Pros: Room is pretty standardized with four bulk beds. Plenty of freebies like free breakfast, free pool, ping pong, and meeting room/TV room free to use.

Room is spacious compared with other hostels I have stayed. Mattress is soft and convenient. Location is close to CBD and tourist attractions, about 10 minutes walk to the Millennium Park.

Actually, I am not concerned about all these pros because the coolest thing to stay in a hostel is to meet people. I met some really cool guys from around the world, a French cook looking for a job in Chicago, a Danish boy coming for a physics conference, a Japanese artist for a vacation as well as a film festival, and me, a Chinese guy for getting a Hong Kong VISA. When all of these international facets mixed together amazing chemistry emerged out of the ground. We had a wonderful time wandering around the alleys looking for the most authentic and hottest Chinese food, drinking, talking, laughing and looking for bars all around. It was an unforgettable experience the one could possibly have in a lively city.

Cons: sink table (I am not sure how to say it, the one where you brush teeth and wash face) is not separated from the bedroom, it seems much hassle and disturbing when one brushes teeth with the light over the sink on while others are sleeping.

I signed up at the last minute & reluctantly took a bed in a 10 bed woman's dorm. It turned out to be quite spacious & comfy, with bedding & a towel supplied, a wall light at each bed & an outlet close by to charge or power cell phones & other gadgets. Staff helped me get a lower bunk & also were extremely helpful with local info and maps.
Free breakfast was a great extra, oh and a laundry area near my room.
There was outside construction that made it a bit hard to find the hostel but that may be finished by now.
Walking distance to many Chicago sights.

Hostel International Chicago: great location, good value, all ages welcome. I do not know why TA calls this a "summer" hostel.


When I needed a Chicago hotel room the night before a long flight to New Delhi, I opted for the HI Chicago when I could not find a reasonable rate at any downtown hotel.

The hostel’s location is ideal, in the SE corner of the loop within easy walking distance of Michigan Avenue, the Art Institute, and the CTA transit system (including the trains to O’Hare and Midway airports).

Although I am a senior, I have occasionally stayed in well-reviewed hostels and found them convenient. Roommates have never been a problem. In fact, everyone I have met (an international crowd) has been interesting and friendly.

I stayed in an 8-bed (4 bunk) room with its own toilet room, shower room, and double sink within the room itself. Additional bathrooms are available on the same floor, but were not needed by me.

Beds are assigned, and I recommend you request a lower bunk when making your reservation, especially if you are not an agile ladder climber. Rooms and bathrooms were clean during my stay, no problems.

The El trains are right outside the second floor, but they make less noise than expected since they travel slowly as they turn the corner. Climate control in the rooms is excellent, so windows can stay closed.

A modest but plentiful buffet continental breakfast is included in the room rate. You wash your own dishes afterward -- more symbolic than effort.

Internet is available for a fee (I think the lobby wi-fi is free), but the huge new public library with free internet is just 3 blocks west.

The day I stayed, a free folk concert and free ice cream social were provided by the hostel. They also go out of their way to help travelers navigate the city (an information booth in the second floor lobby has local volunteers).

Remember to bring a padlock for your room luggage locker (or lobby locker if you checked out) and buy a transit pass for all trains, buses, and subways in the city (one day passes are sold in person, 3 and five day passes in machines).

The only possible drawback is the rate -- $4 for the reservation on the internet, $33 for the dorm bed, and $3 for non-HI members makes a hostel bunk $40 per night. A relative bargain for old folks like me, but pricey for students on a budget.

I was ther 3 nights by 10/01/2011. Really great location! If you travel alone and don't want to spend so much in accommodation: THIS IS THE PLACE.
Very secure, always clean, personnel amazing (except Liz, at Front Desk).
I highly recommend it!