Congress Plaza Hotel

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

Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

Aerial view
Family Suite
Lobby
Exterior detail
Junior Suite, City View | Living area

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$241
includes taxes & fees
5 Aug - 6 Aug

Explore the area

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(47 reviews)

Highlights

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

Junior Suite, City View

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(18 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(119 reviews)

Highlights

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

Family Suite

7.6 out of 10
Good
(60 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • 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
(172 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(451 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(113 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(469 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • 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

  • ‪The Lounge At Congress Hotel - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Fontano's Subs - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Epic Burger - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Buddy Guy's Legends - ‬5 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.

Languages

English, Hindi, Spanish

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 9 July 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on 5 Aug 2025 start from AU$241.32, 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. 3807 out of 8923 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2449 out of 8923 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1380 out of 8923 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 719 out of 8923 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 568 out of 8923 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

Aliyah

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Sarah

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service

Take the good with the not so good

The location can't be beat if you are doing anything down by Millennium/Grant Park. However, the smell of the cleaning products they use in the hallways and rooms is extremely overwhelming and unpleasant, but that being said, the room itself was very clean and comfortable. The water in the room took close to 10 minutes to get warm enough to take a shower. Also, we were given a complementary drink in the hotel's lounge, but were charged for it anyway, which was disappointing. Overall, we would stay here again due to the affordability, location, and comfort the room provided.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Ikhee

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I’m not sure that housekeeping is going to be around 9am. It was embarrassing for me because I set my schedule by leaving the hotel at 9:30am.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erica

Travelled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Marcelito

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is very old. The room was okay and it was renovated. My stay was okay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paulette

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey, Bayonne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Ritu

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mauricio

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

10/10 Excellent

Bret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property and stay. Could have cleaned the shower drain as requested.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Quintina

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

8/10 Good

Steven

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

Center to all. Clean.

Very clean. Needed a blanket. Heat took very long to come on. Better TV channels. But overall very nice stay
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Charles

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Switched us rooms after the first one smelled terrible. Good service in that aspect but shouldn’t have had a moldy smelling room. Second one much better and was perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Molly

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
For how old the building is, it’s kept in great shape. We were greeted every time we came in and out, and room service was easily accessible when we needed it. Our room was quite hot when we came in though, and the toilet took a while to flush, but those weren’t huge deals to us. It’s also located in a perfect spot for “tourists” or anyone who wants to walk around the city.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Parinita

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had room booked which had another room next door, there's door shared between 2 rooms. We complained multiple times about the noise happening next door but staff couldn't take quicker action on it. We got the room changed at mid night which wasn't clean and didn't had spaciousness. We were extremely tired so we compromised and tried to sleep off but faced disturbed sleep cycle, extreme exhaustion and our whole travel got impacted due to it.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Excellent location. Rooms are updated and ok. Hallways are not exactly attractive. Bathrooms need better and higher toilets.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Kenneth

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Historical hotel with architectural elegance.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joy, Necedah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Left my whole life in Chicago and never stayed in a hotel downtown. The Congress is very historic and old, but the condition of the property, the staff and the beauty of it all one me over I would stay here again, very affordable and best location ever just don’t park next-door. Find a more affordable lot close by and walk to the hotel otherwise you will be trapped in the garage ( no ins and outs) and charged $68! 3/4 of the cost of a room
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean rooms; comfortable; 2-night stay with my daughter; would stay again. Staff were friendly and helpful!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth, Silver Spring

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erika

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

10/10 Excellent

Lupe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025