HI Chicago Hostel

HI Chicago Hostel Overview

First Impressions

Walking into HI Chicago Hostel on Ida B Wells Drive, you immediately get that “I’m in the thick of it” feeling that makes Chicago so addictive. This three-star hostel sits right in the Loop — and I mean right in it — where you can practically feel the city’s pulse through the windows. The building itself has that classic Chicago character, and honestly, the location alone makes this place worth considering if you want to experience the real downtown energy without breaking the bank.

Location That Actually Matters

Here’s what I love about staying here — you’re literally steps from everything that makes Chicago worth visiting. Millennium Park? Five-minute walk. The Art Institute? Same deal. When couples rate the location 9.3 out of 10, they’re not exaggerating — you can roll out of bed and be at Grant Park or wandering State Street before your coffee kicks in. The “L” stops are so close you’ll hear the trains, but in a good way that reminds you you’re in a real city, not some sanitized tourist bubble.

The Room Experience

Look, this is a hostel, so set your expectations accordingly — but it’s a really well-run hostel. The room setups are clean and functional, with that international traveler vibe where you might end up chatting with someone from three different continents before breakfast. The shared spaces actually work well, and there’s enough privacy when you need it. What surprised me was how quiet it gets at night considering you’re in the heart of downtown — the building does a decent job of keeping the street noise manageable.

The Social Scene

You know what sets this place apart from other budget options? The mix of people you’ll meet here. It’s not just college backpackers (though there are plenty) — you get young professionals, international visitors, and people who just want to stay somewhere with actual character. The common areas encourage conversation without forcing it, and the staff genuinely seems to know the neighborhood well enough to point you toward spots that aren’t in every guidebook.

Why Guests Love It

That 9.4 location score isn’t just numbers on a website — it’s the difference between spending your Chicago time on transportation versus actually experiencing the city. When you’re staying here, you’re not commuting to Chicago’s best stuff; you’re already there. The combination of affordability, authentic downtown location, and that hostel energy where anything could happen makes this place work for travelers who want to feel connected to the city rather than insulated from it. Plus, there’s something satisfying about staying somewhere that locals actually recognize as being in the real Chicago, not some distant neighborhood that happens to have the same zip code.

To book a hotel in Chicago during winter lights, visitors plan ahead to balance Magnificent Mile shopping with ice-skating at Millennium Park.

HI Chicago Hostel Accommodations

Reviews of HI Chicago Hostel

• Lucia from Italy (9/10)

  Perfect location, it has all you need. Perfect for a solo traveler!

• Mike from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Catering for the needs of the marathon runners was excellent

• Guillermo from Mexico (9/10)

  Great location, room was as expected for the price. Semi private bathroom was better than expected.

• Kathleen from United States (9/10)

  Location key, use of second floor reception area next day really appreciated

• Svitlana from Ukraine (9/10)

  As a first-time visitor to Chicago, I was looking for a place in a safe district with close access to trains. Hi Chicago was the greatest choice. Big hostel with a lot of places to hang out with friends plus library.

• Nathalia from Colombia (8/10)

  The service and breakfast was good. I recommend to make your own eggs because they offer cold boiled eggs. The room was comfortable

• Winona from United States (9/10)

  Clean, felt safe, in the heart of downtown.

• Lily from United States (9/10)

  Great location. Walked all around Chicago tourist areas and along the river and shoreline. Restaurants near by. Helpful and friendly staff. Good breakfast. Clean facilities. Some homeless people nearby day and night but they have not bothered me . I’m a solo traveler.

• Foo from Malaysia (9/10)

  The concept like a student house. Felt younger again

• Diego from Chile (9/10)

  Nice staff, nice location

Facilities