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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
Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside
Exterior detail
Junior Suite, City View | Living area
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$385
includes taxes & fees
31 Dec - 1 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

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
Blackout curtains
  • 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
(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

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
(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

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
Blackout curtains
  • 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
  • ‪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.

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Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
  • Housekeeping
3.7 out of 5, Good, 2,500 reviews
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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)
  • 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 28 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on 31 Dec 2025 start from AU$385.42, 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. 4309 out of 9699 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2604 out of 9699 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1487 out of 9699 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 714 out of 9699 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 585 out of 9699 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

2/10 Terrible

Natalia

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely f****** nightmare.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Tricia

Travelled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome lake view, friendly staff, convenient to run lakeside, close to all we needed. It’s old but serves a purpose. They are slowly updating all rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Room and bed large with lovely view of the park. Hotel staff really nice, only downside bit drab in places in the hotel but overall nice stay. Great location for the park and downtown
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Clara, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Staff & service
Nice old renovated hotel in Michigan Ave, 5 minutes walkable from Dusable bridge and main activities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
What I needed thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was fine! The staff are very accommodating and it’s a great hotel to stay in!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Cecilia

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rugs and walls seem dirty and dusty, hotel is nice enough, great location but needs renovations. Elevators are dirty and staff is not very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori

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

10/10 Excellent

Bradley

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

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

BRIAN

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
NA
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location of the hotel was perfect to get to the trains, walkable distance from the city’s main attractions i.e., Grant park, Millenium Park, Sears Tower and Michigan Ave attractions. I felt safe in the area, walkable distance to coffee shops,food spots and drugstores. It’s located next to different universities and close to different bus stops and train stations. It was a 8-10 minute walk to catch the train to and from the airport and to catch a game at Wrigley field. I will stay here again next time I visit Chicago:).
The Bean @ Millenium Park
Willis Tower Sky Deck
Picture from Boat Tour “Tours and Boats”
Wrigley Field
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Jenny

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

trudy k

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

TERRIBLE parking situation

We have used this hotel primarily for football season, when we use our season tickets for games. We have always considered the Congress a comfortable option, for the price and convenient location to the stadium. We stay the Saturday night before football games. This year, when we stayed 9.20.2025, we were treated very poorly by the parking facility "attached" to the hotel. We learned something new. It has no ties to the Congress and is not owned by them in any way. That said, my review of this property was greatly changed by the parking situation. They actually have NO PARKING, which I didn't understand from previous stays. Per our interaction with the attendants in this parking garage, which we have used for YEARS, it does not owe the guests of the Congress anything. They told us they are not open on the weekend. We could park Saturday night but would have to get up in the morning and remove our car BEFORE noon, before the game, which was the sole purpose of our stay. Anyone who has been to Chicago knows parking is a travesty, a rip off, and very inconvenient. Available lots fill very quickly, especially on game days. They really could not tell us how or where to make that repark happen. They just said look lady, take it or leave it. We promptly left and parked in the Hilton facility. I will think very hard about ever staying at this hotel again for a game. Parking is an essential component of a hotel and offered amenities. The Congress is failing, at least on weekends!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Andres

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Anthony

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deb

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We got a reasonably priced lake view room, large, quiet, and clean. If you’re looking for a brand new chain hotel, this isn’t it. But we loved it.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Katie

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was our second stay at this hotel and we will probably stay here for all our future trips to Chicago. It's very conveniently located, making it very easy to get to and from Midway Airport and all the things we want to see and do in town. There are tons of great restaurants within walking distance or a short bus ride, and it's only a few minutes by bus to the museums, aquarium, and planetarium. The hotel staff are friendly and the place is very well maintained while keeping its character as a historic site. It's pretty quiet despite its location in one of the busiest areas of Chicago.We still haven't seen any evidence of haunting, which may be a plus or minus for various people lol
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Denisha

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

8/10 Good

Coby

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean and comfortable room with great view of the lake. The hotel is old and has nostalgic charm while the rooms were updated and modernized while still keeping the classic feel. The staff is friendly and welcoming as well. Close to attractions, and great value for being in the heart of downtown Chicago.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Rachelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Not enough restaurants in the area. Great location to soldier field.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Barbara

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room was large, recently decorated, only issue was workmen in next room banging from early on morning. Lobby, and bar area were stunning, the stair wells needed painting desperately.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jami

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very friendly. Easy access to many things downtown.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025