Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 star property
Hotel with 2 restaurants, steps from Columbia College Chicago

Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

Banquet hall
Lobby
Exterior detail
Junior Suite, City View | Living area
Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking available
The current price is AU$353
includes taxes & fees
15 Sept - 16 Sept

Explore the area

View map
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60605
  • Art Institute of Chicago
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Millennium Park
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Grant Park
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

7.8 out of 10
Good
(53 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Deep-soaking bath
Hairdryer
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Junior Suite, City View

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(20 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • 50 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(134 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Deep-soaking bath
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Suite

7.8 out of 10
Good
(65 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Deep-soaking bath
  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(192 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Deep-soaking bath
  • 23 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(480 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Deep-soaking bath
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(117 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Deep-soaking bath
  • 23 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(507 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Deep-soaking bath
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Chicago

Congress Plaza Hotel puts you in the heart of Chicago, within steps of Auditorium Building and Theatre and Columbia College Chicago. Highlights at this hotel include 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. .Tavern Tap is open for breakfast. Tavern Tap is the hotel's own sports bar. 50000 square feet (4645 square metres) of event facilities include meeting rooms and conference space, and other business amenities include a business centre. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a gym and a coffee shop/cafe. Full breakfast is available at weekends between 6:30 AM and 11:00 AM. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Sights within a short walk of this Downtown Chicago hotel include Museum of Contemporary Photography and Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies.

What's nearby

  • Art Institute of Chicago - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Millennium Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Michigan Avenue - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Grant Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Chicago Riverwalk - 19 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • Chicago Van Buren Street Station - 2 min walk
  • Harrison Station - 5 min walk
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Fontano's Pizza and Subs - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Buddy Guy's Legends - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Lounge At Congress Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Maharaj Indian Grill - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Kitty O'Sheas - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Congress Plaza Hotel

Hotel with 2 restaurants, steps from Columbia College Chicago
There are 2 restaurants on site, along with a coffee shop/cafΘ. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. Business amenities include a business centre and meeting rooms.

WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. Event space at this hotel measures 50000 square feet (4645 square metres) and includes conference space. A fitness centre, a vending machine, and multilingual staff are also featured at the business-friendly Congress Plaza Hotel. For a fee, parking is available.

This Chicago hotel is smoke free.

  • 870 guestrooms or units
  • 14 levels
  • 3 buildings
  • 2 dining venues
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • Conference rooms
  • 50000 sq ft of conference space
  • 4645 sq. m of conference space
  • Built in 1893
  • Business facilities
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Gift shop
  • Beauty salon
  • ATM
  • On-site shopping
  • Bellhop
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Coffee shop
Congress Plaza Hotel offers 870 accommodations with a safe and coffee/tea makers. This accommodation offers separate sitting areas. Premium cable televisions are provided. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit with a deep soaking bath, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Hypo-allergenic bedding, change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • Uncovered parking on site (USD 62 per night)

Food and drink

  • Weekend full breakfast available 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 16 to 23 for adults and USD 12 to 18 for children
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 restaurants
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Restaurants on site

  • Tavern Tap
  • Tavern Tap

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Gym
  • Shopping

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Hair salon
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 50,000 square feet of conference space
  • Business centre
  • Meeting rooms

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • Lift
  • Smooth flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 100% renewable energy
  • 14 floors
  • 3 buildings
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1893
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Recycling
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 49.00
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 59.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 25.0 per day.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 25.00 per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 16 to 23 for adults and USD 12 to 18 for children
  • Uncovered self-parking fee: USD 62.00 per night
  • Early check-in fee: USD 49.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 59.00 (subject to availability)
  • An in-room refrigerator is available for an additional fee
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 25.0 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Carte Blanche, debit cards and cash.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Children aged 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Congress Hotel
Congress Hotel Plaza
Congress Plaza
Congress Plaza Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago
Hotel Congress Plaza
Plaza Congress Hotel
Congress Hotel Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel Hotel Chicago

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Congress Plaza Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Congress Plaza Hotel?

As of 2 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on 15 Sept 2025 start from AU$353.05, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Yep, Congress Plaza Hotel has an uncovered self car park for USD 62.00 per night.

Are there any beaches close to Congress Plaza Hotel?

The closest beach to Congress Plaza Hotel is Ohio Street Beach (2.3 km).

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Congress Plaza Hotel?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel serve breakfast?

You bet, full breakfast is offered at weekends from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Congress Plaza Hotel?

No, Congress Plaza Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Yep, Congress Plaza Hotel has 2 restaurants.

What time are check-in & check-out at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Are pets allowed at Congress Plaza Hotel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Congress Plaza Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 3964 out of 9136 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2472 out of 9136 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1409 out of 9136 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 714 out of 9136 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 577 out of 9136 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ranisha

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Marian

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The hotel is old.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kathryn

Drawers in room would not close properly.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

No name given

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It was okay! Like I wish the room was bigger and had a better view!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Abigail

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rooms have always been clean, though cleaning staff do not speak English well. Directions to rooms aren’t always very clear, and older stairwell regions could use updating. Front desk staff has always been polite and helpful if we are need of assistance. No close shopping centers, but plenty of good eats close by and charming arts right beside the park.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location. Friendly helpful staff. Bathrooms tired.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Darryl, Hoffman Estates

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
close to restaurants and lakefront
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Afet

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The facility has a great location in walking distance to many attractions. The family suite had a small bathroom with limited space.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shanise

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I visited for a short weekend stay with my family for a concert. Congress Plaza was accommodating and easy to check in! It’s a vintage hotel that is very well kept in a perfect location directly across from grant park! If you can appreciate a classic hotel you will love this place! We stayed in the two bedroom family suite and it was pretty big with three huge closets and refrigerators in both rooms. Transportation is easily accessible at the front door for pick up and drop off. There are plenty dining options in walking distance. I recommend The Grant down the street for dinner :) Security is at each entry at night so rest assured I felt safe. Great stay! Will visit again
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Roselyn

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gilberto

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
It was in the center of everything
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

NIchole

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was absolutely horrible. We had to book another hotel and leave the property. Our door wouldn’t lock and there were holes in the walls.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Shannon, Dallas

Travelled with group
Disliked: Amenities
The lobby area is beautiful and well kept up. Quite impressive when you walk in. However, upon arrival, we were informed that the elevators going to the 5th floor were not functioning and that we would have to carry our luggage up the stairs to our room. Even the bellmen were unwilling to do that- and rightfully so. We said we would not do that and that we should have our room changed to a section of the hotel where the elevators WERE working. A woman at the front desk told me that we were not to raise our voice…. Which had NOT happened! We eventually got a room change. The room was spacious and hadn’t been renovated since the 80’s. The tub would not drain, a/c could not be controlled, the lock chain was hanging on by one tiny screw. On top of all that, the hotel charged my friend’s credit cart $597 plus change- AFTER she had paid for the room in full through Expedia and had the receipt as proof. The front desk customer service is the worst I have experienced in MANY years of travel. The manager pawned off the problem to another lady- who still did not resolve the situation! When my friend went to question the charges, the manager called the police to stand guard- RIDICULOUS!!! We checked out this morning and the situation still has not been resolved. I will NEVER stay at the Congress Plaza Hotel again and will tell everyone I know not to stay there as well!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Megan

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is very outdated, the room smelled, the carpets were stained and paint was peeling.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tabitha, Loris

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful historical hotel. Loved it! Would definitely stay again
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Nicole

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The heat in the building didn’t work . It was cold And the picture I saw when I booked my reservation looked nothing like the building very disappointed
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Alayna

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
The beds are absolutely horrible and the lightening is not good. Need more lights.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Larry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was ok you'll expect more for the price.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is conveniently locate on the Millennium Mile. The staff is very friendly and the room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colleen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was really nice and accommodating. We were upgraded with a beautiful view. The bed was extremely comfortable and the pool table by the bar was a fun, pleasant surprise.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eugene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love this place and affordable prices for the time being.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Claudia

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025