the vending machines. Very safe facility with 24/7 staff. Great!

Review 124：I love the position of the hostel...close to Millenium Park, Art Institute and Willis Tower!!! The room are clean and tidu...raccomended!!! Best quality/price ratio!!!

Review 125：Breakfast area didn't look at all properly managed when I got there the place looked like it had been torn apart by a bunch of ravenous kids. Once is gone its gone!!

Review 126：Very nice, clean, secure, big lockers, allocated beds, breakfast would probably have been good if I got there earlier.

Review 127：There weren't enough washrooms on the floors of the bedrooms. The showers were quite dirty, with lots of small flies on the walls

Review 128：Great location, friendly staff, and facilities

Review 129：The room was freezing, and the quilt and blanket were not enough for the low temperature in the room. The number of bathroom was too limited. I had to wait to shower, especially in the morning from 7-11.

Review 130：The location is perfect. O'hare is within reach by metro.

Review 131：Noisy. The noise from CTA trains and transportation might bother you at night.

Review 132：The location is perfect. 15mins walk to the Art institute Chicago and Cloud Gate. There's Divvy Station nearby where you can easily rent a citybike.

The Fine Print

Hostelling International is a member based organization. Having a current membership is not required to stay here but there is an additional USD 3 per person per day fee for non-members. Please ask the hostel about purchasing a money saving Hostelling International membership upon arrival. All visitors living outside the 606- zip codes are welcome to stay at the hostel.There is a maximum stay policy of 14 nights within a 12 month period at this property. To request reservations longer than 14 nights, please contact the property directly.Please note that any child under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.Upon check-in photo identification and credit card are required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.