I recently stayed at a hostel in a safe neighborhood in Chicago, and I couldn't be more pleased with my experience. This was my second stay at this hostel, and I chose to return because of the cleanliness, tranquility, and the ability to get a good night's sleep without any disturbances. The location is fantastic, with many cafes nearby and convenient access to buses 22 and 36, which take you directly to the downtown area. The hostel offers rooms with private toilets and sinks, as well as simpler rooms without these amenities. The shared showers on each floor are always clean. There is a communal kitchen on the first floor, equipped with a stove for cooking, a freezer, a refrigerator, and shelves where guests can store their food. The hostel also provides breakfast, which I would describe as modest, but it's a nice perk. Overall, this hostel is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and peaceful stay in Chicago.

However, there were a few drawbacks. In the women's shower, the hot water took an extremely long time to heat up, and the water pressure was very low. It often took about 10 minutes for the water to warm up, and even then, it was lukewarm at best.

I liked the location. I wasn't sure if I was in the right place at first, but it's tucked within a nice neighborhood. The neighborhood is VERY walkable. I enjoyed walking around the neighborhood each day of my stay. The room was not as big as I thought it would be from the pictures, but it did suffice. the closet was very functional and sizeable. I stayed in a hostel in Hollywood, CA that was comparable in price, but it had a TV and a mini fridge. It would have been nice if both were in the room. Nice patio to sit on behind the building. The common area is nice. I just wish people would clean up after themselves, but that's no way the hostel's fault. With all the commotion going on, they should have both screens on closed caption so viewing can be enjoyable and understood. I saw them bring waffles in, but no waffles were served the next day... that was a real bummer. They try to replenish the dishware as quickly as possible. I wish bananas and/or apples could be an option as well and not just oranges. The donuts were hard, stale, not delicious and not even redeemable being warmed up. I just didn't like that people would leave their mess for staff to clean up and holding up space for others. The breakfast consisted of coffee, tea, milk, cereals, bread, donuts, boiled eggs (not daily though), oranges (not enough to last some days), condiments- sugar, honey, hot sauce, salt, pepper, butter, jams... oh and the waffles I didn't get to partake in. The restrooms were relatively clean... as clean as others left the space they used. Shelves inside the showers would be helpful. The elevator is small and slow. Outside of getting luggage to/from room, it was easier/quicker [for me] to take the stairs. The staff were all so nice and helpful, especially the guy that had been or had heard of Hollywood, FL. oan: I'm doing this review from the PC rather than my phone so no photos to add unfortunately.

Th beds. The limited breakfast... but I understood because it's a hostel. No TV nor mini fridge in the room I had that wasn't a shared room. Closed captioning not being on the TV.

The location is excellent, in a very quiet, beautiful neighborhood with lots of options. The hostel is super clean. Breakfast is good, and when there are muffins, they are delicious.

What I didn’t like was the fact that you’re not allowed to cook seafood. There’s a sign in the kitchen that says fish is prohibited, but I was told off for cooking shrimp, claiming the smell would be too strong. However, when people cook bacon, it creates a lot of smoke and a much stronger smell. That was the only thing I didn’t like about the hostel.

o had the best time, staff wee and i g so tentative everything i needed i can not wait to come back again when in Chicago it was fab to be outside the city & only just over an hour walk which was lovely waking along the lake side & beaches i goto see so much more doing this x visited local bars one particular was HUNTERS super lovely staff and just a little walk down the road , went to a Baseball Game which was a quick trip down the road then hit a pls e called Sluggers where we tried our hand at some swings , lovely local park with nice places to picnic & lush cafes , great deep dish liza’s , stunning sunsets on the pier, i did do the 360 tour which was cool for pics, then the speedboat tour that was fun too. public transport it easy although i walked alot , beaches are cool clean and relaxing

nothing tbh,

I stayed a few nights in downtown at HI and a few nights here. This was the better hostel - the location was nicer and the hostel had more atmosphere and better bathrooms and facilities. Staff were better too.

I’m only giving an 8/10 instead of 10/10 as the bunk beds could be a lot better. My bed rocked back and forth whenever I tried to climb up or down, it felt unsafe, but was a nuisance to everyone in the room. I was lucky as I could place items on top of a locker next to me, but some beds didn’t have this. There was some bizarre signage around the property making heavy handed threats that guests would be ‘asked to leave’ if they don’t properly close a door, or use the outdoor area after 10pm. I imagine the property has had issues in the past, but it added some negativity and hostility to the environment.

First time staying in a hostel and it exceeded my expectations. I was nervous but they booked me with the best 3 strangers I could ask for. The community kitchen, TV room, patio, lobby and bathrooms were always clean. Staff were very friendly and attentive from check in to check out! A lot of food choices in the area in walking distance as well as a short train or bus ride downtown.

(NOT A CON, JUST WASN’T FULLY AWARE) I assumed the room was an all female 4 bed dorm but it was not. I think the staff maybe tries but it’s not a guarantee. My stay happened to have all girls so I was very comfortable but one of the roommates had been there a week and stayed with 2 guys during her stay. She said they didn’t bother her and she didn’t feel uncomfortable or scared she just also assumed it would be all females.

The location is great for the price, not too close to the heart of the city for the loudness and crowds but close enough to walk to many gems and cheaper taxis. I liked the freedom of getting to use the kitchen whenever it was open, and how friendly the staff was whenever I needed help. Very happy to see open-minded staff

I would have liked if the men's showers had more privacy, like a stall door, and while I did find a house centipede and a jumping spider in the room, I don't mind them very much, although I know not everyone would like that so I just wanted to mention it

It has breakfast, although not super healthy. I love that the kitchen is big and things are in order. People are friendly and the music played is nice. It has a garden for smokers and some sun bathing. It’s clean and staffs are helpful.

The air con feels too strong and the bunk beds have no curtains. A bit too expensive but maybe it’s just a Chicago thing. The filtered water is in the kitchen which is close from 00:00-07:00, not ideal for people who needs to drink or eat at late night. The stove is only available until 9pm.

We loved staying at the Getaway Hostel! I have a feeling this will be my go to location for Chicago stays from here on out. The private room we had was plenty big and the beds were nice and comfy. The breakfast and kitchen were nice amenities and don’t get me started on Location!! Loved the location here.

The ONLY thing I have feedback on is how hot the rooms were. Our room had a fan, but even with it on high it was stuffy and sweating level hot. We couldn’t open the window per signage asking not to, but for it being in the 50’s outside it felt extremely sticky and hot inside. It was close to probably 74-78 which is definitely not comfortable. The common areas felt great though!

The beds were comfy, the lockers were big, the staff were friendly and the kitchen was well-equipped. The free breakfast in the morning was a nice touch, too!

Nothing major, just a couple of minor issues. The bathrooms were clean, but some showers had no hooks for clothes, and there was only one per sex per floor, which were a little far from the dorms. The beds, while comfy, were quite loud, and it was difficult to get into bed without waking up other people. A little bit out of the city centre, but near-ish to an "L" station and some bus stops.