* X Indicates event has been cancelled.

Hostelling International USA hostels (HI-USA) provide the perfect setting for groups. The HI-USA hostel-stay experience can provide your group with affordable rates, effective sleeping arrangements, and a comfortable and friendly atmosphere not found in hotels. Our Assured Quality Standards program means you can rely on a consistent level of services and facilities including cleanliness, security and service.

Please see below for group facilities and services at this specific hostel.

For general information and FAQs about group stays with HI-USA please visit our main group page.

1. Basics

• 250 Total Beds
• Outdoor Space
• Meeting Rooms
• Girl Scout "Ready" Facility find out more
• 24 Hour Reception Desk
• Guest Kitchen
• Urban
• Residential Neighborhood
• Rural
• National, State, or City Park Land
• Free Pre-Trip Site Visit Available

2. Rates

Discounted member rates - all groups associated with educational or non-profit organizations automatically receive our member discount. Please order your Group Membership here.

• $28 - $45 Per Person (Based on season, room type, day of week, and exclusive dorm use)
• Taxes included
• Breakfast included

3. Breakfast and Other Meals

• Limited Continental (please ask hostel about specifics)
• Free DIY Pancake Station
• Free - Other (please check with hostel)
• Advance Notice Required
• Ala Carte Cafe - Items for Purchase
• Other Meals Available with Advance Notice
• Group Exclusive Kitchen with Advance Notice
• General Guest Kitchen
• Full Catering Available
• Off-Site Group Dining Coordination

4. Dorm Room Configuration

• 4 - 6 beds per Dorm
• 6 - 10 beds per Dorm
• 10+ beds per Dorm
• Ensuite Dorms Available
• Common Separate Gender Bathrooms
• Private Hall Bathrooms
• Ensuite Bathrooms
• Dorms with Keyed Access
• Lockers in Rooms
• Lockers Available On-Site
• Padlocks for Sale
• Bed Linen and Towel Provided
• Reading Light at Each Bed

5. Exclusive Dorm Use

• Available by Request
• Additional Fee May Apply
• For Group Participants Under 18 Years of Age

6. Private Rooms for Chaperones and Bus Drivers

• Private Group Leader Rooms (No private bath)
• Private Group Leader Rooms (Ensuite)
• Multiple Private Rooms Available (For general group participants)

7. Payment

• 50% Deposit Required to Secure Reservation
• 30 Days Prior to Stay that Full Payment is Due

8. Parking

• Free Parking
• Parking Very Limited and Requires Advance Reservations
• Parking with a Fee
• Off-Site Parking (discounts available)
• Street Parking
• Off-Site Bus Parking Possible (with advance reservations)

9. Meeting Space

• 2 Rooms Available
• 418 ??" 585 Room Square Footage
• Meeting Space Rental Fee
• Off-Site Meeting Space Available
• Outdoor Space
• Meeting Presentation Technology and Supplies Available (Check with hostel for details)

10. Packages

• All Inclusive Packages (Check with hostel for specifics)
• Girl Scout Getaway Package find out more
• Community Outreach and Volunteer Opportunities

11. Membership

Hostelling International is a non-profit membership organization promoting international understanding and peace though hostelling since 1909. To maintain our ability to offer low-budget accommodations we charge additional fees to non-members.

However, a FREE Group Membership is available to US groups. A group membership entitles everyone in the group to member rates. You must be the group leader of an organized, US based group of 10 or more people in order to apply for a free group membership.

Click here to order your FREE Group Membership today!

Chicago

Food and Drink

Exchequer Pub

A great Chicago establishment featuring a menu of pizza, burgers, and other bar food. Coupon for 10% off. Located at 226 S Wabash Avenue, 3 blocks from the hostel.
Tel: (312) 939-5633 website: http://www.exchequerpub.com/

Chutney Joe's

Quality Indian food in a counter-service style restaurant. 10% off with hostel key card between 2pm-10pm. Located at 511 S State Street, less than a block from the hostel.
Tel: (312) 341-9755 website: http://www.chutneyjoes.com/

Tamarind

Excellent pan-Asian food, reasonable prices, and a chic atmosphere. Coupon for 10% off or a free dessert. 614 S Wabash Avenue, 2 blocks from the hostel.
Tel: (312) 379-0970 website: http://www.tamarindsushi.com

Joe's Bar

Joe's Bar is a great American-style nightlife venue to watch sports, enjoy great beer and food, and mingle with locals! They also feature live country music on Fridays and various types of cover bands (80's, 90's, Top 40, etc.) on Saturdays, plus an awesome house DJ who plays on Tuesdays and on the weekends after the shows. The hostel coupon gives guests free entrance and one free drink. Located at 940 W Weed Street, a 20-minute train ride from the hostel.
Tel: (312) 337-3486 website: http://www.joesbar.com

Dairy Queen

Burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and more! Coupons good for $1 off medium or large Blizzard ice cream treat, and $1 off any Grill item. Located at 436 S Wabash, right next to the hostel.
Tel: (312) 753-5456 website: http://www.dairyqueen.com

Cafecito

The highest rated Cuban sandwich in Chicago is waiting for you right next door to the hostel! Cafecito is a Cuban cafe with a wide array of pressed sandwiches, specialty salads, and great coffee drinks. Free house coffee or fountain drink with the hostel key card. Located at 26 E Congress Parkway, RIGHT next to the hostel!
Tel: (312) 922-2233 website: http://www.cafecitochicago.com

Buca di Beppo

Buca di Beppo is a great family-style Italian restaurant located in Chicago's River North district. They offer modern, Italian cuisine in an eclectic, vintage setting. The dishes are served family style and meant to be shared, so this is a grat place to go with a big group! Coupon is good for 20% off. $ush & Grand Avenue.
Tel: 312-396-0001 website: http://www.bucadibeppo.com

Travel and Tours

Chicago Architecture Foundation

High-quality bus, walking, and boat architecture tours. Coupon for $3 off architectural bus and walking tours. Located at 224 S Michigan Avenue, 3 blocks away from the hostel.
Tel: (312) 922-3432 website: http://www.architecture.org/

Chicago Theater Tour

Take an hour-long tour of this iconic Chicago theater! Special $10 price for 12pm Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday tours. $2 off regular price. Located at 175 N. State Street, a 20-minute walk from the hostel.
Tel: 1-800-745-3000 website: http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/tour/

Bobby's Bike Hike

Bobby’s Bike Hike offers exciting 3-hour bike tours of Chicago, Tours depart three times daily and are ideal for all ages and fitness levels. Coupons are for a $25 tour and include bike, helmet, and tour guide. 465 N. McClurg Ct.
Tel: 312-915-0995 website: http://www.bobbysbikehike.com

Chicago Line Cruises

Excellent 90-minute architecture and historical boat tours of Chicago. Historical Cruises sail on Lake Michigan and architectural Cruises traverse the Chicago River. Coupons are good for $8 discount (regular price: $36) and include $36.00 include tax, and Starbucks Coffee, Coca-Cola products, lemonade, muffins and cookies. 465 N. McClurg Ct.
Tel: 312-527-1977 website: http://www.chicagoline.com/

Attractions

Museum of Contemporary Art

A must-see for any modern art lover. 1/2 off admission with hostel key card. ($6 with discount) Located at 220 E Chicago Avenue, a 15-minute bus ride from the hostel.
Tel: (312) 280-2660 website: http://www.mcachicago.org/

Loyola University Museum of Art

An art museum associated with Chicago's Loyola University, featuring permanent Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque collections, as well as rotating exhibitions. 1/2 off admission with hostel key card. ($3 with discount) Located at 820 N Michigan Avenue, a 15-minute train/bus ride from the hostel.
Tel: (312) 915-7600 website: http://www.luc.edu

Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) Skydeck

The Skydeck Observatory features amazing views from the top of the tallest building in the Americas! $11 tickets available at the front desk. (Discounted from $14.95) Located at 233 S Wacker Drive, a 15-minute walk from the hostel.
Tel: (312) 875-9696 website: http://www.willistower.com

John Hancock Observatory

Visit the observatory of another one of Chicago's impressive skyscrapers, right in the heart of the Magnificent Mile shopping district. $11 tickets available at the front desk. (Discounted from $15) Located at 875 N Michigan Avenue, a 15-minute bus/train ride from the hostel.
Tel: (888) 875-8439 website: http://www.hancockobservatory.com

Entertainment

Kingston Mines Blues

One of Chicago's premier blues clubs, with two stages of music until 4a.m. seven days a week. Coupons for $3 off Tuesday-Saturday, and FREE Sunday and Monday. Located at 2548 N Halsted Street, a 20-minute train ride from the hostel.
Tel: (773) 477-4646 website: http://www.kingstonmines.com/

Buddy Guy's Legends

A world-class blues club, founded by American blues legend Buddy Guy. Coupon for 1/2 off admission, valid Sunday-Thursday. Located at 754 S Wabash Avenue, 3 blocks from the hostel.
Tel: (312) 427-1190 website: http://www.buddyguys.com/

Smart Bar

One of the best places in Chicago for up-and-coming electronic music DJs! Coupon is good for free admission before 12am when there is no special event taking place. Check the website to see the DJ schedule. Located at 3730 N Clark Street, a 30-minute train ride from the hostel.
Tel: (773) 549-0203 website: http://www.smartbarchicago.com/

Tommy Gun's Garage

Coupon good for $5.00 off at this "speakeasy" style dinner show. Prices without discount = $60-$70. *Prices include: dinner/show, soup or salads, vegetable, potato, rainbow sherbet, coffee, tea or soda, tax & gratuity. Located at 2114 S Wabash Avenue, a 15-minute bus/train ride from the hostel.
Tel: (312) 225-0273 website: http://www.tommygunsgarage.com

ESPN Zone

ESPN Zone feautres a 10,000 square foot Sports Arena filled with interactive games, from Pop-a-Shot to air hockey to a ton of different arcade games. There's also a full-service resaturant and bar where you can watch your favorite American sports game. Coupon is good for $5 the purchase of a $25 game card, or 20% off any one item in the retail store. 43 E. Ohio St.
Tel: 312-644-3776 website: http://www.espnzone.com

Housekeeping Manager at HI - Chicago posted 2010-06-24

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Housekeeping Manager at HI - Chicago

Hostelling International Chicago is seeking a full time Housekeeping Manager to oversee the housekeeping departments of the large downtown Chicago hostel. This position is a great career opportunity for anyone working in hospitality or nonprofit management. Good candidates must have similar job or supervisory experiences, experienced travelers, especially experienced hostellers, who are organized, detail oriented, enthusiastic and highly motivated.
This position is essential to the success of the hostel in Chicago that is owned and operated by Hostelling International USA. Hostelling International Chicago is an Illinois nonprofit company.
Hostelling International Chicago is located in downtown Chicago at 24 East Congress Parkway and is one of the world’s best hostels. Located in a seven-story structure, the hostel offers 500 beds at peak capacity. Travelers come to the hostel from every corner of the globe. Our mission is “to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling.”

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor housekeeping staff.
• Support hostel operations staff including GM, AGM, sales, programs, maintenance and front desk.
• Oversee the cleanliness of all guestrooms, corridors and public areas of the building through daily inspections.
• Understand the budgeting and expenses of the department and the priorities that evolve due to budgeting.
• Maintain and adjust daily schedules in accordance with staffing needs based on forecasts and availability.
• Assign and follow-up on work in both written and oral form
• Conduct meetings, training and evaluations; administer disciplinary actions and make staffing recommendations as necessary.
• Perform or oversee the set-up and inspections of meeting rooms, guest rooms and common areas on a daily basis.
• Oversee the annual conversion of resident accommodation to hostel rooms to meet guest demands.
• Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction for cleanliness of the hostel.
• Maintain MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for cleaning chemicals.
• Available to work weekends and perform on-call responsibilities during evenings and holidays for emergencies and to assist hostel staff as needed.
• Follow-up with all guest’s inquiries as necessary.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal relations skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong supervisory, evaluation and management skills;
• Ability to join team-oriented approach to accomplishing goals;
• Demonstrates ability to manage time efficiently;
• Strong organizational and computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle high pressure situations;
• Knowledge of OSHA laws;
• Must be in excellent physical condition and be able to lift at least 50lbs;
• Ability to effectively deal with customers, residents and other department throughout the building.

Education and Experience

Minimum education required is completion of an accredited 4-year undergraduate degree. Travel experience, especially hostelling experience, preferred. We also seek experience in: 1) hotel or property management; and 2) familiarity with HI-USA and hostelling in general.

Reports to: Supervised and supported by HI-Chicago General Manager.

Salary, Benefits, and Hours

$32,000 to $35,000 annual salary, based on experience. Exempt position. Excellent benefits package including health insurance and retirement investments.

To Apply

Position is vacant and can be filled immediately. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Submit cover letter with either resume or application (call or pick up at office) to:

Email:
Paul Coley
Hostelling International Chicago
24 East Congress Pkwy
Chicago IL 60605-1226

Hostelling International USA and Hostelling International Chicago are equal opportunity employers.
For further information about hostelling in Chicago, see our website at: www.hichicago.org

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Last updated 2010-06-24

Get Involved

Been there, done that? You've seen the world and now you want to share it! The perfect way to do this is through volunteering at Hostelling International-USA.

Our philosophy about volunteers: "Volunteers are an essential part of the hostelling movement, playing a key role in sharing their own life experiences and passion for travel with hostellers locally and from around the world. HI-USA volunteers will be vital contributors to the future of hostelling by providing innovative ideas, resources, and serving as hostelling ambassadors in their local communities."