Congress Plaza Hotel

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

Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

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

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
The current price is AU$396
includes taxes & fees
15 Jan - 16 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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(212 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(22 reviews)

Highlights

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

Family Suite

  • Sleeps 6

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(493 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(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

Family Suite

7.8 out of 10
Good
(69 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

7.8 out of 10
Good
(55 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(146 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Lakefront Suite

  • Sleeps 2

Accessible Room

  • Sleeps 4

Standard Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

Standard King Room

  • Sleeps 2

King Room with Lake View

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Two Double Room

  • Sleeps 4

Two Double Room with Lake View

  • Sleeps 4

Junior Suite, City View

Highlights

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

Deluxe Suite

  • Sleeps 2

Suite with City View

  • Sleeps 2

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About the area

Chicago

Congress Plaza Hotel puts you in the heart of Chicago, within steps of Auditorium Building and Theatre and Columbia College Chicago. Highlights at this hotel include 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. .Tavern Tap is open for breakfast. Tavern Tap is the hotel's own sports bar. 50000 square feet (4645 square metres) of event facilities include meeting rooms and conference space, and other business amenities include a business centre. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a gym and a coffee shop/cafe. Full breakfast is available at weekends between 6:30 AM and 11:00 AM. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Sights within a short walk of this Downtown Chicago hotel include Museum of Contemporary Photography and Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies.

What's nearby

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

Getting around

  • Chicago Van Buren Street Station - 2 min walk
  • Harrison Station - 5 min walk
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Epic Burger - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Fontano's Pizza and Subs - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪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 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and coffee/tea makers. This accommodation offers separate sitting areas. Premium cable televisions are provided. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit with a deep soaking bath, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Chicago hotel provides complimentary wired Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Hypo-allergenic bedding, change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

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

Food and drink

  • Weekend full breakfast available 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 16 to 23 for adults and USD 12 to 18 for children
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 restaurants
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Restaurants on site

  • Tavern Tap
  • Tavern Tap

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Gym
  • Shopping

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Hair salon
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 50,000 square feet of conference space
  • Business centre
  • Meeting rooms

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • Lift
  • Smooth flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 100% renewable energy
  • 14 floors
  • 3 buildings
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1893
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Recycling
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 49.00
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 59.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 25.0 per day.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 25.00 per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 16 to 23 for adults and USD 12 to 18 for children
  • Uncovered self-parking fee: USD 62.00 per night
  • Early check-in fee: USD 49.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 59.00 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 25.0 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Carte Blanche, debit cards and cash.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Children aged 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Congress Hotel
Congress Hotel Plaza
Congress Plaza
Congress Plaza Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago
Hotel Congress Plaza
Plaza Congress Hotel
Congress Hotel Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel Hotel Chicago

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Congress Plaza Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Congress Plaza Hotel?

As of 5 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on 15 Jan 2026 start from AU$396.39, 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. 4343 out of 9770 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2614 out of 9770 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1500 out of 9770 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 721 out of 9770 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 592 out of 9770 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

10/10 Excellent

Jona

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

4/10 Poor

guohua

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
OK
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Esteban

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

6/10 Okay

Courtney

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Bathroom was filthy and room was outdated.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

HAYDE

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Considering how old is the building, it's historic, the conditions are not 100%, but it was clean and personnel service was nice. we would stay again and recommend it
Attending WEFTEC Chicago 2025 from Puerto Rico. Booth exhibitors PolyGhost Technologies
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Anyelys

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is very outdated, the sheets were stained and it just seemed very old. The towels were also stained and the hallway area seemed like it was straight out of the Jeffery D. film. The area is great because it is near literally EVERYTHING and only 3 blocks away from the bean but I would not stay here again. The Bell boys were AMAZING front desk seemed to hate their job. But it did get the job done just wouldn't pay that amount for a hotel like that again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Lynne, Cameron

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was excited about staying in a historic hotel until arriving. Was given a room as far from elevator possible on top floor with small door accessing old fire escape with only small latch as lock! Upon asking for room change, the front desk clerk was reluctant and defensive. The room we did finally receive was average but had a 24" tv on a huge wall. When asking about no hot water, front desk told me "it is an old hotel so let it run 20 minutes." I have stayed in historic hotels across the nation and have never experienced these issues. will not recommend this hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Eshana

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was dirty when we got there. They was dirt and mud in the bathroom. I did not expect this for a room that I paid over $350 for. It’s not like I checked in early where they did not get time to clean the room. I would expect better from this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the Congress! Very convenient location- walking distance to everything! Comfortable room and clean!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was clean and very large. comfortable bed. Bathroom was clean despite showing signs of wear. Excellent shower. Good location for access to city centre, parks, lakeside and Institute of Art - excellent! Staff were friendly and helpful as needed but not intrusive. Didn’t use cafe or restaurant as lacking vegetarian options.
Ornate interior typical of the period
Hotel near park
Millennium Park, the bean, nearby
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Justin

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

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

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and because it’s an old hotel it’s quiet. Could use a bathroom upgrade toilet is very low.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Facilities are clearly old, but some updates are needed- TV in the room was only intermittently functional, door knobs falling off the door to the bathroom. That being said, the cleanliness of the room was good, and the location can't be beat. I would still stay here again for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Spotless room. Shops nearby
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dario

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Varinder

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

6/10 Okay

William

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Despite the hotel being old. The electricity went out twice in my room. It was extremely cold in the room. Had an odd smell in the hallways
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

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

10/10 Excellent

Ritu

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great location downtown with affordable parking nearby. excellent location with shops and restaurants within walking distance. it’s an old building but it’s part of the charm.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Joli

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I read from reviews that The Congress Plaza was in an excellent location which I completely agree. They have made room improvements and our rooms were very clean. But two things that need to be improved: the mattresses are too firm, maybe add a soft pillow topper so something. Did not sleep well. The second improvement needed is climate control - all we could do is adjust the fan speed of the unit under the window. There was no way to adjust the temperature.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Joanna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was very small with no “extras” like you would expect from a hotel in downtown Chicago. It was clean but the hotel in general is quite run down. It’s extremely dated. I wouldn’t stay here again. The staff was less than friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fully modernized room looking out on Michigan Avenue and the park. Loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025