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Hotel Class: 
1.5 Star - 8 Reviews and 85 Opinions
24 E. Congress Pkwy., South Loop, Chicago, Illinois, 60605, United States
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of people enjoy staying here
93 Opinions
crmeers
User Rating
This was a nice place to stay.
Great for a hostel
Unique Quality: It felt like they had tempur-pedic beds.
BeatChick
User Rating
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The down sides are that this hostel has an El line running right next to it so if you're bothered by train noise at night then this is not the place for you (or bring ear plugs). It doesn't bother me so I slept just fine here! On the other hand, being along the El line means that El stations are close by & easy to find (just follow that elevated train above you!).
Additionally, there are no private rooms, just dorm rooms (I've had private rooms at both the Chicago International Youth Hostel and at Arlington House Hostel). However, each room here has lockers (so bring a good, sturdy lock) to stow your things. My lock had broken on my way into Chicago, I stowed my things in here anyway and nothing was bothered.
Other downside is only 1 towel per person although you may change it daily.
Also, please keep in mind that unless you have a hostel membership, you will be charged extra daily for the non-membership fee. Two Japanese girls had a tough time understanding the added charges to their bill.
Lastly, for what I paid for a shared dorm room here ($41/night including tax), I could've gotten a private room at the Chicago Int'l YH. You are paying for the location here (which, undoubtedly, IS spectacular)! So if you MUST be downtown and don't mind sharing a room, then this is the place to be. If you crave a bit more privacy, don't mind a bit of a ride on the El, and would like to pay 1/2 the price then try the other two I've mentioned.
Unique Quality: The famed Buckingham Fountain (well-known as the opener to "Married with Children") is just 2 blocks east as is the lake shore!
They have hair dryer, iron, ironing board, they should now have an extra umbrella since I gave them mine purchased one from a nearby CVS for just $5 but couldn't bring it home as it was a bit too large for my bag (I was heading straight home on the Megabus from the Dane Cook concert). And, of course, there's free continental breakfast.
Our dorm room had it's own toilet & it's own shower (separate).
Wifi is available although it's not free. However, the Harold Washington Library is nearby and free wifi is available there!
CVS, a very inexpensive pharmacy, is located 1 block away at Congress & State.
Photos: June 2009
Hostelling International Chicago Summer Hostel Photo: 8-bed dorm room - Hostelling International
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HasTowelWillTravel
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The Hostel International in Chicago is a great place for budget and student travelers. It is a clean facility, with dorm rooms and common showers. The staff are very friendly, and know the city very well, always willing to help out with ticket, transit, or tourist information. I found it to be a great place to stay for a weekend in Chicago. You can join in the many group outings or activities, or just use it as a base for your own personal exploration of the area.
The hostel is also located right in downtown Chicago, just a block from Grant Park, and right next to L lines that can take you where ever you want to go. For the price, you really can't beat this.
Unique Quality: There is also free wi-fi on the common floor.
A continental breakfast is provided every morning, with juice, cereal, bagels, muffins, fruit.
webble
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i stayed in this hostelling international chicago during my thanksgiving break last year, and i think it's a very good hostel although the price is a little too expensive. seems like the place is rather new, and everything is still new and clean. also, it has good facilities and good location.
Stephen-KarenConn
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On one of our trips to Chicago we visited this hostel and loved it. Not only is the Chicago International Hostel the cheapest place to stay in Chicago, it is also one of the most convenient - within walking distance of most downtown attractions. The thing we like most about staying in hostels, other than the savings, is the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow travelers from around the world. In this hostel approximately 1/2 the visitors are from the United States, and 1/2 from abroad. We saw mostly young adults, but also youth groups, families, and several older travelers.
Unique Quality: Completely renovated in 2000, Hosteling International-Chicago is big and bright and clean. With 500 beds it is the second largest hostel in the US. It is open 24 hours, 365 days a year, and there is no curfew. The hostel is open to people of all ages, members and non-members alike. Discounts are given to Hosteling International members. The hostel also offers discount tickets to a few nearby attractions, such as the Sears Tower.
Hostelling International Chicago Summer Hostel Photo: Karen in the Chicago International Hostel
CoAir13
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This hostel sits across the street from Grant Park. There are no private rooms, only dorms. Family rooms are available. Very clean. Secure building with keycard entry. Cafe and lounge downstairs. Close to the El.
Unique Quality: Tv room, internet access, pool table, self service kitchen, vending machines, lockers in rooms.
Dabs
Helpfulness
The hostel in Chicago is a bargain compared with hotel rates at $28-34 per night (an extra $3 is tacked on if you don't have a Hostelling membership)
Rooms range in size from 6 beds to 12 beds, separated by gender, most with a shower and restroom in the room. Bed linens, towel and pillow are provided. The hostel has 24 hour access, laundry, self service kitchen, internet access and air conditioning.
The website says there are family rooms available but should reserve about a month in advance.
The hostel is well located on the south end of the loop, close to the museum campus (Shedd, Field and Adler), the Art Institute and public transportation.
Alien
One of the best options to stay cheap downtown and meet like-minded travelers is to choose J.Ira&Nicki Harris Family Hostel.
When I stayed, I paid USD24/n.
Unique Quality: This is a state-of-the-art, brand new facility, just across the main city library and a short walk to Lake Michigan.
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1 - 8 of 8
$22 Clean, cheap apartments. The hostel offers a kitchen, an exercise room, television and movie facilities and has a game room. It's a place for international students which is opened for travelers during summertime. My apartment consisted of 3 sleepingrooms for 5 persons with a general livingroom.
I would describe my stay as perfect. Probably the best hostel in United States in terms of facilities. Really big quiet clean rooms with enclosed bath rooms. 5 star quality hostel. Just a 2 minute walk from the Sears Tower. Clean, Centrally Located, Excellent facilities.
the hostel
Hi
I am coming to Chicago in November and the HI Chicago hostel has been given good reviews for location (address is 24 East Congress Parkway, IL 60605) Could you please confirm that it is in a safe area for a single girl?
Many thanks
I think a single girl would be quite safe at the hostel and in its neighborhood which is quite busy both day and night. There are many students living and going to school in the area which includes Roosevelt University and Columbia College.
I think the area is safe for a single female traveler, it's just off Michigan Avenue and close to a bus stop. As in any large city, take care at night and I wouldn't recommend walking around/through Grant Park late in the evening.
I take groups of teenagers there every year. The town closes down early unless you are doing the Blues clubs. Taxis are easy and not too expensive. The hostel is only a block off Michigan Ave.- the main drag- so it's okay
absolutly, just in downtown Chicago, what else can you ask for?mhhh?
The previous answers are accurate. i live in downtown chicago about 1 mile north of the hostel. you are in the heart of the city around some other university housing as well as condos ect...still, always be mindful of your surroundings, especially late at night.
Very safe. I live around 4 blocks away and have never had a problem. I have also toured and met the director the Hostel and found it to be large and clean. In addition to travelers, the hostel has "permenant" college students staying there during the year.
This is a state-of-the-art, brand new facility, just across the main city library and a short walk to Lake Michigan.
4570 members live in Chicago
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