I spent two months traveling the U.S.A., and without a doubt the highlight was Chicago. A big city with friendly people, a stunning waterfront, and real vibrancy. The inner northern suburbs like Lakeview and Lincoln Park are full of great bars and restaurants and awesome nightlife. Check it out.
Chicago International Hostel in Chicago … I travel to Chicago a lot. The gentleman, Dave, who works here, is really an asset to this place. I stayed in room 101 and it was awesome. Another time I stayed in room 310. It was a super room and inexpensive. This is the best hostel in the world. You have got to stay here. I loved the kitchen and the lobby. Check this one out.
AAE Chicago Getaway Hostel in Chicago … By Early August all of their camera systems have been up and running, had a security system added, new doors added, and new night security guy.
Chicago International Hostel in Chicago … I loved this place! It was very well run and had exactly what I needed! No one bothered me and I was able to sleep here just fine!
HI - Chicago Hostel in Chicago … I recently stayed here at the HI-Chicago hostel for one night and had a great time! My girlfriend and I stayed in (when I believe to be) the only dorm room with four other guests. The rooms were in excellent condition WITH a locker for each bed, a shower in the room, and a bathroom. This is a much better situation than the 1-bathroom-per-floor conditions at Arlington House International Hostel. This is a very, very organized hostel and feels like much more than just a bed to sleep in. The breakfast was EXCELLENT which included a banana, cereal with milk, orange juice, toast, and a muffin. The staff seemed very friendly and very knowledgeable about the local area. Speaking of area--this hostel is located in the heart of Chicago with great access to everything via CTA (Chicago Transit Authority--the buses and trains/subway). The hostel is no more than a couple blocks from the water. This hostel is HIGHLY recommended for those traveling to Chicago. The only possible downside is the…
HI - Chicago Hostel in Chicago … This is by far the most impressive urban hostel I've experienced in the US. The location is perfect and convenient to self-guided walking tours in the downtown area. And the L [elevated train] runs just outside the second floor window. As an older traveler I felt very much at home with others of my age as well as students, families, and even young school groups. This place is close to blues and jazz clubs as well as famous Chicago-style pizza and world class shopping.
AAE Chicago Parthenon Hostel in Chicago … This hostel is only a couple of blocks out of the main loop city area. If arriving by airplane as I did you just catch the Blue Line to Halsted Station from O'Hare Airport for about $2 and its in the very next block in S Halsted St. Myself and my traveling companion were lucky, we got into a brand spanking new area they have just opened with beautifully refurbished rooms with their own bathrooms but I spoke to travelers who were in dorm rooms in the older section and they said they were nice too. The hostel is in the lively Greek quarter of town (food shops next door) and the Parthenon restaurant run by the same people as the hostel (its all one establishment basically) is full of lively atmosphere and the most delicious Greek food I've ever tasted and cheap -- order the "banquet"! Included is a complementary breakfast. Now I know you're thinking a couple of loaves of cheap bread and spreads and maybe a bit of cereal if you're lucky. No! The breakfast room is set up in a function…
HI - Chicago Hostel in Chicago … This hostel is typical of most larger institutional hostels to be found across the world. It has all the facilities you'll need but without the friendliness or character that you might encounter at a smaller hostel. I arrived at 1:55 p.m. to check in and was told in a stern voice "we don't check in until 2 p.m. exactly." The person on the front desk than sat and did nothing till 2 p.m. and checked me (the only person) in. Than the next morning at 10:55 a.m. a woman came into my dorm room without knocking while I was getting dressed and said "you've got five minutes to leave. check out is at 11 a.m., get dressed." Obviously the rules are being followed but someone the personal touch or character gets lost. It feels like there's no one in the building, even though it's filled to the brim with lots of interesting people. I suggest the tours they run (especially the bar tour) and found the majority of the staff to be friendly. In short, don't expect any kind of atmosphere (disappointing…
HI - Chicago Hostel in Chicago … World-class hostel. It's safe, and has a perfect location, within walking distance to attractions and a Greyhound station. I really liked the downtown view from the dining room. The rooms were clean, but what you'd expect at an HI hostel.
HI - Chicago Hostel in Chicago … I stayed two nights there this past week on a trip for a job interview, but the cool jazz at the Aquarium was really the highlight of this conveniently located hostel. Since I have worked for a railroad, the noise did not bother me. The hostel pretty much met my expectations. The room was fine, although there were no lockers in my room and a waste-basket was strangely lacking. The rates are high for a hostel, but overall the facility was just fine--if I stay there again I will use the beautiful kitchen.
HI - Chicago Hostel in Chicago … I stayed at this hostel from july 13, 2009 until July 17. I then went to a hostel at Madison for six days. Since the HI Chicago was so nice i then went back to spend six more nights before i went home to Baltimore MD. Great location. Very friendly staff and very sociable. I am not an extrovert by nature. And at age forty i was much older than most guests. But i found myself being invited to go out for pizza by a bunch of very nice people and walking around north Chicago with two very nice others. Overall i would say it's an excellent hostel and very sociable. What was funny is that most of the Europeans were surprised about how great Chicago was. Most were led to believe the New York City was the only good place to visit in America. I actually like Chicago more than New York and so did many of the other guests. My advice -- get a CTA day pass or three-day pass (they sell them at the hostel) and ride the "L" train for a couple of hours. It's a great way to see the city. Also go on…
HI - Chicago Hostel in Chicago … The hostel is like a hotel, and a great place to stay. The rooms were large, and the hostel was pretty central. Staff were friendly (they gave us two free breakfast tokens after a mix up with rooms). There were lots of things to do, organized trips, etc. I stayed here in mid-September.
Chicago International Hostel in Chicago … Great hostel and great location. Clean, friendly staff, organized events, game room. Hostel Internationls are always a bit on the pricey side, but usually worth it (any hotel in this area of Chicago would run at least $200/night). If you're driving, keep in mind parking near the Hostel is $18/night.
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