Chicago Getaway Hostel

Prós: It has a great staff who plan tons of events that cater to a varity of interests. The hostel is located in the middle of everything. It was perfect for some one like me who prefers to travel sans auto. Short walk to metro and a number of amazing nightspots. Oh and the kitchen was amazing.

Contras: It is a hostel with all the little nuances that comes with it. If you are use to hostel travel then this is nothing new to you if not do a little research and find out what your in for before you stay. It will make all the difference in your trip.

Thoroughly researched before reserving,but still b

Prós: Meeting people from all over the world. Availability of free internet w/ free printing, in addition to free Wi-Fi throughout bldg. Free breakfast. For the most part, helpful, knowledgeable staff. Discounted transit & museum passes available for purchase @ front desk. Planned communal evening activities. With interior hallways and electronic locks on guest rooms, I felt quite safe there.

Contras: When I first arrived, desk person told me that my prepaid reservation had been cancelled?!? They had a similar room like one reserved, but not in my stated, preferred location in bldg, but I would have to pay in full at that moment if I wished to stay! That really threw me, but they somehow 'suddenly found reservation'? The first night, I was awakened about 5:30 am by loud music played 'til 7:30 am within a room or two away from mine. A food purchase I made disappeared from the communal fridge! I think coin-operated laundry prices in bldg were outrageous, but did not know where nor wish to leave to find a laundromat.

Prós: Awesome staff, very clean, great value for the money and wonderful location.

Enjoyed my stay

Prós: Thoroughly enjoyed my stay, staff were great and was well worth the price paid. The location was outstanding, Lincoln Park is definitely an excellent place to stay even though it is not centrally located it is a quick subway or bus ride to where you need to go.

Prós: The hostel is pretty much excellent. I'd never stayed in a hostel before, so I didn't know what to expect, outside of there being multiple strangers to a room (unless a group of people booked a room together, obviously), but this was really great. They have incredibly comfortable chairs in the lobby, and a small reading room off the lobby. A nice cafeteria/games room with pool and foosball tables. There's an open kitchen with food storage for guests, several vending machines, continental breakfast, etc. They've got group activities in the evenings, plus bulletin boards where people can post their own things. There are bikes for rent, as well as free musical instruments for guests to use (acoustic guitars and a piano). WiFi is free, and they have computer terminals with free printing in the lobby. There's an open patio with seating on a couple levels. There's also a conference/TV room with a couch, a couple conference tables, and a DVR. The staff are friendly (at least the ones I met were), and you can buy supplies and discount passes to attractions (as well as full-price CTA passes) at the front desk, and there's an interactive screen in the lobby where you can check on what's going on around town. It's also about a mile walk from a CTA station for both buses and the L, so getting all over the city is pretty convenient from there. The station is for blue line trains, so if you come into the city by O'Hare or the train station (which is where interstate bus lines also drop you off), it's very convenient to get to. My biggest worry going in was security, but the lobby is locked from 9 PM until sometime in the morning, with only your key card getting you in. Also the rooms have key card-only access, and there are storage lockers for your stuff (locks are available for purchase if you forget to bring your own), so your stuff is safe. It's also in a nice neighborhood, close to DePaul University, so you can feel safe walking around the neighborhood. As far as a full-on Hotel would go, I'd rate it about 3.5 stars, but for a hostel, it blew me away. Definite 5 stars. If you're looking for a cheap place to stay (like $35 a night), and can handle being in a room with up to 10 strangers, this is a great choice.

Contras: The dormitory-style accommodations in the room itself definitely aren't for everyone. They didn't work for me, personally, but that's my own deal.

GREAT STAFF, GREAT VALUE, GREAT LOCATION

Prós: This is one of the best hostels I've stayed in on many levels.... location, helpful staff (including the wonderful Sandy, head of housekeeping who greeted me early mornings with a smile, coffee and good company.) Very clean and sense of safety. The computers available in the lobby were a blessing. After my poor roommate got over his embarrassment at being paired with a woman who could be his grandmother (!), we got on very well. Thanks to all.