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Congress Plaza Hotel

Property class: 3.5

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Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

A spacious lobby with a central sofa, multiple seating areas, and a decorative ceiling. - Congress Plaza Hotel (Chicago)
A cityscape with various buildings, including a prominent skyscraper and a classical building with arched windows. - Congress Plaza Hotel (Chicago)
A grand ballroom with ornate ceiling decorations, multiple chandeliers, and a central table with a white tablecloth. - Congress Plaza Hotel (Chicago)
A spacious bar area with a central bar, multiple seating options including bar stools and tables, and a well-lit ceiling with recessed lighting. - Congress Plaza Hotel (Chicago)
Outdoor seating with yellow umbrellas labeled "Twisted Tea," wicker chairs, and tables. - Congress Plaza Hotel (Chicago)
Located close to Auditorium Building and Theatre and Columbia College Chicago, Congress Plaza Hotel provides shopping on site, a coffee shop/cafe, and a hair salon. Be sure to enjoy a meal at the two on-site restaurants. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as dry cleaning/laundry services and 2 bars.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Business services

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 12 of 12 rooms

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

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a window with curtains, and a view of the outdoors.

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(279 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Queen Room

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a lamp, a chair, and large windows with curtains.

Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free wired internet

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

A modern living room with a flat-screen TV, two sofas, a coffee table, and a TV stand.

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(25 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 50 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Family Suite

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a view of a cityscape.

Family Suite

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

A bedroom with a bed, nightstands, a painting, and a patterned rug.

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(625 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

A bedroom with two beds, a nightstand, a lamp, and a view of the city through a window.

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(541 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free wired internet

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

A hotel room with two beds, each with a blue quilted bedspread and matching pillows. There is a bedside table with a lamp between the beds.

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(145 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Family Suite

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a window with curtains.

Family Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(86 reviews)
  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Double Beds
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Accessible Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

A modern hotel room with two beds, a round dining table, and a small seating area.

Accessible Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

7.6 out of 10
Good
(73 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Queen Room, Interior View

A hotel room with a bed, two bedside tables, a desk, a chair, and a window with curtains.

Queen Room, Interior View

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Queen Room, Interior View

A modern bedroom with a city view, a large bed with blue bedding, a desk with a computer, and a flat-screen TV.

Queen Room, Interior View

7.8 out of 10
Good
(192 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Junior Suite, City View

A modern bedroom with a large bed, two bedside tables, a window with curtains, a radiator, and a view of a building.

Junior Suite, City View

  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

About the neighborhood

Near a metro station, Congress Plaza Hotel is in Downtown Chicago, a walkable area in Chicago with good shopping. Auditorium Building and Theatre and Museum of Contemporary Photography are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Fine Arts Building and Mergenthaler Lofts. Columbia College Chicago and Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies are two other places to visit that come recommended. Looking to get your feet wet? Windsurfing and sailing adventures can be found near the property. Guests love the hotel's central location for the sightseeing. It's also convenient to public transportation: Harrison Station is 5 minutes by foot and Harold Washington Library Station is 6 minutes. Visit our Chicago travel guide
Map
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60605

What's nearby

  • A modern cityscape with a distinctive metallic sculpture in the foreground and a variety of skyscrapers in the background.
    Grant Park
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A city skyline with illuminated skyscrapers and a fountain with water jets.
    Buckingham Fountain
    6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • A large metallic sphere sculpture in a public square surrounded by tall buildings.
    Millennium Park
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Auditorium Building and Theatre
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Columbia College Chicago
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Starbucks
    5 min walk
  • Epic Burger
    4 min walk
  • Dunkin'
    6 min walk
  • South Loop Club
    6 min walk
  • Buddy Guy's Legends
    5 min walk

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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 transportation

  • Uncovered self 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 center
  • 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
  • Elevator
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • Smooth flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 14 floors
  • 3 buildings
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1893
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used

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
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • 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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 25.0 per day

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 25.00 per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • 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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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
This property provides central air conditioning in summer and central heating in the winter. In-room climate control is not available.

We should mention

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Frequently asked questions

Is Congress Plaza Hotel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is available for USD 62.00 per night.

What time is check-in at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Early check-in is available for a fee of USD 49.00 (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for USD 59.00 (subject to availability).

Where is Congress Plaza Hotel located?

Located in Downtown Chicago, this hotel is steps from Columbia College Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Photography, and Auditorium Building and Theatre. Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies and Fine Arts Building are just steps away. Harrison Station and Chicago Van Buren Street Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Congress Plaza Hotel Reviews

8.0

Very Good

8.2

Cleanliness

7.4

Amenities

8.4

Staff & service

7.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4527 out of 10197 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2611 out of 10197 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1630 out of 10197 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 759 out of 10197 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 670 out of 10197 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean, staff were friendly and the bar was relaxing.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room were clean and comfortable and staff was helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check in, rooms were clean, convenient location.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The check-in process went smoothly, the location is great, and the rooms are spacious. Most of the amenities do show their age, but overall, it is an excellent place to stay for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel offers an amazing, perfect location, and historic hotel experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great location near with everything
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The data was friendly, hotel clean and I especially liked the security guards.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was beautiful and immaculate. The location is incredible, so close to everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great service and staff!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness
Centrally located
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean room also very clean lobby. Will recommend this to anyone.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel has a lot of history and character. Staff was friendly. I enjoyed talking about Knicks basketball with the bell hop. Will definitely book again when traveling to Chicago.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms where extremely cleaned and honestly super comfortable (the staff was also very kind and understanding) I would definitely come here again!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Cool old hotel, that shows its age a bit. Lots of remodeling over the years, that shows a bit of wear and tear. The room was clean and comfortable. Excellent location for walking to all the great sights and experiences in Chicago. Staff was great, very helpful, especially the doorman.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The location is really good, near to all good entertainment. The parking very close to the hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The spot where it's located is PERFECT for people who are visiting for vacation. All the places we wanted to go see and experience was within a 1-2 mile radius.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good location, clean room. Property is worn out and dated.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was large and clean. We paid just a little more for a lake view room which was definitely worth it. Great location near Buckingham fountain and a good variety of places to eat. I would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Bathroom door really stuck (was legit trapped for a moment) but other than that everything was great!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice hotel and clean. Was walkable to restaurants and shops. You have to eat breakfast at the restaurant in the hotel or go somewhere else. Food at the restaurant was ok but have had better. Didn't have washcloths in the bathroom.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was clean and well maintained and the location was really good too for the price. However the wifi was excruciatingly slow and I had to rely on my mobile data a lot.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Better than I expected. Bed was very comfortable. Water pressure good in shower but small bathroom. Obviously great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent hotel if you are coming to explore Chicago. Lots of history in the building which transports you back in time without feeling dated due to the efforts of the owners/staff to keep it up. Pricing is outstanding for location, easy walk to L stations and the area is relatively safe even early into the morning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place! Staff was friendly, room was clean. Someone kept us all night and was very loud in the hallways. We could not get any sleep. Only complaint
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It's the Congress. It's old, historical, maybe haunted. Some work to be done but can't beat the location. Staff was supper nice and accomodating.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026