HI Chicago Hostel

The hotel's bed is clean, and it's also easy to get out of the city. The train noise is a bit bothersome. However, be careful as there are homeless people on the road next to the hotel.

The facilities inside were quite good, but there were a lot of homeless people right outside the door. The shampoo provided didn't lather up well. The room was spacious and all beds had lockers; you need to bring your own padlock or go down to the front desk to buy one – it's a large locker, so a bigger padlock is needed. I stayed in a 10-person dorm. The shared bathrooms are outside the room; there are two toilets and two showers, one of which is quite spacious. They are separated by gender. It's quite close to the city center, so getting anywhere is easy, with subway or bus access readily available.

A classic Hi USA hostel. For 400 RMB, getting a bunk in the South Loop is something to be grateful for. The location is excellent: a bus stop is just across the street to the south, a metro station to the north, and Grant Park to the east. Most major attractions are even within a 20-minute walk. The water dispenser is only on the second floor, which is quite inconvenient. Having to go downstairs every time to get water is a bit of a hassle. The downsides are clear: the decor is a bit dated, and there are no bed curtains. Plus, it's right next to the elevated Loop 'L' train tracks, so the noise is noticeable. Those with poor sleep quality will have a tough time. Personally, I don't mind; it's part of Chicago's character. There are lockers in the room for your belongings, just remember to bring your own lock. Each room has a sink outside the door, with separate bathrooms and toilets. The bathrooms are equipped with shower gel and shampoo, and amenities are restocked promptly. However, the shower water pressure in the room is insufficient. I also tried the communal showers, and the water pressure there was much better than in the room, making for a much more comfortable wash. The cleaning staff are efficient, promptly removing dirty towels and emptying trash cans. The front desk staff are very friendly, and you can ask them for fresh towels even late at night. In summary: For 400 RMB, what more can you ask for from a bunk bed within the Loop?

The location is superb, very close to the subway, and it feels very safe. You need to use your key card to access each floor, which is great for solo female travelers! Remember to bring your own padlock for the lockers (don't get one that's too small, like for a suitcase, because mine was too small and didn't fit). The common room has various facilities, and it seems like there are activities every day. You can ask them for more details!

The rooms are spacious; a quad room wasn't cramped at all. Two quad rooms share one bathroom, shower room, and a living room. The ceilings are very high. You might still need an eye mask as it can be a bit bright on the upper bunk.

Very convenient, close to the city center. You can store your luggage for free before check-in, and for $4 per bag after check-out.