Chicago Getaway Hostel

I was here in a private room for 3 nights at the beginning of May. Here's how I break it down: THE GOODS - Absolutely beautiful neighborhood feel. This was my fourth trip to Chicago but my first time ever in Lincoln Park, and I quickly realized this was my favorite part of the city. The hostel building itself is a historic landmark itself from a sign in the lobby and you can believe it. - It's a lively atmosphere and I heard a number of different languages when I was in the common areas. Common areas have a dining area, a spacious kitchen, a billiards table and a foosball table. (I think you have to pay for them.) - The people who work here are really nice too - one got into a conversation with me as I was checking out when he saw my Quimby's tote I was lugging around that I picked up on my stay. [Side note: visit Quimby's in Bucktown, a great and unique bookstore!] - A rather spacious room with a bunk bed and desk (plus a spacious closet), numerous power outlets, and my top-floor room gave me a window looking out over the trees. I've never had a ceiling fan in my room before which was a nice touch in addition to the box a/c. - Plenty of places in short distance - outside of just wandering the beautiful Arlington-Deming neighborhood there are a number of places to eat (including Chicago tourist staples), cool little Oz Park celebrating L Frank Baum's time in the city, and of course the park. I went to see a show at Lincoln Hall just down the street too (great venue) so good nightlife too. No problems wandering these streets at night. Drug stores and a couple of baby Targets are within a 10-minute walk if you need some item you forgot. Of course it's not a far walk to Lincoln Park's park because, y'know, it's Lincoln Park after all. - The Brown Line is less than a 10-minute walk, but honestly I never took it - I'd either catch the bus or walk. Plenty of buses and they come frequently. Take advantage of walking to downtown via the Park or the Lakefront Trail for some nice views. THE NOT AS GOODS - Not really many. Of my three nights one of them had some residents who didn't observe quiet hours so I was aware of them when they came back at 3am. The other two nights were good. So you can sometimes hear sounds from down the hall, but that's true at many places. - The bunk beds are metal frames and the lower one doesn't have a lot of space, so when I got up in the middle of the night to take off my top I banged my head against the metal bars I wondered if I suffered a concussion. That's more me than the room though - use some common sense and you can survive. - Water pressure is a little light when showering but is still serviceable. - As you can see, none of these "not as goods" things are a big deal but just in the idea of full disclosure. OTHER THINGS - Dorm bathrooms are on every floor, but alternate between floors for M/F. The hostel is U-shaped, with the common area the base (with rooms upstairs) and west/east wings where the rooms are. I was west wing, where M rooms were 2 and 4 floor, and F rooms were 1 and 3. (Reversed on the east wing.) Easy walk for me but just know you may need to use stairs. - Pillows are a big deal to me because I get headaches easily if they're so soft my head falls through them. These were not that soft but not terribly firm, but since I was solo I just took the other bed pillow for fortification. - Breakfast is eggo waffles, bread, yogurt, 4 types of cereals, and oranges - coffee & tea too. - Some hostels have shampoo/conditioner/soap/gel, and some don't. This one doesn't so just make sure you have them or hope someone forgets to take theirs with them. - Linens and towels are provided. Long story (and it is a long story) short, I love this place. I hope I'll be visiting again soon!