HI Chicago, The J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel

24 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, South Chicago, United States

3-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.4 / 5

Overview

HI Chicago, The J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel is a 3-star hostel set in the heart of The Loop in South Chicago, at 24 East Ida B. Wells Drive. Despite its hostel format, the property carries a strong 4.4 rating across more than 3,000 reviews, reflecting its reputation as a trendy, well-run budget option in a prime downtown location. It offers both dormitory-style and private room accommodations, making it flexible for solo backpackers and small groups or families alike.

Rooms

Guests can choose between single-sex dorms with wooden bunk beds and shared or en suite bathrooms, or private rooms suitable for couples or families traveling together. Towels and linens are included with every stay. Some private room configurations include a shared kitchen, living room, and bathroom, offering a more residential feel for those wanting extra space and privacy.

Amenities & Recreation

Common areas include a lounge and game room equipped with guest computers, pool tables, and ping-pong, as well as a communal kitchen for self-catering. Laundry facilities and lockers are available for guests, and free Wi-Fi is provided throughout. The hostel also organizes complimentary tours and activities, along with a regular schedule of social events aimed at helping travelers meet one another.

Location

The hostel sits just a 3-minute walk from Harrison subway station, putting the L train within easy reach for getting around the city. It's within a short walk of major Loop and lakefront attractions, including Grant Park (589m), Cloud Gate and Millennium Park (809m/821m), the Art Institute of Chicago (548m), Willis Tower and its Skydeck (848m), the Chicago Cultural Center (895m), and the Chicago Theatre (1,085m). Slightly farther afield but still walkable are the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and the Chicago Riverwalk.

Best for

This hostel is best suited to backpackers, solo travelers, and budget-conscious groups who want a social atmosphere alongside an unbeatable downtown location, thanks to its game room, communal kitchen, and organized social activities. It also works well for families or small groups seeking private rooms with shared kitchen and living space, given its proximity to Chicago's major museums and landmarks within walking distance.

Travel tips

The hostel is a 3-minute walk from Harrison subway station, making it easy to reach other parts of Chicago without a car. Many of the city's top attractions -- the Art Institute, Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, and Willis Tower -- are all within a 15-minute walk, so a full day of sightseeing can be done largely on foot. Since it's a hostel with shared facilities, booking private rooms early is advisable if you need more space or are traveling as a family.

What guests say

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly, helpful staff, clean and well-maintained shared facilities, and the unbeatable central location near Michigan Avenue and top Loop attractions. Many highlight the included free breakfast with a good variety of options, as well as the strong value for the price. Guests also frequently mention the wide range of organized social activities as a highlight for meeting fellow travelers, and note that security measures like access control and lockers make solo travel feel safe. A few reviewers gently note that as a hostel rather than a luxury hotel, some beds (like twins) are on the smaller side, though overall satisfaction remains high.

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