5,963 reviews
From
$93520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, 60605, Illinois, United States
5,963 reviews
1/82
Restaurant
Free wifi
Room service
Fitness center
Air conditioning
Kid-friendly buffet
Bar
Private entrance
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago is a 3-star hotel in Chicago. Located at 520 South Michigan Avenue, it is about 2.2mi from the city center. The property offers a range of amenities including free Wifi, air conditioning, non-smoking rooms, a private entrance, elevator access, and a 24-hour front desk. On-site options include a restaurant and a bar, with bathtubs and free toiletries for added comfort.
Other conveniences include a fitness center (free), parking (extra charges), a business center (extra charges), and meeting/banquet facilities (extra charges). A golf course is part of the offerings, and a kid-friendly buffet, plus views of lake, river, or landmark views, add extra charm to the stay.
Reviews total 6,492, signaling a long-standing presence in the area. Price starts from $93.
Rafael's Restaurant on site serves American cuisine, making it a reliable go-to for a casual bite without leaving the building. A bar is also on site, perfect for unwinding with a cocktail after a day of sightseeing. The dining options are convenient accents to the central lobby level, ideal for quick meals between adventures.
For getting around and staying productive, the fitness center is free to use, and parking is available for an extra charge. A business center and meeting/banquet facilities are also available for an additional fee, great for small conferences or events. A golf course is part of the offerings, and a kid-friendly buffet adds a playful option for families in the mix.
Located at 520 South Michigan Avenue, the hotel sits about 2.2mi from the city center, putting Chicago’s highlights within easy reach. Plus, views of the lake, river, or landmark add an extra layer of charm to the stay. A 24-hour front desk, private entrance, and elevator access provide practical convenience, while non-smoking rooms and amenities like free WiFi help keep the trip comfortable.
Closest airports
Chicago Midway International Airport
8.7miChicago O'Hare International Airport
16.1miRestaurant
Free wifi
Room service
Fitness center
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
Show 12 photos
Suite, Lake View
1 King Size Bed
430 sqft
Lake view
Landmark view
River view
Private Bathroom
x8
+
x5
More details
Show 8 photos
King Room, Lake View
1 King Size Bed
260 sqft
Lake view
Landmark view
River view
Private Bathroom
More details
Show 8 photos
Suite, City View
1 King Size Bed
390 sqft
Landmark view
City view
Private Bathroom
Bathtub
x8
+
x5
More details
Show 8 photos
Family Suite
1 King Size Bed
2 Double Beds
590 sqft
Landmark view
Private Bathroom
Bathtub
Private entrance
+
More details
Show 9 photos
Room - 2 Double, Lake View
2 Double Beds
335 sqft
Lake view
Landmark view
River view
Private Bathroom
+
More details
Show 6 photos
Room - 2 Double, Accessible
2 Double Beds
310 sqft
Private Bathroom
Bathtub
Private entrance
Wifi
x4
+
x3
More details
Show 4 photos
King Room
1 King Size Bed
215 sqft
City view
Private Bathroom
Bathtub
Private entrance
+
More details
Standard King
Show 4 photos
Queen Room
1 Queen Size Bed
130 sqft
City view
Private Bathroom
Bathtub
Private entrance
x4
+
x3
More details
Show 4 photos
Room - 2 Double
2 Double Beds
270 sqft
City view
Private Bathroom
Bathtub
Private entrance
x4
+
x3
More details
Deluxe Suite
1 Double Bed
Free wifi
x8
+
x5
More details
Room With Lake View
1 Twin Bed
1 Double Bed
x4
+
x3
More details
Lake View
Queen Room, No Window
1 Double Bed
1 Queen Size Bed
+
More details
7.3
5,963 reviewsCategories 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
Cody
8.2
July 2025
In terms of location, being close to a lot of different things is a big plus. Millennial Park, an L Station, The Art Institute, and a handful of restaurants are all within walking distance (10 mins or less). The rooms were nice and spacious. We were traveling with our new born and had plenty of room to move around comfortably with a pack and play out. You can tell they had been recently renovated, beds were not too soft or too firm and included reading lights on the headboards. Windows are also sealed tightly to cancel out city noise (aside from all those crazy cars).
The renovations did not extend to the hall wall and it had that "antique" kind of smell. The bathrooms also seem to need some TLC, nothing was super bad about them but you can tell the bath, sink, and toilet had seen better days and are most def in their twilight years. Also, this isn't anything the hotel can do about but a lot of folks smoke right outside the main entrance on Michigan Ave, so just beware of that. My wife also didn't like they had a "tacky tourist" type giftshop right off the main entrance as well.
Maree
9.1
May 2025
Our room 1137 was very spacious and comfortable. Good size bathroom and huge closet. Beautifully maintained gold room, reception and bar area. So close to everything we wanted to see and do. Beautiful riverwalk is so close as well. It did take us about 80 minutes in a taxi from the airport, due to peak hour traffic and cost about 55USD. We caught the train back to airport, as it was not to far to walk even with luggage.
Our room safe was locked from a previous guest and the deadlock did not work on the door. Resteraunt was closed on Monday night so we ordered from the bar. Our meal took a very long time to arrive and was only just warm, after we asked about it. Mine was hummus with vegis and pita bread that was left to long after heating before being served. The bar had a door to the street open to get customers from the street come in, however it was absolutely Freezing !!!
Shannon
9.1
June 2025
This hotel is a get what you pay for hotel. This time around, I booked a king suite with a landmark view, and it was stunning. The vaulted ceilings were a highlight in the cheap room and gorgeous with the view. There is so much closet space. Between the walk-in in the front hall to the sliding glass door in the bedroom. The location remains superb.
It's still an old hotel. The air units are probably older than I am but they work so if you don't mind a bit of rattle it's not a big deal. The exhaust fan in the bathroom was a bit shaky as well. The bathtub was slow to drain and the TV in the bedroom wasn't connected to cable. However, all of these details truly are insignificant in comparison to the value of the room size and view.
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.
Mandi
8.2
August 2025
Location. It was right next to the park we were going to. Staff were great. Anytime I needed anything, they were mostly helpful. I liked that you had to show your key to get in. It felt safe. Frustrating that food deliveries can’t go to your door- but I guess you can’t have it both ways. And I’d rather have safe. Just had to go to the security office to get it, so not a huge deal.
Beds aren’t the most comfortable, not the worst either. THE ROOM WAS HOT. My phone didn’t work and they never replaced it. I just used my cell to call down.
Andrew
9.1
August 2025
The room was much larger than expected and there was plenty of room for the 3 of us to move around - and the closet was as big as the bathroom! The beds were very comfortable. The check-in experience was quick and efficient The hotel was very well located and was only a 20-25 minute walk from Soldier Field; we attended the EPL Summer Series.
The bathroom was a little small and the toilet did not work correctly; we had to manually raise the handle after every flush. While the rooms are very nice, the hallways certainly need updating. The floors were stained and the wallpaper was peeling in places.
Attractions
Harold Washington Library Center (Chicago Public Library)
0.2miMarquette Building
0.4miChicago Board of Trade Building
0.4miShedd Aquarium
0.7miChicago River
1miChicago Pedway
1miPrairie Avenue Historic District
1.6miChicago Chinatown
1.6miUnited Center
2.6miChicago Loop
3.5miTrickery
5miWrigley Field
5.3miWrigleyville
5.4miUniversity of Chicago
6miJackson Park
6.6miAttractions
Harold Washington Library Center (Chicago Public Library)
0.2miMarquette Building
0.4miChicago Board of Trade Building
0.4miShedd Aquarium
0.7miChicago River
1miChicago Pedway
1miPrairie Avenue Historic District
1.6miChicago Chinatown
1.6miUnited Center
2.6miChicago Loop
3.5miTrickery
5miWrigley Field
5.3miWrigleyville
5.4miUniversity of Chicago
6miJackson Park
6.6miAirports
Chicago Midway International Airport
8.7miChicago O'Hare International Airport
16.1miRafael's Restaurant
Cuisines
Restaurant
Free wifi
Room service
Fitness center
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
Accessibility
Entire unit wheelchair accessible
Upper floors accessible by elevator
Bathroom
Bathtub
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Private Bathroom
Shower
Toilet
Toilet paper
Towels
Bedroom
Alarm clock
Linens
Business Facilities
Business center
Fax/Photocopying
Meeting/Banquet facilities
Cleaning Services
Daily housekeeping
Dry cleaning
Ironing service
Food & Drink
Bar
Breakfast in the room
Fruit
Kid-friendly buffet
Restaurant
Tea/Coffee maker
Vending machine (drinks)
Vending machine (snacks)
Wine/Champagne
Food & drink safety
Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
Front Desk Services
24-hour front desk
ATM on site
Baggage storage
Concierge
Express check-in/out
Invoice provided
General
Air conditioning
Convenience store on site
Elevator
Facilities for disabled guests
Family rooms
Hair/Beauty salon
Heating
Hypoallergenic room available
Interconnecting room(s) available
Laptop size safe
Non-smoking rooms
Private entrance
Room service
Smoke-free property
Internet
Free wifi
Kitchen
Coffee machine
Dining table
Refrigerator
Living Area
Sitting area
Sofa
Media & Technology
Cable channels
Flat-screen TV
Radio
Satellite channels
Telephone
TV
Parking
Parking
Room Amenities
Iron
Socket near the bed
Safety & security
24-hour security
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Safe
Security alarm
Smoke alarms
Safety features
First aid kits available
Services
Wake-up service
Spa
Fitness
Fitness center
View
City view
Lake view
Landmark view
River view
From 15:00
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Until 12:00
Pets are not allowed.
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Come and go whenever you want
Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and charges may apply.
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome.
Children 15 and above will be charged as adults at this property.
To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.
Crib and extra bed policies
0+ years
4+ years
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
The maximum number of cribs, extra beds, and children allowed in existing beds can vary depending on the option booked.
All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.
Discover,
American Express,
Mastercard,
Diners Club,
Visa,
Carte Blanche
This property does not accept cash.
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.
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