I really loved the curtains to each bunk bed! I value privacy and this was a very good surprise! I've stayed in other locations of HI USA Hostels and Chicago was a great surprise also with the shared spaces and nice breakfast! I only stayed for 1 night, but would most def come back for more.

The location was a little bit off for me, but not the hostel's fault. It's a bit weird to walk around, but I must say it was very convenient being able to walk (during the day) to the Bean and Millennium Park.

The location is great. A dorm room is definitely among the cheapest accomodations in the area and works perfectly. The dorms are more like little apartments, at least the 4 bed female dorms are. There is a little common room, 2 rooms with 4 beds each, a disabled kitchen (only microwave works) and there is a bathroom for the 8 beds, 2 sinks with mirrors (independent from bathroom). The safety measures will make you for sure feel at ease. You have to use your room key to get into the building at night. You have to use your key to operate the elevators at all times. You have to use your room key to get into your dorm and to get into the room you have your bed in. Public transportation is pretty easy to get to. There is police presence at all times, specially at night. You are where all the architecture tours will take you, literally you will walk around the hotel in some of them. Staff was very nice and accommodating. You can get blankets, extra towels and clean sheets anytime you ask for them on the check in counter. The kitchen staff was specially nice and patient with sleepy people like me. This is in the second floor, where they serve continental breakfast.

It is understandable that things can be out of service at times, but having the hot water machine break down during my stay (Nov) was not the best experience. Also, the laundry room for guests was out of service, which was pretty frustrating. Another thing that could be better is having bigger lockers as the dorm rooms certainly have enough space. Still this is just something that would be nice to have, the lockers are pretty standard hostel size.

The hostel was clean and walking distance to downtown and the train station. There was a complementary breakfast and there are lots of areas in the hostel to relax/quiet spaces to work.

The price on Booking was not the final price and tax was added on top once we were paying on arrival

I stayed here for a brief overnight. There were severe weather storms and tornados that impacted my travel home. I decided that instead of fighting it and staying at the airport, I might as well enjoy Chicago. So I took the train into town from the airport and was able to get here easy in less than an hour. Front desk staff were available 24/7, and they have very secure and clean facilities. They coordinate events around town, and the people who stay here are so kind, inclusive, and friendly. Delicious breakfast and ability to store luggage until your flight out made it very simple for me. I was able to return to the hostel and get right back on the train to the Airport with minimal strain. I think this is a great place, well worth it's money and easy to connect and make acquaintances to go explore the city with. (I was on a solo mission to get the energy of the town more than see the sights myself) Thank you to the staff who helped me and kept me safe through multiple tornados and severe weather storms that hit town. Pretty cool trip.

Though I personally felt safe and never concerned, it you arrive at the hostel at night, there will likely be unhoused residents taking up shelter outside under the overhang of the building as you approach it for the night. More reason we need to work on social supports and affordable housing etc but just informing other solo travelers that they are there and you are safe.

Location couldn’t be better. Staff were really great and service was prompt at front desk! Facilities are spacious, nicely decorated, with lots of common spaces. Felt safe with all the locks and security features. 8-bed female dorm was excellent! With double sink, shower and toilet inside the bedroom, it was super convenient. Towels were comfy and bed linens were sparkling clean. Good size locker.

As any downtown area of a big city, the hostel surroundings get pretty sketchy at night. There is also a bunch of homeless living on the same block. But I still felt super safe inside! Just decided not to wander alone after dark.

The location can't be beaten especially if you keep in mind that hotels in this area are really expensive. Right in the middle of downtown, two blocks away from Michigan Street and close to train stations and bus stops and walking distance from lots of main attractions like the cloud, Lincoln Park, The Riverwalk, etc. Although the building is old and the furniture is outdated, it was very comfortable and. Breakfast was outstanding, with many delicious options to choose from.

For the price everything was great

My stay was a wonderful experience overall. The keycard system is convenient and secure, making it easy to access both the building and your room without any hassle. The staff here are incredibly friendly and helpful, always ready to assist with directions, recommendations, or any other needs you might have during your stay. One of the standout features of this hostel is the variety of events they organize for guests. Whether it's a group tour, a social event, or a cultural activity, these events offer a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers and explore the city in a fun, engaging way. The breakfast options were a pleasant surprise—there's a good variety to choose from. Considering the great location and the amenities offered, the price-to-value ratio is excellent, making this hostel an outstanding choice for budget travelers.

One downside I encountered was the room temperature. The rooms were quite cold, and there wasn't an option to adjust the AC, which made it a bit uncomfortable.

Location, great bed, clean

Expansive for what it is. Little breakfast options for lactose intolerant

Organized activities were great

Kitchen had no utensils or plates of any sorts

I liked everything for the hostel. I've been travelling many years staying in hostels and definitely this is one of my top 3. I stayed in HI in Boston too but this one was much better. I was in a 8 bedrooms room which at the beginning I thought it was too much but the room was really bit. The rooms had courtains which made you feel as you where in your own space. The hostel had an amazing common areas where you could be with your computer on your own or sharing time with other playing tennis table etc... The breakfast was simple but enough and you could take as much as you wanted. Also they offered us a free city tour that was superb, with an excellet tour guide. Price really good according with USA prices ... and the best location to a walking distance to the main touristic places in Chicago and blues / jazz place. I would deinitely return again.

In the breakfast they didn´t have non dairy milk (oat or almond ...)