Hostelling International Chicago Summer Hostel

Elisa Kronish

Citysearch

The Scene
A bright, airy lobby sets the stage at this posh branch of Hostelling International (named for donors J. Ira and Nicki Harris). Travelers happily take advantage of amenities like central air conditioning, 24-hour security, self-service laundry and Internet kiosks while still paying cheap hostel rates ($30 per person per night). A student center serves as gathering place for guests as well as students from nearby colleges, and the large kitchen allows visitors to cook and store their own food.

The Details
Five floors of rooms sleep 500 people, though during the school year three floors are used as residence halls for nearby Columbia College. Rooms have bunk beds, dressers, closets, large windows, living room and bathroom. The other two floors have rooms with three bunk beds, lockers and individual bed lamps. Some rooms have private bathrooms, while others use the common-area bathrooms. All are kept exceptionally clean.