Guide to Hosteling in Chicago
Annually, Chicago hosts 35 million travelers, both domestic and international, a number steadily on the rise as Chicago strives to be a center for film making, green technology and independent music. Listed below are the city’s most prominent hostels, providing you the means to visit without breaking the bank.
314 S. Halsed Street
Chicago, IL USA 60661
(304) 268-8981
Closest CTA: UIC/Halsted Blue Line
Located just mere blocks away from the CTA, Amtrak, Union Station and Sears Tower, the Parthenon is one of the more accessible hostels in Chicago. Amenities include: free wifi, bicycle rentals, on-site restaurant and private rooms. However, if you intend on checking in after 11pm, you have to call the night manager at 312-375-8395. Walk-ins are charged a higher rate than the internet listing, so its best to book ahead.
Chicago Getaway Hostel (Formerly known as Arlington House)
616 W Arlington Pl
Chicago, IL USA 60614
(773) 929-5380
Closest CTA: Fullerton (Red, Brown and Purple Lines)
Chicago Getaway is a backpackers’ hostel situated within the heart of Lincoln Park, steps away from the free Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue beach and DePaul University. Beyond free computers, internet and guitars, the hostel also has pool tables, bike rentals and a bbq area. Though, I don’t know how much time you’ll find to stay inside the hostel, as Lincoln Park is one of the city’s trendier areas hosting a plethora of bars, restaurants and live music venues.
Chicago International Hostel
6318 N Winthrop Ave
Chicago, IL USA 60660
(773) 262-1011
Closest CTA: Granville Red Line
On the north side of Chicago by Loyola University, Chicago International Hostel is accessible 24 hours a day (both by train and at the front desk)and is only a 10 minute walk from the beach. It’s also near a convenient selection of restaurant, bars and local shopping.
Hostelling International Chicago
24 E Congress Pkwy
Chicago, IL USA 60605
(312) 360-0300
Closest CTA: Library/State/Van Buren (Brown, Orange, Pink and Purple Lines)
Right off State St. in the middle of downtown, Hi-Chicago positions you next to the Art Institute, Grant Park, Millenium Park, Buckingham Fountain and Museum Campus (Field Museum, Soldier Field, Shedd Aquarium and Alder Planetarium). Inside you’ll find free wifi, ping pong, pool and air hockey tables. Also be sure to take advantage of the hostel’s extensive volunteer program, providing nightly outings to bars, concerts, restaurants and music festivals and walking tours for absolutely free!
International House at the University of Chicago
1414 E 59th St
Chicago, IL USA 60637
(773) 753-2270
Closest CTA: Garfield Red Line
On the eastern side of the University of Chicago Campus in Hyde Park, the International House is within walking distance of Museum of Science and Industry, the Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, the Oriental Institute, the Smart Museum of Art and the Court Theatre. Also nearby are a winter-time ice skating ring and the beach. This hostel is worth the visit if only for the surrounding architecture of the University of Chicago campus.
Hostels are the lifeblood of any vagabond, budget, student or independent traveler. Besides the cheap accommodations, these centers help promote cultural diversity, tolerance and bring like minded people from all over the world together. Make sure to take advantage of these hostels and the special services they offer.
-Safe Travels
Photograph by Joey Pizzolato
