Finding temp place to stay for 2 weeks when start new job (Chicago: extended stay, apartment)

[reneeh63]

My friend is starting a new job downtown and needs a place to stay for a few weeks while finding an apartment. He was hoping to do airbnb or something but now that it's "spring" he's having trouble finding any kind of vacancies.

Other than craigslist (which he's already looking at) what are other cheap options for a couple weeks? He just needs to crash - could just be a spare bedroom and doesn't have to be downtown, just accessible to public transportation. He'd rather not shell out the cash needed for a hotel room!

[JTE1969]

Live in a vehicle and take baths at public swimming pools. Or can't he stay at a friend's place?

[reneeh63]

Originally Posted by JTE1969

Live in a vehicle and take baths at public swimming pools. Or can't he stay at a friend's place?

Nice....he's starting a new job...doesn't have a current apartment....doesn't know people in town...because it's a new job? Yeah...does that help? Thanks...bunches.

[convextech]

Originally Posted by reneeh63

My friend is starting a new job downtown and needs a place to stay for a few weeks while finding an apartment.
...
He'd rather not shell out the cash needed for a hotel room!

When I moved to Huntsville AL for a new job, I lived at a cheaper suite hotel until I found an apartment in an area I liked. I would never crash with someone I didn't know, especially in a new city.

[jman07]

There has to be some air BB's available. You might have to look further from the city or he can find something close to the train.

[Atlanta_BD]

What about an extended stay?

[chet everett]

Even the most sketchy "vacation" type sites that are renting out rooms in a shared house or apartment are over $50/night for any reasonably part of the city. If your friend wants to spend less they will need to look in the suburbs.

[lepoisson]

The hostelling international hostel on Congress & Wabash is awesome. It's about $20-30 per night.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by lepoisson

The hostelling international hostel on Congress & Wabash is awesome. It's about $20-30 per night.

Probably want to update --

The "economy dorm" for a bed in a "barracks" with 9 others, shared common bathroom is $34/night plus a $3/night non-member fee, plus Chicago's delightful 17.4% room tax Private rooms are basically no cheaper than a hotel through a booking site -- https://affiliates.hihostels.com/hos...17-04-04#price

[lepoisson]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Probably want to update --

The "economy dorm" for a bed in a "barracks" with 9 others, shared common bathroom is $34/night plus a $3/night non-member fee, plus Chicago's delightful 17.4% room tax Private rooms are basically no cheaper than a hotel through a booking site -- https://affiliates.hihostels.com/hos...17-04-04#price

Ouch, their prices must have gone up since I stayed there. That being said, I don't think you'll find a hotel or private room for $40/night in the loop.