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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 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)
A cityscape with various buildings, including a prominent skyscraper and a classical building with arched windows. - 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

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

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
(273 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

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(24 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 50 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Family Suite

Hypo-allergenic bedding available, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Family Suite

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
(620 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
(538 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
(144 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

7.8 out of 10
Good
(68 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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(183 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 park with walking paths, trees, and benches. In the background, there are tall buildings, including a prominent skyscraper.
    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
  • South Loop Club
    6 min walk
  • Dunkin'
    6 min walk
  • Epic Burger
    4 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
  • 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

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

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. 4605 out of 10328 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2656 out of 10328 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1643 out of 10328 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 766 out of 10328 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 658 out of 10328 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

George

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

James

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

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location loved our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shareny

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

6/10 Okay

Jenny

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

Shannon

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

10/10 Excellent

Linda

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

Ethan

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

6/10 Okay

Carter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was great! We arrived early and the front desk was able to check us in early and our room and view was just amazing! Loved how clean everything was.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

STACY

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Dated hotel but the location was walkable to Soldier Field which was helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Can't beat this location in Chicago, close to everything, Michigan Ave, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Planetarium, and on several bus and train routes to go to the Navy Pier or Museum of Science and Industry.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check-in was super quick and staff was very efficient and helpful. Booked a standard room with a king size bed facing the lake and it was a very nice weekend stay. Room was very clean. The AC is off central heatingThe location is incredibly convenient if you’re going somewhere near the lake or downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Deepa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Bathroom did not have a lock, but the location was ideal.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

ILYA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique historic hotel downtown Chicago close to everything. Gorgeous lake and Grand Park fountain views from the window
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Graciela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and very helpful staff. Thank you for the wonderful memories.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Arlette

Liked: Staff & service
The hotel had a couple outdated hardware in the bathroom of my room and the layout was a bit odd. Apart from that the room was spacious and open. Parking is available close to the hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, hotel staff were friendly and helpful. Only complaint is the noise. I slept with earplugs in.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Priscilla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is our 2nd time staying here, our 1st was for a wedding held there last year. It was great & we stayed in a renovated room. Amazing & we will be back. Rooms were spacious, very clean, & amazing room. We decided to splurge & upgrade to a lakeside view. Check in was easy, great area, & love that they can hold baggage as well after you check out. Lastly great sleep! Bed was very comfy & pillows were amazing. Until next time
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

froilan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was clean for the most part , all else is well a bit worn out , paint peeling off in many areas,its an old building but given the price range per stay should kept in a much cleaner conditions .
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very good location. Walking distance to many attractions. Clean no frills room. Smaller TV that wasn’t HD. Shower was older and water didn’t get very hot. Overall good experience. Liked old school classic feel of the hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Tommy

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cool old building with lots of history; however, the room was freezing cold with no ability to adjust the temperature, the water never stayed hot, the bed was firm like a board, and the tub clogged so we were showering with 3 inches of standing water. Regardless, the staff was kind and it did the trick for the location and for barely spending anytime in the hotel room.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Loved the location in the staff was very helpful. Front desk staff not super friendly, but they took care of business as needed. Transportation and luggage bell hop Assistance was superior!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Sheila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The facility appeared clean. However, the halls leading to the hotel rooms smelled kinda damp. Like too much humidity was let in. The lobby is beautiful, and we ate at the on-site restaurant, which was decent. The rooms could definitely use some updates. We only stayed one night after a concert because it was close to our venue. I would not recommend anything other than a one night stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Catherine

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The hotel is actively being renovated. Our first room was outdated and the TV didn’t work. Because of the TV issue, we were moved to another room that was renovated much more recently. The staff were friendly and helpful. However, keep an eye out for pests. My mother found a roach in her room. We also spotted a rat running down the hall and into one of the restaurants.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026