Travel Help (Chicago, Quincy, Clinton: how much, hotel, taxi)

[rw2006]

I'm planning to travel to Chicago this summer. I need to know a couple of things:

-What's the closest L train station to Union Station and how far of a walk is it?
-I'm planning to stay at HI Hostel on 24 E Congress Parkway, 60605. By all of my research, it seems like a good place. How is the area around it and is it a good hostel?
-What's the Loop like? I heard it's great but dead at night.
-What are some areas I should stay out of?

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by rw2006

I'm planning to travel to Chicago this summer. I need to know a couple of things:

-What's the closest L train station to Union Station and how far of a walk is it?
-I'm planning to stay at HI Hostel on 24 E Congress Parkway, 60605. By all of my research, it seems like a good place. How is the area around it and is it a good hostel?
-What's the Loop like? I heard it's great but dead at night.
-What are some areas I should stay out of?

The closest stop is the Quincy stop, which connects you to the Orange, Brown and Pink lines. It's a few blocks, maybe a 5 minute walk.

The area around your hostel is fine, safety-wise.

You've heard correctly about the loop. Bustling during the day, beautiful architecture, but its not where Chicagoans spend their evenings. However, you'll be able to access all the nightlife areas pretty easily via public transit, so it shouldn't be a problem.

There aren't really any areas that you'd find yourself going into that you need to stay out of. The bad areas aren't really near anywhere with a tourist appeal, so you don't have to worry about finding yourself in a place that you really shouldn't be. Just don't ride the el with a 'golly gee I'm in the city' look on your face and you'll be fine.

[jiraiya]

hmm, i think the clinton stop on the blue line is closer (its maybe about 2 blocks), not sure, i guess it may depend on where you get out of the train station. if i am correct, i think the clinton stop is closer to the main entrance and you dont have to go over the bridge

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by jiraiya

hmm, i think the clinton stop on the blue line is closer (its maybe about 2 blocks), not sure, i guess it may depend on where you get out of the train station. if i am correct, i think the clinton stop is closer to the main entrance and you dont have to go over the bridge

I forgot about that stop, but I'd say they're probably about the same distance, perhaps the Clinton stop is a bit closer. Depends on where the OP needs to go from Union Station.

[Drover]

I'm guessing he needs to go from the station to the hostel which he mentioned was on Wabash and Congress, so the best bet is to hop on the Blue Line at Clinton, take it to LaSalle, and then walk the rest of the way. Or it might be just as well to hoof it from the station to the hotel -- it's maybe a 10-minute walk. Or there's always a couple of bus lines that run from the station to State or Wabash along Jackson.

[Manigault]

If the OP is coming into Union Station I'd also advise the person to hoof it from the station to east on Congress. It would probably even be faster than a taxi, with all the one way streets. Its not a bad walk -- over the river than past the Calder artwork and by the big historic buildings. I prefer the walk, myself. The Clinton subway stop is kind of dank and subterranean -- since its close to the river it is FAR underground.. [Yes, I know that's why they call it a subway!] That hostel is in an area with a lot of students rambling around after dark, also.

I think the bus #1 goes from Union Station to near the hostel on Congress, but the CTA info should be checked. Avoid residential areas without tourist attractions which are outside the Loop at night. Wear your game face.

[aragx6]

It depends on how much luggage you'll have if walking makes sense. If you don't have much, I'd just walk. If you have a significant amount I'd take a taxi- it won't be very expensive.