Exposed brick, high ceilings and granite counter tops conjures the image of a loft space you can’t afford to live in, but it’s one you can absolutely afford to stay in while visiting Chicago. This converted apartment building and remarkably clean hostel is tucked away into the folds of Chicago’s chic Wicker Park neighborhood. Urban Holiday Lofts offers a unique reprieve from the typical Chicago lodging options–ones that are vastly divided between decadence and decay.
Chicagoans either love or hate the endlessly effervescent and hopelessly youthful Wicker Park area for its infinite offerings of hip coffee shops, speakeasy bars and high-end resale shops. Take it or leave it, Wicker Park is a great place to be based while visiting the city. It’s an easy train ride to downtown for easy access to your standard touring needs, yet it also provides an experience entirely of its own. There are plenty of wonderful goods to eat, like the tacos at Big Star, and concoctions to drink, such as the cocktails at The Violet Hour, in the immediate vicinity. In addition, it hosts some of Chicago’s best music venues and artist studios. Check out the Flat Iron Art Building’s monthly First Fridays event, when the building’s artists open up their studios to inquisitive visitors. Bring your own wine and mingle.
Now before you head out to make friends, let’s settle you into your new digs. The hostel consists of four color-blocked floors of various arrangements of rooms, either private or shared, gender neutral or not. The choice is yours. (A tip for the weary: if you’re planning to stay in the all-female shared “bunkalow,” be sure to ask for bed 7. Just do it.) Along with the rooms, the bathrooms are immaculately clean, and the communal kitchens are well outfitted, if you plan to cook and save a few bucks. Free breakfast is provided every morning in the top floor common area, which you can enjoy with leisure while using the equally-free wifi. Any experienced traveler will appreciate the no-nonsense attitude that permeates this space, as well as the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
So this is it, a place where you can stay like a native in a loft that loves its city as much as it loves sharing it with others. It’s Chicago, and we’re here if you need us.
