Chicago – The Windy City

If you are used to travel implying laying on dirty mattresses and taking cold showers, worry no more! Just cause you are an economically-savy traveler, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on comfort. Chicago aka the Windy City or Chi-town, being one of the top US destinations and most rapped about cities, now has affordable accommodations for the budget traveler. HI (Hostelling International) Chicago has shared rooms with up to ten beds. Its central location in the Downtown area and highest rating for cleanliness is not the best of it. They even provide full length mirrors, reading lights next to every bed, WIFI, storage space inside the rooms and a free breakfast! They are also known for their spacious rooms and common areas including a helpful information desk which can help you prepare to take on the Chi Ill!

Now this is not to be mistaken with yet another low cost hostel known as Chicago International Hostel. Although similar in name, the biggest difference between these two is that Chicago International Hostel has a kitchen and it is located slightly north of the Downtown area, but the difference in price makes up for the longer commute. This hostel with funky décor and attitude near Loyola University has shared rooms with eight beds and private rooms for two or four people. The upside is that they are just two blocks from Lake Michigan, a ten minute walk to the beach, close to 24 hour public transportation and affordable shopping. Also, if you are in the mood for some midtown carbs, the famous Gino’s Pizza is just around the corner.

A few minutes closer to the action, though, is another well known top rated hostel known as Arlington House. It is located near the famous “El” (Chi’s elevated train) in a more upscale part of town where you can witness the life of the classy locals or pretend to be one. It’s just ten minutes from downtown Chicago! Their best features are free computer use and printing, it’s walking distance to Lincoln Park Zoo, and nearby local Blues clubs and college pub crawls where you can mingle with DePaul students. Arlington House also has free 24 hour coffee ready just to get you in shape after a long night out.

Last but not least on my list of cheap stays is the Chicago Parthenon Hostel. It’s also located downtown just minutes from the Amtrak train and Greyhound bus stations in the shadows of the Sears Tower. They have dorm rooms with eight beds and private rooms for just one to organized groups of ten. While you do have to pay extra for linens in the shared rooms, their beds and bathrooms are new and clean and this Spring, the Parthenon Hostel will have a kitchen for guest use including free breakfast. This remodeled establishment really is unique cause it’s in Chi’s Greektown where the owners also run a Greek restaurant with drink specials. Dugans Irish bar is just down the street which allows you to enjoy Chicago’s multicultural community.

Getting around town is easy at all of these hot spots since their staff can advise you on cheap eats and discounts on local attractions. Take a quick bus ride or the train to the Magnificent Mile shopping avenue, the Art Institute of Chicago, or their ethnic neighborhoods to feel like you traveled from Mexico for lunch to Germany for dinner in the same day!