Finding budget hotels in big US cities seems impossible, especially if it’s a peak travel season or a prime location. That’s where hostels come to the rescue. During our Chicago trip, we stayed at the Chicago Getaway Hostel, a beautiful gem, nestled in the posh Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Here’s my detailed review of our stay and what we loved about this place.
Chicago Getaway Location Overview
The hostel is located in the quiet Lincoln Park neighborhood surrounded by lush trees. We loved its location for two main reasons: peaceful surroundings and its proximity to restaurants, grocery stores, and public transit.
Reaching Chicago Getaway from the airport
Getting to the Chicago Getaway Hostel from the airport was quite easy. We took the Blue Line (CTA) towards Forest Park until Grand Station. From there, we took bus route 8 to Waveland/Broadway, got off at the Halsted & Lincoln/Fullerton stop, and walked about 8 minutes to reach the entrance.
The total trip cost was $10 for the two of us. You can also take a cab from the airport, which would cost between $55 and $65 one way.
First Impression
As we reached the entrance we were instantly impressed by the façade, brick walls, large arch windows, and a striking blue door giving major vintage vibes.
The interiors, on the other hand, were modern and quirky. I loved their choice of color and minimalistic graffiti painted all over our room and in the common areas.
The check-in process was similar to a hotel, we had to provide our credit card details for security and were handed off our room keys. Overall, the staff was friendly and we had a smooth check-in experience.
Our room at Chicago Getaway Hostel
We had booked a Double room with a shared bathroom for $88 a night (including taxes). This was a private room with a bunk bed (twin bed at the base and a single bed at the top). The room size was decent with enough space to move around.
Our room had a wall mirror, a work desk, a chair, and a closet to keep all our stuff. The washroom was not too far from the room and was clean and hygienic.
Common Areas in Chicago Getaway Hostel
The hostel had ample space to move around, from a TV room to a lounge area to a large kitchen and dining area. They also have an outdoor seating area in the backyard which was perfect for our evening coffee.
After a long day of exploring the city, we spent the rest of our time chilling in the lounge. The vibe was amazing and the co-boarders were fun to interact with.
The kitchen was fully equipped with pots and pans, dishes, a dishwasher, stoves, a fridge, and more. Storing food was quite easy, all we had to do was label our dishes and store them in the common fridge. Moreover, the 24×7 coffee bar was an add-up to the overall experience.
The laundry room was fully equipped and very organized. It was easy to keep track of our clothes. Moreover, it was completely free to use.
The Wi-Fi was reliable and fast, making streaming easy and smooth. Moreover, the common areas had ample space for digital nomads to work, with several tables and comfortable seating options.
Food scenes in and around Chicago Getaway Hostel
Complimentary Breakfast
Breakfast was complimentary at Chicago Getaway Hostel and included bagels, cereals, fruit, eggs, and coffee in their menu. It was our favorite time of the day, relishing a healthy and hearty breakfast.
If you have any dietary restrictions, you can use their fully equipped kitchen to prepare meals.
Food and Drinks nearby
Lincoln Park neighborhood is known for its vibrant dining scenes ranging from budget eateries to upscale restaurants. You can read my Chicago Food Guide, where I share a list of must-visit eateries and dishes around the city.
Events & Experience
Chicago Getaway Hostel organizes weekly fun events like tours, pub crawls, or social nights. The details are available on a giant calendar next to the lobby and is free to attend.
Safety and Security
The neighborhood felt safe, we made a few grocery runs a couple of times at night and didn’t feel anxious at all! The hostel security was pretty tight with keycards, and a person at the desk to keep a check on people entering the premises.
Overall, our stay was a complete value for money. We had space to move around, which I loved the most. Moreover, considering its prime location, complimentary breakfast spread, and social events, it is a complete steal deal for this city.
We booked ours at booking.com and got an amazing deal for our 3-night booking ($263). It’s a great place to stay, especially if you love budget properties that shower you with quality amenities.
Address: 616 W. Arlington Pl, Chicago, IL 60614
Contact Info: +1 773-929-5380, info@chicagogetaway.com
Website: https://www.getawayhostel.com/
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