HI Chicago Hostel

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?

Great location, good atmosphere, and affordable. However, if you're sensitive to train noise, you might want to reconsider.

An interesting experience. The kitchen hygiene wasn't up to par, but everything else was very good, excellent even.