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The Chicago Parthenon Hostel in historic Greektown

Chicago Parthenon Hostel

A friendly, affordable hostel in historic Greektown — great
Greek food at the door and the Loop within walking distance.

Vendome Hotel1894 310 S. Halsted Street, in Greektown

Chicago Parthenon Hostel. Vendome Hotel, 1894, 310 S. Halsted Street. Photo courtesy of Chicago Parthenon Hostel.

Why this building matters

The hostel sits on Halsted Street in the heart of Greektown, one of Chicago’s most enduring immigrant neighborhoods, and takes its name from the beloved Parthenon restaurant — a Greektown institution from 1968 until 2016, often credited with popularizing flaming saganaki cheese. Today the strip remains home to the National Hellenic Museum and a row of classic Greek tavernas. A historic guide should reflect the whole city, and a great-value stay in a storied ethnic neighborhood is part of that story.

What guests are saying

What guests love

  • Unbeatable value and a sociable, traveler-friendly vibe — a communal living room with books and a TV, plus a shared kitchen for self-catering.
  • A genuinely convenient location: a one-minute walk to the UIC-Halsted Blue Line (a straight shot to O’Hare) and close to Union Station, Greyhound, and Megabus.
  • Surrounded by Greektown’s restaurants — Greek Islands, Athena, Artopolis — and a short walk from Willis Tower and the Loop.

What to keep in mind

  • A hostel, not a hotel — shared facilities and simple rooms
  • A lively, social atmosphere; request a quieter room if needed

Best for Budget-conscious, solo, and younger travelers who want a social, well-located base — and anyone who’d rather spend their money on the city than the room.

Summary of guest reviews. Sources: Chicago Parthenon Hostel, Commission on Chicago Landmarks, Preservation Chicago. Photography courtesy of Chicago Parthenon Hostel, used with permission. Details may change over time.