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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

Lobby
Property preview
2 restaurants, breakfast served
Exterior detail
Junior Suite, City View | City view

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$397
includes taxes & fees
24 Jan - 25 Jan

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

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
(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

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
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
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
(549 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

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
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
  • 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
(128 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

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite

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

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
(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

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
(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

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
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
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
  • 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
  • ‪Gazebo Restaurant at Grant Park - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Lounge At Congress Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Lao Sze Chuan - ‬4 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.

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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)
  • 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 15 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on 24 Jan 2026 start from AU$396.99, 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. 4344 out of 9762 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2611 out of 9762 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1497 out of 9762 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 717 out of 9762 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 593 out of 9762 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Mark

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

Great stay but with a few issues

The shower had a loud noise when it was on. It’s as if there was an issue with the hot and cold water valves. Also the power was tripped and we didn’t have lights nor power for the last morning we were using the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is great, and the lobby is ornate, but the rooms have not been updated for decades , and I would expect more for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike, Moline

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location very convenient parking nice staff clean rooms
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Keithk

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We were met just inside the front door by a very pleasant and helpful concierge who directed us to the front desk in the beautiful lobby. Unfortunately the desk clerk showed no personality or appreciation for us being there. As beautiful and historic as the building and lobby were, it disappeared as we made our way up to our room on the 8th floor of the north tower. Our room had a gorgeous view of the park across the street but the room was oddly ultra modern in its decor with white acrylic furniture and bright teal bedding. The bathroom was also oddly colored and desperately in need of updating. It had a nice glass shelf for toiletries but the hot water at the pedestal sink produced a mere trickle of water. Luckily the shower head somehow produced great pressure from limited flow out of the tub spout. Towels (3 of each size for our king bed) were adequate at best; not thick, not large. Overall, the entire upstairs of the hotel seemed like it had hundreds of layers of paint on old, damaged walls and trim. The lobby and location were the Congress's greatest assets, as well was the friendly and very helpful concierge that we interacted with a handful of times during our one night stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Mary

Business traveller
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Poorly maintained room with rusted tub drain, loose handles, curtains difficult to close and not fully covering the windows. No thermostat to control temperature. One desk chair and no other comfortable seating in a very large room. Small wall TV mounted far across from the bed. Half of the dresser drawers didn’t close properly. Hallway carpet looks dirty and there’s a peculiar odor. Gazebo restaurant only had a breakfast buffet available during the weekday with poor quality, tepid food for $35.00!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

John

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness

Pleasant Stay for business

Great location for downtown walking. The bar staff was friendly. I was here on business. The desk area didn't have any electrical outlets nearby for working but I get this isn't strictly a business hotel. If I was on vacation in CHI, this place would be ideal. Great value and the location was perfect. Overall, great stay and will be back in next month for work meetings.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Teresa

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was run down, over priced and No Heat!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

LI

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan, Fort Wayne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful view and clean room, held my bags for the day while I had some business before I left the city
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Claudio

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

8/10 Good

Jon

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chelsie

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

Great location, excellent staff

The rooms are a little dated but mostly clean. When we arrived there was a couple of bugs flying around (we think they got on from the window unit A/C). However when we let staff know they fixed it for us within a few hours ans we came back to a sparkling clean room. Beds are comfortable and bathroom was great. We'd stay again as it's a great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Everything was great except the shower - not enough water pressure to get the conditioner out of my hair - had to rinse in the sink! Plus the water was only ever lukewarm at most and I tried a few different times of the day over the three nights nights I was there. Otherwise a great spot.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Deanna

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bathroom floor was slippery, whole room wasn’t clean
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A nice hotel with a great view

Overall the hotel is a nice hotel with a great view of the lake. It is clean and comfortable. Our room is next to the hallway door. The hinges need some oil. When people use the door, the noise wakes me up. Also the AC makes loud squeaky noise when it comes on, which wakes me up multiple times during the night.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Good inexpensive choice for the location

The condition of the hotel is below average, but the service and cleanliness are outstanding.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Huw

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Wintrice

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
My stay was awful. The door to the bathroom could not close, the door handle was broken. The bath tub was leaking. The commode was clogged and overflowed leaving a mess in the bathroom. I had to leave the room to use the rest room on the ground floor.The closet door was stuck shut . I had to get the engineer to open the door t
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is nice and welcoming
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Alisha

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jason

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Carolyn

The person at the registration desk directed me to the wrong tower for my room. He even wrote it on the key holder. Otherwise hotel is fine. Excellent location near the Art Institute, parks and lakefront.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025