HI-Chicago 
Chicago 
Groups at HI-Chicago
HI-Chicago loves groups!
We recognize that every group comes to Chicago with different needs and desires, and it is HI-Chicago's intent to help make your experience in the Windy City a unique and memorable one. All you have to do is ask!
Groups Index
Group News & Current Offers
Groups Related Pages
Group Information Form
If you are interested in bringing a group to Chicago, please use our group information form and submit the requested information and a group coordinator will reply within 24 hours (Monday through Friday).
Contact a Group Coordinator
We look forward to your visit to Chicago! Please let us know how we can make your stay at the hostel a fantastic experience.
| Emily Piga Group Sales Manager (312) 583-2216 epiga@hichicago.org |
Rey Matos Front Desk Manager (312) 583-2225 rmatos@hichicago.org |
About Group Reservations
Rates: $30 and up, per person per night (plus tax). Any group of ten or more can make a group reservation and receive a complimentary group membership to Hostelling International. The hostel has no age restrictions. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by adult parent or chaperone. For information to be sent to you on making a group reservation for 10 or more people contact our Group Sales Manager.
Group News Current Offers
Make the Most of Your Stay in Chicago!
Find out about any current special offers and what is going on in Chicago right now for groups! Our Chicago experts can help with your itinerary planning or at least point you to the best websites for exploring Chicago. What could be easier than pre-purchasing from the hostel your tickets to the Willis Tower SkyDeck and the John Hancock Observatory?! We will have your tickets waiting when you arrive.
Click here for Group News or contact our Front Desk Manager
Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts have found Hostelling International to be an important partner in offering opportunities that match their scouting goals. Hostelling engenders a spirit of adventure, interaction, and discovery. Hostels provide a setting that is safe, clean, environmentally sensitive, comfortable, and friendly.
Click here for more Girl Scout information.
The Break Away Alternative
Break Away and Hostelling International USA are strong partners in providing you excellent inexpensive accommodations and resources to connect your group to service. Many of our hostels have provided a place for Break Away to host their Alternative Break Citizenship Schools, including here in Chicago in August 2005 and July 2006.
Hostels provide a great, low-priced accommodation for your group while volunteering in communities throughout the country. Chicago is a leader in this partnership, and Hostelling International Chicago provides site leaders with great information on how to lead an Alternative School Break in Chicago. Please contact our Group Sales Manager for more information.
Free overnight for Group Leaders
If you are a group leader who has never visited the hostel, we invite you to come stay overnight for a planning trip for FREE! Experience an overnight in downtown Chicago , stay at our facility in a shared dorm, and discover everything the hostel has to offer for your group. Contact Emily Piga at 312-583-2216 or Emily Piga to arrange for your complimentary overnight in a shared dorm. This offer is valid apart from group reservations and for one group leader only.
Programming
A hostel goes beyond just shelter. We want your group to have a dynamic hostelling experience just as millions have each year around the world. We connect your group to Chicago through our attraction relationships and depth of knowledge of the city. Click Group News for details.
- Assistance with itinerary planning
- Chicago orientation sessions
- Contact information for major attractions and restaurants
- Help with transportation and parking
- Movie nights at the hostel
There is no cost to obtain a group membership. If you have at least 10 people that will be visiting Hostelling International, then follow this link to apply:
FREE Group Membership Application. (US residents only).
Groups Frequently Asked Questions
10 most asked group questions
The staff and volunteers of HI-Chicago work hard to help your group have a great visit to Chicago. These are the top 10 questions that we answer for groups. If your question is not answered below, please call or email us.
1. What are hostels?
Hostels provide friendly, inexpensive overnight accommodations for travelers of all ages. Guests stay in multi-bedded, separate gender rooms and receive linens and a pillow upon check-in. Most hostels offer fully equipped self-service kitchens, dining areas, secure storage and common rooms for relaxing and socializing with other travelers. All Hostelling International hostels assure travelers the utmost in quality standards including cleanliness, security and service.
2. What is the rate?
Groups of 10 or more pay $30 and up per person per night (plus tax). Hostel staff and volunteers offer itinerary assistance and special discounts to museums and attractions as part of our service to groups.
3. What is included in the breakfast?
Breakfast is continental with a choice of bagels, muffins, cereal, fruit and orange juice or coffee.
4. How many beds are in a room?
The hostel has 8-bedded rooms with ensuite bathrooms and 10-bedded rooms with shared hall bathrooms. Group members are placed into the rooms based on group preference, room availability and rate.
5. Will our group members be in rooms by themselves?
If your group has members under the age of 18, no other hostellers will be in the rooms with you. If your group is 18 or older, hostel staff make an effort to keep your group together but cannot guarantee that your group members will be in rooms by themselves.
6. Does the hostel have any private rooms for chaperones and bus drivers?
HI-Chicago has a limited number of private rooms, based on availability. A room consists of one double bed and a set of bunk beds along with a private bath and shower. The rate is $130/night (plus tax).
7. What are the hostel's group payment and cancellation policies?
A deposit of 50% of the total amount due is required to secure a reservation. The remaining amount is due 30 business days before arrival. Cancellation of your group reservation must be received at least 30 days prior to scheduled arrival to receive a full refund. Reservations cancelled within 30 days of arrival will forfeit the cost of one night of the group reservation equal to the number in group times the rate for one night. Reservations cancelled or reduced 21 business days, or less, prior to the scheduled arrival, receive no refund. HI-Chicago reserves the right to cancel reservations that are not paid in full 30 business days prior to arrival.
8. If I don't know the exact male/female breakdown, should I make a reservation now?
Yes. Please make your reservation as soon as possible. Make an estimate of the number of males and females in your group. The final breakdown must be confirmed no later than three weeks before arrival when the balance is due.
9. Does our group have to be a member of Hostelling International to stay there?
No. Your group will receive a complimentary HI-USA group membership when you make your reservation.
10. Does the hostel have parking?
The hostel does not have its own parking lot, but guests of Hostelling International receive a special rate at a nearby garage, at 63 E. Congress Parkway . The front desk will stamp your parking receipt in order to get the special discount of $35/24 hours for a car, $90 and up/24 hours for full-size vans and buses. Parking downtown is expensive. We encourage you to consolidate vehicles or arrive by train or bus to help keep the cost of your group's trip down.