Chicago Hostels

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.

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.

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

Location was awesome! Very cool neighborhood, super close to the train. Rooftop deck has a great view and folks like to hang out up there at night and get to know each other. Nice, clean bathrooms. Free pancakes every morning! Customer service was lacking, our room got changed at the last minute and the website suggested free on site parking but really we had to park about 8 blocks away.

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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.

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.

I loved it so much I was going to extend my stay but it was all booked up for a weekend music festival.

Great price. Hip, clean space with nice lounge and amenities. Guy at the desk was really helpful!

Clean room very friendly staff (this was my first time at a hostel) and tim answered all my questions before i even asked so they better give him a raise The holes on storage locker should be made to fit smaller locks

Comfy beds. Nice staff. Nice location. Nothing displeased me.

The facility is extremely welcoming. The staff are very helpful and nice. Much is provided at a low cost. I went to Chicago on a whim and ended up staying for three nights at Wrigley Hostel. I absolutely enjoyed my stay and would gladly stay there again. The only down side, if one can call it such, is the location. The hostel resides in a very nice neighborhood. I was not concerned about safety. However, this nice neighborhood is about fifteen minutes from the city center. You will end up riding the subway a lot.