Time to reveal the best hostels in Chicago! Seriously, once you scroll through this list, you won’t consider a hotel for sure!
We collected the absolute coolest in Chicago – with all its pros and cons. Of course, we put all the places on our Chicago map too. This makes planning much easier.
Your shortcuts:
- The Chicago Hotel Collection River North Mag Mile – great for friends
- Freehand Chicago – top pick for families
- Found Hotel Chicago River North – perfect for solo travelers
We share the photos obviously, so you can see and with personal recommendations depending on the type of traveler you are.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when …
- tired of bad and crappy hostels
- want to avoid the “young party kids”
- happy to spend 1-2€ for a better experience
What we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- Cheapest hostels in Chicago
- Best hostels in Chicago for solo travellers
- Fun party hostels in Chicago
- more hostels in Chicago worth a mention
- Discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- All hostel and sights on a map
- FAQs
- Flights
Guess what? We’ve collected the 45 best hostels in USA just for you – check it out!
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Chicago
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Chicago cost 20$ – 35$ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 80$ to 100$ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Chicago USA
We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels in Chicago.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Hi Chicago Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Found Hotel Chicago River North |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Wrigley hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Found Hotel Chicago River North |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Freehand Chicago |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Freehand Chicago |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | The Chicago Hotel Collection River North Mag Mile |
1. The Chicago Hotel Collection River North Mag Mile
The Chicago Hotel Collection River North Mag Mile is a hotel and hostel located above the old Borden Dairy Depot warehouse, capable of accommodating a wide variety of travellers.
Note: The previous name of this accommodation was Fieldhouse Jones.
The space calls back to the 1850s, when Fieldhouses like this once popped up in the city’s Parkside district to give Chicagoans a place to socialize during the harsh winters.
The hostel overlooks a private park and is near to the Freedom Wall and the Chicago “L” train that can have you at most of the city’s major tourist destinations quickly and easily.
The rooms range from private single beds in dorm-style rooms up to multi-bedroom apartments with full kitchens for families or larger groups to stay in.
The stuff:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cable TV
- Bath products
There is a café on site where you can get third wave coffee, specialty drinks, and diner-style food at any time.
At The Chicago Hotel Collection River North Mag Mile there are numerous places where you can relax after a day of sightseeing such as the gym, coffee bar, basement game room, and janitor’s closet-turned-speakeasy.
The space has a funky, vintage vibe with original art, steam-punk style lighting, and retro tennis rackets and other sports equipment for decoration in the common areas of the building.
The Chicago Hotel Collection River North Mag Mile is one of the best hostels in Chicago for
- Friends
- Solo travelers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com
2. Freehand Chicago
Freehand Hostel is located in a classic building from 1927 in River North, only two blocks from Michigan Avenue, a good neighbourhood for visiting art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants.
Freehand offers private and dorm rooms for up to four people.
All of the rooms have ensuite bathrooms, and beds in dorm rooms have curtains for privacy. Female-only rooms are also available for guests.
The reception desk is staffed 24-hours by multilingual staff who can help you to arrange food and architecture tours and other activities around the city such as kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Features:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Reading lights
- Individual outlets
- Work desk
- Bicycle hire
- Kitchen
There are a restaurant, bar, and café on site as well as a station for guests to make tea and coffee.
At Freehand there is a happy hour each night, as well as yoga, storytelling sessions, live music and DJs, spread throughout the week.
Close to the hostel is the Chicago Cultural Center, Wabash Arts Corridor, Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Science and Industry, as well as lots of places for shopping and walking.
You are really in the heart of everything you could want to see or do.
Chicago residents thinking of staycationing at Freehand hostel should note that they cannot stay in shared rooms and will need to book a private room.
Freehand is one of the coolest hostels in Chicago for:
- families
- Hipster
- small groups
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld 
3. Found Hotel Chicago River North
Behind the cast-iron exterior of the original Olympia Building is the Found Hotel, a hotel and hostel located in the River North neighbourhood where guests are walking distance from shopping, art galleries and the Magnificent Mile.
Private rooms have one to three beds with a mix of queen, twin, and bunk beds and have ensuite washrooms, toiletries, cable TV, ironings board, and a hair dryer.
Shared rooms have three twin beds. Female-only shared rooms are available.
Shared rooms feature all the same amenities as private rooms for guests to enjoy their evenings and down time.
Rooms have sleek decorations and are relatively low-frills.
The intention of Found Hotel is to cater to nomadic millennials who call Chicago home or are just passing through.
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Coffee
- Communal kitchen
- Bike rental
In the basement is a lounge for guests to socialize and play board games.
The hostel can help you pick the right tours and experiences for you, be it hopping rooftop bars, tasting deep-dish pizza, going to a bike ride or a run, or seeing the Bean and other favourite tourist destinations.
Found Hotel is one of the best hostels in Chicago for
- Solo travellers
- Female Solo travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about cheapest hostels in Chicago?
Of course, there are cheaper hostels than the ones we have mentioned here.
We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.
However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Chicago.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Chicago
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that. Make sure you use then the other filters and rank per price. Also keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”. Meaning, the best and worst.
These ratings can give great insight on what to expect.
Here is our guide how to book hostels with Hostelworld.
Best Hostels in Chicago for Solo Travellers?
What is the serious, best hostel in Chicago for solo-travellers?
For those traveling solo to Chicago, we would definitely recommend Hi Chicago Hostel, this place offers great spaces for you to meet people and make some friends.
What else can you expect at this hostel?
- Free walking tours
- Free night activities – Pub crawls + jazz bars, rrr
- Free breakfast and free ice cream, huh, what a great touch!
Hi Hostel Chicago is located right in downtown university district, by a walking distance from all the main attractions and the famous Millennium Park.
And of course, rooms rooms rooms …..
Visitors can choose from any of the beautiful interior design rooms from female-only dorms, mixed dorms and private rooms too. Lockers for more security and free linen and towels.
The hostel in Chicago is based in a large historic house, stunning interior design are decoration to be expected so to make your stay so nice and comfortable, check it out for yourself.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Welcome to Chicago Getaway Hostel, located in the heart of the famous Lincoln Park neighborhood, this place provides spacious rooms, well-designed common areas and fabulous vibes!
Visitors can choose from about 119 rooms for any type of traveller; from mixed dorms to private rooms, this hostel in Chicago can accommodates up to 459 guests so take your pick.
And please, please give it a go, this place is fantastically located too. From a walking distance you will find the best restaurants, pubs and music venues around the Lincoln Park area.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
We also recommend you to join the family at the Urban Holiday Loft, this hostel is located in the hip Bucktown neighbourhood in Chicago. With a unique industrial concept, this hostel in Chicago is perfect for socialising ( check out the game rooms with billiards table!!).
Visitors can choose from shared dorms and private rooms.
Located at a creative neighborhood, you can visit a variety of art galleries, bars, and concert venues.
One again, a great hostel for solo travellers in Chicago.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com
Last but not least, Parthenon Hostel, a very cosy and comfortable hostel in Chicago.
Visitors can choose from dorm up to 8 people and a more private room from 1 to 6 people.
Located in the historic Greek town West Loop area where you can visit the Willis Tower and the Millennium Park, along with the greatest pubs and restaurants by a walking distance from this hostel.
Parthenon Hostel is a great place for backpackers in Chicago.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
Party Hostels in Chicago
Bad news here, there is not a big party hostel in Chicago for party animals.
Worry not!
You can just join a pub crawl, hang out in the hostel bar and find your partner in crime or simply go to a disco club!
For those willing to find their party friend in the hostel, check out Wrigley hostel. The hostel is just a few door steps to the finest bars in town. They do also organize Barbecues and event to encourage guests to mingle.
Sounds good? It has more. Wrigley Hostel offers:
- free breakfast
- free walking tour
- weekly pub crawl
- lockers
- WiFi
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Chicago best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Chicago for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look at3 the map. Below we list all three best Chicago hostels on a map. We recommend staying 3 days if your time allows. Here is a guide on how to spend 3 days in Chicago.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
- 360 Chicago
- Adler Planetarium
- Skydeck Chicago
- The 606 trail
- The Field museum
- Navy Pier
FAQs
Alright, you may already know where you want to stay in Chicago, here we also share your most asked questions.
What are the best hostels in Chicago downtown?
Well, our top 3 coolest hostels in Chicago are based in the center, best location to explore the city and its main attractions.
So here our 3 hostels:
What are the best sites for finding hostels?
Here at hostelsgeeks, we create a guides for the best hostels everywhere we visit, from Chicago to Bangkok, with the same enthusiasm, we share our experiences with family and friends.
However, you can also search on Hostelworld. In this website you can also filter from location to the cheapest hostels in Chicago.
Simple as that!!
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Chicago USA.
Here are all our US Hostel Guides:
- best hostels in the USA
- best hostels in New York City, Manhattan and Brooklyn
- best hostels in California
- best hostels in Washington DC
- best hostels in Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Honolulu and Oahu
- best hostels in Los Angeles
- best hostels in San Diego
- best hostels in San Francisco
- best hostels in Hollywood
- best hostels in Key West
- best hostels in Seattle
- best hostels in Boston
- best hostels in New Orleans
- best hostels in Portland
- best hostels in Denver
- best hostels in Houston
- best hostels in Dallas
- best hostels in Miami
- best hostels in Las Vegas
- best hostels in Boulder
- best hostels in Anchorage
Over in nearby Canada you can discover:
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels.
Over to you
Was this useful? Do you have any questions, doubts?
Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome Chicago hostels should be as informative and useful as possible.
Your question will help me to understand what I have missed to mention.
Therefore, drop us a comment, we are keen to help you!
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! On all our articles we ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.
We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. Hostelgeeks shares with you places we recommend to our best friends and family!
– – –
pin it for later
CLOSED: Selina Chicago
Update: This hostel has permanently closed. We’ve kept this content here for your information.
A brand new hostel on the block that we’d like to mention is Selina Chicago.
We absolutely love Selina Hostels which can be found all around the world, so we have high hopes for this new accommodation in Chicago city.
They offer a great range of room types, including:
- 4-bed mixed dorms
- Standard Queen Private
- Suite
- Family room
- Apartment
The huge bar-restaurant is certainly the highlight and main hangout place for all guests. It also makes for a great workspace for digital nomads stopping by.
Anyways, we’re keeping our eye on ratings so watch this space… Selina Chicago may well end up in the top 3!
