10/31/06

A hostel Taj Mahal sparkles with clean rooms, Internet access and a central location.

by Elisa Kronish

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.

09/21/02

nice place

by nikki036

very nice place to stay, friendly staff espically the overnight staff. Nice place to meet people from around the world and find out about about other people

• Pros: friendly, clean, convenient
• Cons: parking

09/06/02

Affordable, Clean and Friendly

by mennori

One of a kind Hostel! The price is right for it's location, accommodation and friendly staff. Great for meeting and learning about different cultures!

• Pros: location, inexpensive
• Cons: parking

08/28/02

worldbeat

by bikenomad

What a deal - hang with people from around the world, in the heart of chicago, steps from downtown & the lake!

08/27/02

More than an affordable bed

by mskender

Very helpful staff. Great place to meet other travellers and learn about Chicago

08/26/02

what you need where you need it

by LightHouseKeeper44843

With out the hostel we would not be able to visit Chicago as often as we do. With the affordable rates it means more mini vacations a year for the family. Hostelling gives you more opprotunity to visit high price areas on a small budget. We salute Mayor Daily for his support of the Chiago hostel, and Hostelling International.

• Pros: location, price, things to do
• Cons: no ladders on bunk, slow web access

08/24/02

No fountain in the lobby, but

by DXT

You will not find a better located, more safe and less expensive place to stay. Everything a visitor needs is within a stonethrow: the library for free e-mail, the park and lake front for strolling, the opera, restaurants, transit and shopping...you name it. The staff couldn't be more helpful---they are volunteers, and do not work for pay. You feel protected passing the 24-hour guard and CCTV when you walk in from the street, and you get to meet the most interesting people from all over the world in the lounges, the reading rooms, dining room and the kitchen. This is what staying in a hostel is all about.

• Pros: Safe, Very Convenient, Helpful staff
• Cons: Intimidating decor

08/14/02

real chicago

by ddruten

great location- great security - close to all the festivals, the el, the trains and buses- great staff-

wouldn't stay anywhere else

• Pros: location, price

07/21/02

Hosteling in Chicago Takes Off

by etlindberg

Great experience...location, interaction with other doemstic and international travelers. Lots of great programs for travelers from out of town.