Chicago Hostels

Awesome staff, very clean, great value for the money and wonderful location.

Meeting people from all over the world. Availability of free internet w/ free printing, in addition to free Wi-Fi throughout bldg. Free breakfast. For the most part, helpful, knowledgeable staff. Discounted transit & museum passes available for purchase @ front desk. Planned communal evening activities. With interior hallways and electronic locks on guest rooms, I felt quite safe there. When I first arrived, desk person told me that my prepaid reservation had been cancelled?!? They had a similar room like one reserved, but not in my stated, preferred location in bldg, but I would have to pay in full at that moment if I wished to stay! That really threw me, but they somehow 'suddenly found reservation'? The first night, I was awakened about 5:30 am by loud music played 'til 7:30 am within a room or two away from mine. A food purchase I made disappeared from the communal fridge! I think coin-operated laundry prices in bldg were outrageous, but did not know where nor wish to leave to find a laundromat.

The hostel is pretty much excellent. I'd never stayed in a hostel before, so I didn't know what to expect, outside of there being multiple strangers to a room (unless a group of people booked a room together, obviously), but this was really great. They have incredibly comfortable chairs in the lobby, and a small reading room off the lobby. A nice cafeteria/games room with pool and foosball tables. There's an open kitchen with food storage for guests, several vending machines, continental breakfast, etc. They've got group activities in the evenings, plus bulletin boards where people can post their own things. There are bikes for rent, as well as free musical instruments for guests to use (acoustic guitars and a piano). WiFi is free, and they have computer terminals with free printing in the lobby. There's an open patio with seating on a couple levels. There's also a conference/TV room with a couch, a couple conference tables, and a DVR. The staff are friendly (at least the ones I met were), and you can buy supplies and discount passes to attractions (as well as full-price CTA passes) at the front desk, and there's an interactive screen in the lobby where you can check on what's going on around town. It's also about a mile walk from a CTA station for both buses and the L, so getting all over the city is pretty convenient from there. The station is for blue line trains, so if you come into the city by O'Hare or the train station (which is where interstate bus lines also drop you off), it's very convenient to get to. My biggest worry going in was security, but the lobby is locked from 9 PM until sometime in the morning, with only your key card getting you in. Also the rooms have key card-only access, and there are storage lockers for your stuff (locks are available for purchase if you forget to bring your own), so your stuff is safe. It's also in a nice neighborhood, close to DePaul University, so you can feel safe walking around the neighborhood. As far as a full-on Hotel would go, I'd rate it about 3.5 stars, but for a hostel, it blew me away. Definite 5 stars. If you're looking for a cheap place to stay (like $35 a night), and can handle being in a room with up to 10 strangers, this is a great choice. The dormitory-style accommodations in the room itself definitely aren't for everyone. They didn't work for me, personally, but that's my own deal.

Cheap prices Check in is late

This hostel was a gem. Clean, welcoming, super convenient; relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Made what could have been a hectic weekend a total breeze. Loved the neighborhood and fantastic location, with easy access to public transit.

I went there by myself. I enjoyed staying this hostel with my roommates. Rooms are clean, and staffs are friendly. There are many utilities. Location is also good. I could go to the famous sightseeing places by bus and metro. I think this hostel is good for visiters from foreign countries, and people who want to stay more than 1 week. Sometimes, I could not connect wi-fi in my room.

Thoroughly enjoyed my stay, staff were great and was well worth the price paid. The location was outstanding, Lincoln Park is definitely an excellent place to stay even though it is not centrally located it is a quick subway or bus ride to where you need to go.

This is one of the best hostels I've stayed in on many levels.... location, helpful staff (including the wonderful Sandy, head of housekeeping who greeted me early mornings with a smile, coffee and good company.) Very clean and sense of safety. The computers available in the lobby were a blessing. After my poor roommate got over his embarrassment at being paired with a woman who could be his grandmother (!), we got on very well. Thanks to all.

Close to bus and train surprised by linen fee ($3) and key deposit ($10)

This is more a dorm style accommodations, but the room was exactly what we needed, a place to sleep, shower, and hold our things while we were out. Perfect spot, cheap, and super friendly staff! About the only bad thing is the mattresses were a bit uncomfortable. If you have back problems, I wouldn't recommend it.

Even though it is a hostel, it was quite clean and felt pretty homey, so that was a plus. I wish there were more bathrooms.

The room is simple and small, but the basement provided a common place which includes everthing - kithen,couch, TV, computers, free breakfast, table soccer, books, games, tea and coffee, very convinent!

Perfect for a solo trip. Since it's close to the Blue line its easy to get around the city. The bathrooms could have used more regular attention.

I've stayed in many hostels, and this was one of the coolest, between the neighborhood, restaurant, lounge area, decor, very nice bathrooms, and private rooms for such a low-cost. I came home with a few suspicious looking bites on my backs and legs. Not cool......... I know it's budget lodging but I've stayed in worse hostels without getting bed bug bites.

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This is a very clean hostel. The walls are pretty thin. Though we had no issues with other people being loud, we could constantly hear doors slamming. I would recommend that they tell their patrons to refrain from letting the doors slam.