Hostelling International–ChicagoFirst, a little history. Hostelling International was founded in 1932 by a group of hostelling associations from across Europe. Today, HI is made up hostels in over 90 countries, worldwide.
We will be staying in the J. Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel during our time in Chicago. Built in 1886, the 87,700 square foot, seven-story building is one of the last remaining heavy-timber style buildings in the Downtown area, a style common to Chicago after the 1871 fire. The building's initial purpose was to house the plate-glass, carpet and lithography manufacturing processes. In fact, the building once held the presses for Encyclopedia Britannica. In 2000, after extensive renovation, the old factory building was transformed in to one of the world's most admired lodges for young travelers.
This will be our second stay at HI–Chicago. We called this award-winning hostel our home during last year's ASB trip to Chicago and are pleased and excited to be doing the same for this trip.
This historic building is located in the heart of Downtown Chicago just minutes from the city's most well-know attractions including Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. Even better, it just steps from a platform for Chicago's transit system ("The L"). This means we are close to all the action that Chicago has to offer whether it be by foot, bus 0r train.
HI–Chicago serves a wide an diverse group of travelers including those from Europe, South America and other areas around the globe. During our stay, we encourage you to talk with some of your fellow hostelers and get to know their story.
The hostel offers multiple amenities that are unique (as far as hostels are concerned) including Wi-Fi, a TV room, computer lab and large cafeteria. The rooms consist of eight bunked beds, lockers, shower room, bathroom, and a vanity area. If you are planning to bring valuables, such as your laptop or iPod, and would like to lock them up while you are away from your room, remember to pack a lock as they are not provided by the hostel.
If you take issue with strange beds, you might consider packing a blanket and pillow of your own to ensure a truly restful sleep. Sleeping bags are not permitted.
Each room has a private shower area (a true luxury in the hostelling world) which is cleaned before each guest checks in however you are welcome to bring flip-flops for showering if you'd prefer.
The hostel offers all of its guests a complimentary continental breakfast each morning including bagels, toast, fresh fruit and orange juice. If, like Charee, you shy away from burnt and watery coffee, rest assured. Dunkin Donuts is just around the block, right on our way to the L platform. There is also a Panera Bread restaurant directly across the street from HI–Chicago.
Room assignments have already begun for our trip. If you did not attend our February 21st meeting and have questions about your room assignment, contact Daniel LaFuente or Charee Holloway at their CCAD email addresses.
For an even closer look at HI–Chicago, check out this video:
If you would like to learn more about HI–Chicago or Hostelling International, visit their Web site here.
