Alternative Lodging Options in Chicago

Most visitors to Chicago stay in a high-rise hotel downtown, usually near the Magnificent Mile. Those hotels aren't your only option, and with Chicago's hotel tax now among the highest in the country (see our accommodation guide), the alternatives are worth a look.

Hostels

Chicago has only a few hostels, and the list has gotten shorter. The Chicago Getaway Hostel at 616 W. Arlington Pl. in Lincoln Park, for years one of the city's main budget beds, has closed. Here's what's open.

HI Chicago, 24 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. This is the one most backpackers should book. It's in the Loop, a short walk from Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain and the Willis Tower Skydeck, and close to several L lines. Dorms range from four to 10 beds, some with their own bathroom, and there are private rooms and family rooms too. You get free Wi-Fi, a full guest kitchen, a game room, a café and free tours and events through the week. Check-in is at 4pm and check-out at 11am. You don't need a Hostelling International membership to stay, though members get perks.

Freehand Chicago, 19 E. Ohio St. Freehand started as a hotel-hostel hybrid, but its rooms page no longer lists shared dorm beds. The closest thing is the private quad, a room with four twin beds, each with a privacy curtain, a reading lamp and an outlet, plus your own bathroom. For four friends splitting the cost in River North, that's a good deal, and the Broken Shaker bar on site is a better hangout than most hostel common rooms. Check-out is at noon.

Wrigley Hostel, 3514 N. Sheffield Ave. A small hostel founded by travelers, in Wrigleyville, with dorms and private rooms, a couple of blocks from the Addison Red Line stop and Wrigley Field. The neighborhood gets loud on game days, and beds go early when the Cubs are home. The FAQ page covers age rules and check-in hours, so read it before you book.

Stay 424, 1415 N. Ashland Ave., Suite 424, in Wicker Park. A very small place aimed at digital nomads, with one eight-bed dorm, five private rooms that share bathrooms, a rooftop deck and a coworking space. We couldn't find a website of its own, so book through Hostelworld or a similar site. Recent reviews mention a wait for the bathrooms, so it's best for travelers who don't mind a little friction.

What to expect, and who can stay

Hostel policies on age vary, so check before you book. HI USA hostels have no upper age limit, and most guests under 18 must travel with a parent, guardian or group leader (HI's rules). Freehand requires you to be 18 to book, and minors have to stay in a private room with a parent or guardian. Bring ID, a padlock for the lockers and earplugs.

A hostel is the cheapest bed in town if you're alone. If there are three of you, you're usually better off booking a budget hotel room with two queens or a rollaway. For two people, compare prices. In high season a private room in a hostel can be the cheapest option, but in the slow months you can often find a two- or three-star hotel for less.

B&Bs and guesthouses

Many people don't realize Chicago has bed and breakfasts. They sit in residential neighborhoods rather than downtown, which gives you a better look at how people live here, and the owners are usually good for restaurant tips. The Wicker Park Inn, the house in the photo, is a boutique B&B in a historic home with nine rooms, each with its own bathroom, and it's a few blocks from the Blue Line to O'Hare. Prices vary a lot, so don't assume a B&B will cost less than a hotel. Book early for summer weekends, since a place with nine rooms fills fast.

Apartments

If you're staying more than a few days, an apartment can save money and gives you a kitchen and more space. There's usually a cleaning fee, and check-in isn't as easy as walking up to a hotel desk. Chicago also regulates short-term rentals closely, so check that the listing shows a city registration number, and expect a higher tax bill than at a hotel. Our accommodation guide has the rules. Pick a place near an L station and you can get anywhere in the city without a car. Our transportation guide explains the lines.

Other ways to save

If budget is what's driving your search, read how to save money on your trip to Chicago and our Chicago trip budget. Solo travelers should also read our solo travel in Chicago guide. And when you're ready to compare hotels, start with our Chicago hotel picks.

Photo by KFerguson