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7.3

6,492 reviews

Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, 60605, Illinois, United States

Choose dates to view prices

Restaurant

Free wifi

Room service

Fitness center

Golf course

Air conditioning

Kid-friendly buffet

Bar

Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Welcome to the Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago, where history meets modern comfort in the heart of the Windy City! Located at 520 South Michigan Avenue, just a short 2.2mi from the vibrant city center, our inviting hotel is the perfect launching pad for exploring all that Chicago has to offer. With prices starting from just $93, your ideal getaway is an affordable reality!

Dive into the delightful array of features designed to cater to every traveler's needs. Enjoy a delicious meal at our on-site restaurant, unwind after a day of adventures in our fitness center, or take in stunning lake views from the comfort of your own room. With free WiFi, 24-hour front desk assistance, and kid-friendly buffets, there's something for everyone at Congress Plaza. Don’t forget to check out our spacious meeting and banquet facilities, which are perfect for business travelers or those special events!

Our guests have spoken, and with 6492 reviews, they can't get enough of the warmth and hospitality we provide! Whether you're visiting for leisure or business, we've got you covered with charming non-smoking rooms, convenient room service, and ample parking options (available for an extra charge). Come and discover your home away from home in Chicago, where memories are made and adventures await!

At Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago, your culinary adventure awaits at Rafael's Restaurant! Indulge your taste buds with an exquisite range of American cuisine, where every meal is a delightful experience. Whether you’re starting your day with a hearty breakfast, savoring a leisurely lunch, or enjoying a cozy dinner with friends and family, our chefs are dedicated to celebrating the flavors of the season. And hey, why not pair your meal with a stunning view of the vibrant city life? Food and fun go hand-in-hand at Rafael's, making it a quintessential stop during your stay!

What’s a vacation without some excitement? Embrace the thrill of the nearby attractions! You're only a stone's throw from iconic Chicago landmarks such as Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the bustling shops along Michigan Avenue. Whether you’re hopping on a water taxi for a scenic ride along the river or enjoying a sunny stroll down the lakefront path, each moment is bursting with life. Back at the hotel, take a break in our fitness center and let the city’s energy fuel your own, or unwind in the comfort of your room as you plan your next day’s escapade!

And when day turns into night, dive into the chic allure of your Congress Plaza accommodations. With a variety of rooms from cozy kings to spacious suites, there’s plenty of room for solo travelers, couples, or families making unforgettable memories together. Need a serene lake view to inspire sweet dreams? We’ve got you covered! So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to fall in love with Chicago from the comfort of Congress Plaza Hotel – it’s here that every stay is filled with magic, laughter, and new experiences just waiting to unfold!

Closest airports

Chicago Midway International Airport

8.7mi

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

16.1mi

Most popular amenities

Restaurant

Free wifi

Room service

Fitness center

Golf course

Air conditioning

Kid-friendly buffet

Bar

Private entrance

24-hour front desk

Lake view

Non-smoking rooms

River view

Landmark view

Elevator

Upper floors accessible by elevator

Free toiletries

Bathtub

Rooms

Show 6 photos

Room - 2 Double, Lakefront

2 Double Beds

Free wifi

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

Tea/Coffee maker

x4

+

More details

Room area:

23 m²

This room includes a view of Lake Michigan, a decorative round table with two chairs and a coffee maker. For convenience, a flat-screen TV, working desk, and ironing facilities are also provided.

Show 4 photos

King Room, Lakefront

1 King Size Bed

Free wifi

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

Tea/Coffee maker

More details

Room area:

23 m²

This room features views of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain and Lake Michigan. A decorative round table with two chairs and a coffee maker are also included. For convenience, a flat-screen TV, working desk, and ironing facilities are also provided.

King Suite with City View in Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Show 8 photos

Suite, City View

1 King Size Bed

390 sqft

Landmark view

City view

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

x8

+

x5

More details

Suite City View King Bed

Show 5 photos

Deluxe Suite, Lakefront

Free wifi

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

Tea/Coffee maker

More details

Room area:

50 m²

Featuring a large living room with a sofa and desk, this suite offers a view of Willis Tower. For convenience, a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, and ironing facilities are also provided.

Show 5 photos

Suite, Lakefront

Free wifi

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

Tea/Coffee maker

More details

Room area:

50 m²

Featuring a large living room with a sofa and desk, this suite offers views of Lake Michigan. For convenience, a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, and ironing facilities are also provided.

Queen Room in Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Show 4 photos

Queen Room

1 Queen Size Bed

130 sqft

City view

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Private entrance

x4

+

x3

More details

Queen Size Bed

King Suite with Lake View in Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Show 12 photos

Suite, Lake View

1 King Size Bed

430 sqft

Lake view

Landmark view

River view

Private Bathroom

x8

+

x5

More details

King Room with Lake View - Non-Smoking in Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Show 8 photos

King Room, Lake View

1 King Size Bed

260 sqft

Lake view

Landmark view

River view

Private Bathroom

+

More details

Family Suite in Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Show 8 photos

Family Suite

1 King Size Bed

2 Double Beds

590 sqft

Landmark view

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Private entrance

+

More details

Double Room with Two Double Beds with Lake View in Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Show 9 photos

Room - 2 Double, Lake View

2 Double Beds

335 sqft

Lake view

Landmark view

River view

Private Bathroom

x4

+

x3

More details

 Double Room with Two Double Beds - Disability Access in Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Show 6 photos

Room - 2 Double, Accessible

2 Double Beds

310 sqft

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Private entrance

Wifi

x4

+

x3

More details

Double Room with Two Double Beds in Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Show 4 photos

Room - 2 Double

2 Double Beds

270 sqft

City view

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Private entrance

x4

+

x3

More details

Standard Doubles includes 2 double beds 131-150 width.

Guest reviews

7.3

6,492 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇰🇷

Paehwan

8.2

June 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago is a huge and historical building. The inside and my room looks a bit old fashioned, due to its time-honored standing. The staff were very friendly and supportive. The neighborhood has a grand park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and other attractions of downtown in a walking distance and with safety. I stayed one night with family, which was good enough. The price was acceptable in some degree, I think.

I love staying at the hotel due to its close access to cultural attractions and downtown during my short stay. The hotel is well secured by professional helpful staff. Thank you!

🇩🇪

Barbara

8.2

July 2024

The price of the room when booked was FAR LESS then what the actual price I had to pay. I believe I booked a double for 150 or so then ended up having to pay 270 - by booking.com. There was no way to actually compare hotel prices. What I thought was a good deal was actually a horrifying price change that pretty much ruined enjoying the stay.

🇮🇪

Rebecca

8.2

July 2024

Location was fabulous No complaints at all

None

🇺🇸

Robbie

8.2

December 2024

I went to DePaul and had always wanted to stay at Congress but had no reason to until this year and I was FLOORED at how beautiful it was. Sometimes you have an urge to be in an old ornately designed building and this made me feel like I was in the Tower of Terror but in a good way! AND THE ROOM. omg I felt like Eloise at the plaza. I feel like it is perfect for feeling fancy on a budget.

It is a hundred-year-old building with hundred-year-old heating. This was not totally bothersome, I'm used to older buildings where you don't have much control over the temp, but if you are sensitive to that it is definitely something to consider especially in the summer and winter. TV was also useless and grainy but again wasn't really a big deal, we just ended up watching Friends.

🇺🇸

Bethea

8.2

December 2024

The location was great. The facility was very clean with a clean smell. The staff was friendly esp the guy that helped us with transportation information. He gave us an awesome experience.

We stayed two nights. I was disappointed to know that they don’t clean your room until after the second night. I didn’t like that our room was not tidied up and we weren’t given fresh towels and wash clothes our first night. However, they did quickly provide them after I called and requested it. The TV’s in the room are from the 90’s. Also, the hotel does not have its own parking, and the lot charged 60 dollars a day. However, we did find a lot across the street for 30.00 a day.

🇺🇸

Scb90

10

October 2024

Traveled here for the Chicago marathon and from the 6 hotels I've used for this event THIS was my favorite. I got to sleep in so much later than when using other hotels, just get out of bed, change, cross the street and you're in the starting line! I've included a view from my room as a photo. The room was reasonably big and nice by Chicago standards (and we got a very good price for this expensive weekend event!). The furniture was pretty new. Some parts of the rooms could show their age (hello bathroom fan not working), but the staff took note and hopefully it's changed for the next guest. The bed was comfy which is all you really need before running a marathon. There's a minifridge to keep anything you have cold. I think I saw microwaves near the vending machines, but didn't get to use one. The gym on the ground floor was pretty well equipped according to my husband who lifts weights as his main workout. They had a pasta dinner before the race too which is a life saver since it's so difficult to get a seat at a restaurant the day before. Bathroom had good shower pressure and hot water (especially for that big of a hotel, I always worry about this!). They have ample space on the ground floor to lock your bags (before checkin or before leaving the hotel/after checkout). The lobby has a nice waiting area if you don't want to walk around the city before getting your room.

I don't have negative things to say. The rooms seemed pretty sensibly renovated even though some things like door hinges/door paint/ wall paint on trims near the ceiling could definitely show their age. Everything seems well maintained and staff writes down if you communicate any problem with the rooms. The TV is probably old enough to go to high school but I don't go to big beautiful cities like Chicago to watch TV.

🇺🇸

Myers

8.2

April 2025

The location is GREAT. The staff is very friendly and they are REAL PEOPLE, kind of rough on the edges, not corporate automatons. Love the staff. Front Desk folks are just super. Love the Restaurant--food is excellent! Room service waiters are sweet and authentically friendly. Doormen are kind of grumbling older gents but they are fun characters --and they do know what Proper Service is! The room rate is very very good --$200 for a last minute, Friday night reservation on S. Michigan Ave? It's awesome!! Even the lowest tier rooms (upper floors, facing rear, single bed) are priced great. LOVE THE OLDER ROOMS with the high ceilings and Woodwork, that 1940's vibe.

There are all kinds of little flaws in the rooms, kind of like DIY goof ups; the rooms are not perfectly coiffed. But I sort of find that kind of endearing in some cases!!! Reminds me of Home! I have kind of funky bathroom tiles 'jess like that! Still, some appointments are REALLY cheap. Like the in-room coffee. Nightmare bad. And the crappy thrift store drapes that don't close and don't block out all the street lights. I guess you get what you pay for but gee, just a teensy bit more effort/expense and the rooms would be GREAT.

🇺🇸

Lillian

8.2

June 2024

I had a suite with a lake view. It was gorgeous. The room /suite was clean and comfortable and I really enjoyed it. I will probably stay there again. It was close to the Art Institute which I visit all the time in Chicago and across from the park. The staff was very friendly and helpful and helped me get into the room early.

It is an older hotel. They only have the AC or heat on at one time. There is no thermostat in the room and when I finally called, cold, at night, they told me no heat available but I turned off the AC and it warmed up after a bit. It was difficult to get the shampoo etc. out of the wall containers. The biggest challenge was with the toilet- it flushed ok, but the mechanism did not work properly. First it came detached. I asked the maintenance person to fix it but he reattached it and it did not flush well so I had to pull it up manually. I didn't need a plunger but he brought one up and it was old and when I tested it it turned completely inside out so it was useless. Despite this, I did enjoy the hotel but some people might be very disturbed by these small inconveniences.

🇺🇸

Gyudong

8.2

July 2024

Location: Not far from LaSalle station. Panda Express is near-by. Lake Park is close but under construction, hence NA here. Room: clean Bed: comfy.

Location: not the hotel's fault but it was a bit far from my meeting place. ok. Room: bath tub drain plug was not working. Basin drain plug is weird. (it is there but there is no way to control it unless you crawl down under the basin). A bit noisy as it was 3rd floor from the street. But I sleep through ok. Bed: the cooling was a bit too strong and there is no way to lessen it. I can turn off the fan but that would make the air stuffy. no blanket was provided but I used the bed linen cover instead.

🇺🇸

Ivan

8.2

March 2025

Nice, charming quaint hotel. It has the glamor and glitz of downtown Chicago, but many of the facilities are a bit old (e.g. heating, hot water, etc), so you can expect sometimes issues with them. The price was reasonable given the location and the events going on in Chicago. I would recommend it for a short-term stay.

I had to change the room due to heating going wrong. Also, it took several minutes before the hot water came in the shower, so you need to patient. But the staff at the reception was very friendly and supportive about it and I am grateful for it.

Points of Interest Around Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Attractions

Harold Washington Library Center (Chicago Public Library)

0.2mi

Marquette Building

0.4mi

Chicago Board of Trade Building

0.4mi

Shedd Aquarium

0.7mi

Chicago River

1mi

Chicago Pedway

1mi

Prairie Avenue Historic District

1.6mi

Chicago Chinatown

1.6mi

United Center

2.6mi

Chicago Loop

3.5mi

Trickery

5mi

Wrigley Field

5.3mi

Wrigleyville

5.4mi

University of Chicago

6mi

Jackson Park

6.6mi

Restaurants

Rafael's Restaurant

Cuisines

  • American

Amenities of Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

Restaurant

Free wifi

Room service

Fitness center

Golf course

Air conditioning

Kid-friendly buffet

Bar

Private entrance

24-hour front desk

Lake view

Non-smoking rooms

River view

Landmark view

Elevator

Upper floors accessible by elevator

Free toiletries

Bathtub

Stay rules - Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

Frequently Asked Questions - Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago

At what times are check-in and check-out at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?

The check-in time at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago is 03:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Is there parking available at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?

Yes, there is parking available at the Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago. However, please note that parking charges may apply. The parking is public and located at a nearby location. It is also worth mentioning that a parking reservation is not required.

What are the rates at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?

Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago's room rates start around $93. Rates, however, may vary depending on room choices and stay period. Please provide your dates for real-time prices.

What are the room types available at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?

The Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago offers a variety of room types including double rooms with two double beds and queen or king suites. All rooms have a non-smoking policy and offer different bed sizes, such as queen or king beds. The room sizes range from 194 sqft to 538 sqft. The occupancy varies, accommodating either 2 adults or up to 4 adults with children.

Which amenities can guests enjoy at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?

Guests at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago can spend their time enjoying a range of leisure amenities. The hotel features a golf course, perfect for golf enthusiasts who want to relax and play a round of golf. Additionally, there is a bar on-site where guests can unwind and enjoy their favorite drinks. For guests who want to stay active during their stay, the hotel offers a fitness center where they can work out and stay in shape. Moreover, the hotel provides a business center, making it convenient for guests who need to attend to work-related tasks.

In terms of dining options, guests have the opportunity to dine at Rafael's Restaurant, located on-site. This restaurant specializes in American cuisine, providing guests with a delicious dining experience without having to leave the hotel premises. Overall, guests have plenty of options to keep themselves entertained and well-fed during their stay at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago.

Is there an in-house restaurant at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?

Yes, the Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago does have a restaurant on site called Rafael's Restaurant. The cuisine offered at the restaurant is American.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago accept credit cards and cash payments?

No, Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago does not accept cash payments. However, they do accept credit cards including Discover, American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club, Visa, and Carte Blanche.