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

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is NZ$389
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct

Explore the area

View map
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60605
  • Art Institute of Chicago
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Millennium Park
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Grant Park
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

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
(53 reviews)

Highlights

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

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
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • City 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
(20 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(138 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite

Family Suite

7.8 out of 10
Good
(65 reviews)

Highlights

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

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
(198 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Deep-soaking bath
  • 23 sq m
  • Lake view
  • 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
(485 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Deep-soaking bath
  • 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
(120 reviews)

Highlights

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

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
(515 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Deep-soaking bath
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Chicago

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

What's nearby

  • Art Institute of Chicago - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Millennium Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Michigan Avenue - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Grant Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Chicago Riverwalk - 19 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Epic Burger - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Fontano's Pizza and Subs - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Mercat a la Planxa - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Lounge At Congress Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Kitty O'Sheas - ‬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.

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

Similar properties

Lobby

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
3.6 out of 5, Good, 2,346 reviews
The price is NZ$227
includes taxes & fees
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Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Uncovered parking on site (USD 62 per night)

Food and drink

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

Restaurants on site

  • Tavern Tap
  • Tavern Tap

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Gym
  • Shopping

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

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

Guest services

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

Business services

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

Accessibility

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

More

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

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

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

More

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

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

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

Payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • Deposit: USD 25.00 per night

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

Optional extras

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

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

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

You need to know

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

We should mention

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

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Congress Plaza Hotel?

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

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

As of 16 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on 4 Oct 2025 start from NZ$388.62, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Yep, Congress Plaza Hotel has an uncovered self car park for USD 62.00 per night.

Are there any beaches close to Congress Plaza Hotel?

The closest beach to Congress Plaza Hotel is Ohio Street Beach (2.3 km).

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Congress Plaza Hotel?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel serve breakfast?

You bet, full breakfast is offered at weekends from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Congress Plaza Hotel?

No, Congress Plaza Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Yep, Congress Plaza Hotel has 2 restaurants.

What time are check-in & check-out at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Are pets allowed at Congress Plaza Hotel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Reviews

Congress Plaza Hotel Reviews

8.0

Very good

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4007 out of 9193 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2482 out of 9193 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1413 out of 9193 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 719 out of 9193 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 572 out of 9193 reviews

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Sarah

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Both mornings I had no hot water and had to call maintenance. The people at the front desk acted like I was an Inconvenience both checking in and out. The room was nice in general, but the hallways were very rundown and dated.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

De'Asia

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jolene, Urbana

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property with cool history
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Christian

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
This wasn’t my first time staying at this hotel, but it will likely be my last. I love the price and location. The staff is great, the rooms are clean, and the beds are comfortable. However, it is terribly outdated and needing a major overhaul. The a/c unit in our room was falling off the wall, very loud, and not even cool. You can adjust the fan but not the temp. While I love the charm of this golden age hotel, it lacks the modern necessities like a simple night stand large enough to place a phone charger. For only a few dollars more a night you can stay at other nearby historic hotels that have been refurbished for the modern age yet still have that classic charm.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kari

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

Beautiful Hotel

It is a beautiful hotel, the staff is friendly and very helpful. The room had a stunning view of Buckingham Fountain and Lake Michigan. The only items that could have made the stay better is the room could use a microwave and the peep hole in the door did not have any glass so it was a two way peep hole. House cleaning was interesting, one day it was early in the morning and another time it was late in the evening. However, they did a great job.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

sara

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Susan

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Location was great. Desperately in need of renovation. Hotel restaurant (breakfast) really needs some help.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Cheryl

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Christina

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I wished I would have read the negative reviews because they were spot on. The hotel has historical beauty, but lacks in updating. The outside and lobby are deceiving because they are beautiful. But the rest of the hotel was terrible. The “air conditioner” was just a blowing unit that was either on or off, absolutely no temperature control. We were on the 9th floor and our window faced the street. The constant blaring sounds from the traffic and loud music was as if we had our beds right on the sidewalk. And it doesn’t matter the time of day or evening, even at 4 am you will have loud vehicles. A HUGE concern is we had an adjourning room. But, our dude of the door didn’t have a lock of any kind. Essentially the people on the other side had full access and could enter at any moment. And with that the sounds from the other room is completely heightened. I never heard upstairs or any other room but all our neighbors conversations at full volume including how they put their child to sleep every night by crying until she gave up. The staff were jaded and could care less. The only positive I could say is the location. But not worth the sleepless nights. Take warning, DO NOT stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Adel

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was very clean, the staff was very friendly and accommodating. The view from our window was spectacular!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarrah

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Wayne

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful room! Fantastic view of the park. Comfortable bed and easy check in.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Jennifer

The location was excellent. Easy walking distance from many sites, restaurants and public transport. The main building was beautiful. I was placed in a room that was in an add on building with it's own elevator. When i checked in the elevator was not working. As it was almost 8pm already, i didn't want to wait for someone to bring me my bag, so I had to carry it up 5 flights of steep stairs. The elevator was not fixed until the late afternoon of the next day. Also, my room looked like it had been clean, but they had some trash left behind.I didn't notice until the next morning that i was only given decaf packets for the coffee machine. They price was very reasonable and the location was good, so that's why it gets 3 stars and not less.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin

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

No complaints, nice room

Check in was easy. Hallways on room floors seem old but room was well kept, new looking hard floors (not carpet) in the room, clean beds & bathroom, very spacious closet. A/C didn’t blow hard so if you need that sound or air movement, bring a small USB fan (room wasn’t hot though by any means). Had a few questions and the night security team were very helpful. Great stay, no complaints!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bobbie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jose, Whittier

Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kaitlyn

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The historical aspect of the property was worth the stay. The building is beautiful. The rooms are older, thinner walls and doors so loud neighbors can be heard. Room was on the 14th floor, the lake view was gorgeous and worth it. Beautiful building, friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Joi

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

10/10 Excellent

DONALD, Morristown

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It is definitely older but a good location and felt safe. Rooms could use a bit of maintenance but great price, good stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with family

Average

The hotel itself looked nice, but it was somewhat dated. Needs new carpet. The room was okay, I've had nicer rooms, but the bigger concern was a plumbing issue that caused the room to have a lingering odor after flushing. No microwave and we had no control over the AC. The AC was constantly running. No continental breakfast. The location is very convenient, and the area is very walkable. Also, easy access to buses and a 5-minute walk to the (blue line) train. The bellhop will hold your bags if you need to check out of the hotel before actually leaving the city.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

devendra, Aurangabad

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025