A Guide to Chicago Hostels

Finding cheap accommodation in the Windy City is easy when you book Chicago hostels. Ranging from backpacker dorms with shared bathrooms to plusher hostels with top facilities and private rooms, hostels have come a long way in recent years, and many boast great central locations and cash-saving extras like free breakfasts. Here’s a guide to the best hostels in Chicago:

HI-Chicago

This hostel is perfect for students and backpackers, with large, single sex dorms, a huge kitchen for preparing cheap meals, friendly staff and a large common room. The rooms are well-equipped – they all come with individual lockers, bed linens, towels and pillows. The location is also excellent, within walking distance of Lake Michigan, the Magnificent Mile and Shedd Aquarium - the hostel even organize walking tours so you can get to know the city!

Days Inn Chicago

This budget hotel is surprisingly stylish, and in a neighborhood packed with restaurants, theatres, nightclubs and shops. The Days Inn is minutes north of the Magnificent Mile, McCormick Place, the Chicago Loop and Merchandise Mart, and even Chicago’s beaches. Ideal for families or couples, all the rooms are spacious and private, with double beds and bathrooms, and guests get a whole range of freebies – a deluxe continental breakfast, Health club passes, and a daily newspaper.

Chicago O HARE Garden Hotel

This boutique hotel is a mile from the airport, and only 10 minutes from downtown Chicago. The slightly out of town location means bargain prices for a newly refurbished hotel with stylish decor, high speed internet and fridges in the rooms. Check out the cool bar, restaurant and lounge, or just relax in your room in front of the widescreen TV.

AAE Chicago Parthenon Hostel

This new hostel offer affordable private rooms with a shared bathroom, with a great downtown location near to the Amtrak and Greyhound Bus station. The hostel has a friendly atmosphere, with its own bar and restaurant and club where you can pick up discounted drinks, as well as a delicious free breakfast and internet. In the heart of Greektown, the hostel is close to some great cheap Greek restaurants.