Congress Plaza Hotel

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

Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

Banquet hall
Property preview
Exterior detail
Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside
Lobby

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
The current price is AU$396
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

Explore the area

View map
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60605
  • Place, Auditorium Building and Theatre
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Columbia College Chicago
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Millennium Park
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(212 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(22 reviews)

Highlights

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

Family Suite

  • Sleeps 6

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(547 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(493 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(127 reviews)

Highlights

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

Family Suite

7.8 out of 10
Good
(69 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

7.8 out of 10
Good
(55 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(146 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Lakefront Suite

  • Sleeps 2

Accessible Room

  • Sleeps 4

Standard Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

Standard King Room

  • Sleeps 2

King Room with Lake View

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Two Double Room

  • Sleeps 4

Two Double Room with Lake View

  • Sleeps 4

Junior Suite, City View

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite

  • Sleeps 2

Suite with City View

  • Sleeps 2

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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

  • Auditorium Building and Theatre - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Columbia College Chicago - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Buckingham Fountain - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Art Institute of Chicago - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Millennium Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 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

  • ‪Epic Burger - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Fontano's Pizza and Subs - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Lounge At Congress Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Gazebo Restaurant at Grant Park - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Thai Spoon - ‬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 air-conditioned 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.

This Chicago hotel provides complimentary wired 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 wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • Uncovered parking on site (USD 62 per night)
  • Limited on-site self parking

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
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Heating
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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)
  • 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 31 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on 5 Jan 2026 start from AU$396.15, 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. A self car park is also available, for a fee.

Are there any beaches close to Congress Plaza Hotel?

The closest beach to Congress Plaza Hotel is Oak Street Beach (3.1 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. 4322 out of 9727 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2610 out of 9727 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1495 out of 9727 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 715 out of 9727 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 585 out of 9727 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Victoria

.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Walking distance to restaurants and the staff was very helpful. Your door men did an outstanding job and every one of them went out of their way to help.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

shawn

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vedran

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love this place
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Robert

Travelled with group
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Remodeling, bathroom door knob in my room was broken, one of the bed under it saw lil pieces of food
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

mell

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check in was quick and easy. Parking is expensive at the hotel but easy to fine and accessible around the hotel. Views were great and near lots of places to eat.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kristy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love the Congress. We stay here every year.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nettie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They have amazing service, the staff is very friendly. The food is good and it was just a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this hotel for families and single travelers. Just fantastic.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Great location bathroom needed updating and other public facilities inside hotel are dated.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kyle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Daniel

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Rooms extremely out of date, in poor condition, and had a strange smell. The staff however were very nice and accommodating.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jamichael

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisbeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Top Lage, sehr zentral
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Mohamed

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Mallory

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location, nice but dated hotel

Stayed here for few days while attending a conference near Willis Tower. Easy walk over there, as well as to Millennium Park. As a solo female, I felt very safe in the area, even walking around at night! There are plenty of other people out and about, which helps. The hotel itself is decent--it feels elegant and vintage in the lobby. Walking over to the elevators sends you back 40 years and everything is extremely dated. The hallways between the hotel rooms are also really dingy and not welcoming at all. Thankfully, the room was decently updated and I had a lovely view of the lake! The room itself was comfortable, but some of the wares, again, felt dated (small TV/no TV guide, binder full of hotel recommendations that feel like they haven't been looked at in years). The bathroom also has zero counter space and could be updated. But overall, this room was fine for a few days in the city, and I appreciated the lower cost of this hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Kathy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Coffee pot and iron did not work - adjoining room was very loud all night long - I acutaly booked a room with 1 queen bed and we were place in a room with 2 double beds and an adjoining room - not in our party. They were very loud overall beautiful hotel just a few glitches
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Karla

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Craig, Olathe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This is a beautiful historic Chicago downtown hotel across the street from Grant Park. However, some of the rooms and hallways are in need of updating.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Nerie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Clean, but old hotel room.

Clean linen and towels. Comfortable bed. Old a/c unit that made noises when adjusted and may use some filter cleaning. Old carpet.Tiny room. No space for a table, just one chair available. Fridge and cofee maker were good.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandi

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great stay! Easy check in, kind and helpful staff. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Steve and Johnny the bellboys were always very nice and helpful! A smile and quick conversation whenever we see saw them. We had an awesome time!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms. Liked how there’s things nearby to do. Staff were polite
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

William, Tempe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stay here every year for music festival, it's super convenient to the public transportation and close to most of the downtown area attractions. It's an older hotel but rooms are clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025