About

HostelWorld users voted HI USA the best hostel network in North America in 2024!

Experience the excitement of Chicago at this beautiful historic hostel, offering comfortable and contemporary accommodations in the heart of downtown’s thriving university district. A place where you can learn and play, meeting other travelers from all over the world while breaking down the walls of international communication while playing the universal equalizer: ping pong. When you're done you can share your experience with your friends and family back home on Skype with our free Wi-Fi. Share a meal, share a day, share an adventure, share a smile at the greatest Chicago hostel!

Hostelling International (HI) Chicago is one of America's best hostels offering safe, clean, quality accommodations. Spacious gender-separated dorm rooms with either 4, 8 or 10 beds, many with ensuite bathrooms. All dormitory rooms have individual lockers for personal belongings. The hostel also offers private rooms with shared ensuite bathrooms that also share a lounge/seating area.

The hostel is located within walking distance of the Willis (Sears) Tower, Michigan Avenue/Magnificent Mile shopping, Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, Art Institute, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. All other attractions are just a short bus or train ride away. HI Chicago is within 2 blocks of all the major train and bus lines to help get you anywhere easily within the city and to/from the airports.

We also welcome you to our 2nd floor lounge, where you can find a full list of our FREE activities and events for hostel guests, including neighborhood walking tours, bar tours, outings to see live blues and jazz, trivia/game nights, welcome parties and more!
What you can expect at HI Chicago:
-FREE WiFi throughout the building
-Bed linens, towels and pillows are provided
-FREE maps of Chicago
-Body wash and shampoo provided in the showers
-Self-service laundry
-Lockers for each guest in dorm rooms (must provide your own lock)
-24-hour access, 365 days a year, NO CURFEW
-24 hour front desk and security
-Knowledgeable staff to answer all your questions and give you local insiders tips
-International standards for comfort, cleanliness and security
-Fully wheelchair accessible
-NO age restriction - all ages welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
-Groups welcome (groups of 10 or more should contact our group sales department)

Our 2nd floor lounge space is open 24/7 for guests to meet and mingle with other hostel guests! We offer pool tables, ping pong, and weekly social events like craft nights, game nights, trivia, and hot dog parties!

HI Chicago is committed to being as environmentally-friendly as possible. Our goals to conserve energy and protect the environment include:
-Using a linen re-use program to conserve water (during a hosteller's stay, linens are washed only by request)
-Using paper that is from at least 30% recycled materials
-Recycling aluminum, glass, paper, plastic and cardboard
-Using LED light bulbs throughout the hostel
-Using environmentally-friendly cleaning products

In 2021, Hostelling International became a signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI), led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO), in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Read about our commitments here https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/organisations/hostelling-international

Hostelling International is a non-profit membership based organization whose mission is to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling. We have been promoting peace through hostelling since 1909. City and state taxes of 17.4% are not included in the rates.

House Rules

Check In

16:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until 11:00

  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free City Tour
  • Free Security Lockers
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Coworking Space
View all facilities

Reviews

8.9Fabulous(6868)
  • Value for Money
    8.8
  • Security
    9.4
  • Atmosphere
    8.8
  • Cleanliness
    8.5
  • Staff
    8.9
  • Location
    9.5
  • Facilities
    8.7
Summary of traveller reviews

HI Chicago, The J.Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel is celebrated for its unbeatable location in the heart of Chicago, making it easy to explore the city's attractions on foot or via public transport. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the clean and spacious rooms, and the excellent value for money. The common areas are also a highlight, offering great spaces to relax and socialize. While some mention occasional noise from the nearby trains, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, making it a top choice for solo travellers and city explorers.

Stayed in Jul 2026
9.4
C
Christian
Female, 25-30, USA
The place was great! As a solo female traveler, I felt extremely safe in the area and when entering the hostel. The beds were very comfortable and the en-suite was super nice and clean. I appreciated the sinks being outside the bathroom, it made getting ready much easier. The hostel was located near the train and bus so it was very easy to get around. It was also only a 30 min walk from solider field so perfect if you are going for a concert. I also loved the cafe next to it, food was amazing!
Stayed in Jul 2026
9.1
J
Jorge
All Male Group, 31-40, USA
My first time staying at a hostel. I would say that I enjoyed my stay here. Rooms were clean the whole entire stay here in Chicago. Definitely would recommend and I would booked again for the next time I visit
Stayed in Jul 2026
9.7
R
Roderick
Male, 41+, USA
I’ve stayed here many times. I love this hostile. The location is phenomenal. It’s a short walk from the elevated train and all the buses. It’s one block away from the magnificent mile. It’s fabulous. They no longer have a breakfast. Wyche was unfortunate. However, the kitchen is equipped with mostly stainless steel pots and pans and they supply coffee.
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Location

24 E Ida B Wells Drive, Illinois, Chicago, USA
3.5km from city centre