Chicago International Hostel

Funky Hostel in Chicago

In the northern part of Chicago near Loyola University is this funky gem of a youth hostel. Unlike some of the hostels in Chicago, this one doesn't require a separate youth hostel membership (the one on Congress Ave. requires $3 extra).

The 1st trip, I chose a single private room for $40. As far as I can tell there are no en-suite rooms. Free showers are located on the 2nd floor in 2 different locations and there are bathrooms downstairs as well as in the shower room upstairs. The only issue I had with the place is that the 2 downstairs bathrooms smelled of mildew, although you couldn't see it. I'm thinking it was in the wall that connected the 2. Other than that, everything seemed clean.

2nd trip, I stayed in the 8-bed dorm room for a mere $22.50 - not too bad!

You can catch the El line at Granville station which is 2 blocks south on Winthrop and 1/2 block west (walking out of the hostel, go right, walk 2 blocks, then turn another right).

Please use this website to reserve rooms at the youth hostel. It shows what rooms are available on any given date:
http://www.hostelsweb.com/hostelsweb.com/hostel.php?HostelNumber=2188

Unique Quality: Murals on the wall, funky décor, single private rooms for $40, free breakfast, internet, free limited parking in the back of the building.

There's a large kitchen downstairs where they serve free breakfast of bagels & coffee along with a huge double-doored refrigerator where you can stow some food.

Internet usage is $1 for every 10 minutes, $1 to wash, .50 to dry (ask the proprietor how to use the dryer), there's supposed to be an ironing board available but they couldn't locate it when I asked.

There are a few spaces in the back of the building should you drive directly to the hostel as I did. Double-park out on the street, stow your bags inside and ask for directions on where to park out back. Space is limited so get there a bit early, otherwise you'll be fighting for street parking with the teeming thousands of Loyola students. Otherwise, you could try your luck at CVS which is located 2 blocks south and approx. 2 blocks west of the hostel.

Photos: March 2008

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Related to: Budget Travel, Road Trip, Singles

Chicago International Hostel Photo: Reception area for internet access

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