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

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
The current price is AU$370
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(211 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

View all photos for Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside | Living room

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(22 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Family Suite

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Family Suite

  • Sleeps 6

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(543 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

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(493 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

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(125 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

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite

Family Suite

7.8 out of 10
Good
(69 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

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

7.8 out of 10
Good
(54 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(144 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

View all photos for Standard Lakefront Suite

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Lakefront Suite

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Accessible Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Accessible Room

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Standard Queen Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Standard King Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard King Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for King Room with Lake View

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

King Room with Lake View

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Standard Two Double Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Two Double Room

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Two Double Room with Lake View

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Two Double Room with Lake View

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Junior Suite, City View

Junior Suite, City View

Junior Suite, City View

Highlights

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

View all photos for Deluxe Suite

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Deluxe Suite

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Suite with City View

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

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
  • State Street - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Buckingham Fountain - 6 min walk - 0.6 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
  • ‪Gazebo Restaurant at Grant Park - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Lounge At Congress Hotel - ‬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 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.

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includes taxes & fees
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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)

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 26 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on 1 Dec 2025 start from AU$370.34, 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 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.

Reviews

Congress Plaza Hotel Reviews

8.0

Very good

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4271 out of 9659 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2596 out of 9659 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1480 out of 9659 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 725 out of 9659 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 587 out of 9659 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Srikanth

Travelled with family
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Yvonne, Webberville

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

michael

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Nicholas, Danbury

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Two nights at this hotel and I will never stay here again. Old outdated rooms, noisy and moldy, crusted air conditioners, and NO HOT WATER.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

KERRY

Travelled with family
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Logan

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. While the lobby was nice, hallway and rooms felt rundown. Shower stains, broken drawers. Beds were pretty comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Thomas

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location with easy access to everything Chicago has to offer. Pretty basic amenities in the rooms, but worked perfectly as a place to sleep at the end of the day.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Tami

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Tami

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient to South Loop sites!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hung

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good hotel and will come back in the future
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good hotel and will come back in the future
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

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

Misleading Listing

This property was nothing like what was advertised. Upon arrival, the condition of the hotel and lack of upkeep made it immediately clear that it did not meet the standards shown online. The experience felt far below what I expected based on the listing & price. I chose to check out right away and booked a better-quality hotel nearby at my own expense. I contacted the hotel to request a refund based on the clear discrepancy between the listing and the actual condition, but they declined. That was frustrating, especially given that other hotels in the area offer a much better overall experience. I’ve raised the issue with Hotels.com and my payment provider. I advise others to be cautious before booking here, and I hope the property takes steps to improve both the quality and the accuracy of how it’s represented.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tryvon

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always enjoy myself there
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jasmin

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

8/10 Good

Preeti

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The bellhop (storage) staff and greeters at the front door were excellent. The security staff were abrasive and rude, as the bathroom was closed for cleaning, there was a sign directing people to the Lounge/Bar. The door to the lounge/bar was open. Seated at one of the tables in the open area led to security coming to move us as if the door wasn't open and as if there wasn't a sign directing women to that area of the hotel. The hotel has a great location!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Janet

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Joyce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very good location
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

jennifer

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miracle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoyed my stay here . The hotel is very historical and is known for hosting beautiful weddings, it’s huge , restaurants on property, and is very close to everything there is to see in downtown Chicago . Very close to the river walk , millennium park, coffee shops/breakfast, the loop , Taco Bell , primark , aquarium etccc love it there and would definitely come back another time !!! The city is such a vibe and lots of people walking the street even at 10:00 at night a lot of people out and about and it made me feel safe and not alone !
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Stayed here due to hotel location for Chicago Triathlon right in front of Millenium park and Buckingham Fountain. However, corridors could be updated. Room was modernized but no old world charm left. Peeled old paint coatings on bathroom door. Gray curtains and gray sheers floating in the air blown by very cold room AC make it ghostly along with the white LED lights. Not possible to control room temperature in the room. It was too cold! There was a connecting door in the room that made me a bit anxious, so I slept with one night stand light on given the hotel’s haunted reputation lol!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leah

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the location! Loved the historical area and architecture. Walking to the parks. It is an older building so being understanding to scent and aging amenities is vital.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Not the best place I have stayed

No extra mirror in the family suite other than one on the door with no outlets near. Very hard for multiple people to get ready. Mold around shower door trim and shower leaked
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

David

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025