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Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 star property
Hotel near Columbia College Chicago in Chicago

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Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

Lobby
Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside
Daily full breakfast for a fee
Junior Suite, City View | Living area
Exterior detail

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking available

Explore the area

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(45 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Junior Suite, City View

Junior Suite, City View

Junior Suite, City View

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)
  • 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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(16 reviews)
  • 50 sq m
  • 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

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(113 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite

Family Suite

7.6 out of 10
Good
(59 reviews)
  • 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
(168 reviews)
  • 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
(442 reviews)
  • 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
(108 reviews)
  • 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
(462 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Chicago

City center stay.With a stay at this Downtown Chicago hotel, you'll be steps from Auditorium Building and Theatre and Columbia College Chicago. Museum of Contemporary Photography and Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Art Institute of Chicago - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Millennium Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Grant Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Chicago Riverwalk - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Soldier Field - 19 min walk - 1.6 km

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

  • ‪The Lounge At Congress Hotel - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Fontano's Subs - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Epic Burger - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Buddy Guy's Legends - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Congress Plaza Hotel

Hotel near Columbia College Chicago in Chicago
There are 2 restaurants on site, along with a coffee shop/café. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. Business amenities include a business center and meeting rooms.

WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. Event space at this hotel measures 50000 square feet (4645 square meters) and includes conference space. A fitness center, 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
  • Meeting 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 is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Gift shop
  • Beauty salon
  • ATM
  • Onsite shopping
  • Bellhop
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Coffee shop
Congress Plaza Hotel offers 870 accommodations with safes and coffee/tea makers. Accommodations offer separate sitting areas. Premium cable television is provided. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations with deep soaking bathtubs, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Hypo-allergenic bedding, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Languages

English, Hindi, Spanish

Similar properties

Lobby

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
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CA $141 total
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and 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

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Gym
  • Shopping

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

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

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.

Property 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 guestroom 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 each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Children 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

Congress Plaza Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 3783 out of 8886 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2451 out of 8886 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1372 out of 8886 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 716 out of 8886 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 564 out of 8886 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

KIYOSHI, AUSTIN

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The interior lobby is beautiful and our room appeared to have been recently renovated.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Xzarria

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was good
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

RACHEL, Christiansted

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Old architecture
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Hector, Alexandria

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Hector, Alexandria

Business traveller
It was not what I expected for the rate per night
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Clifford, ARLINGTON

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Staff unfriendly
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Genevra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We always stay at The Congress and love it! It is clean, affordable, beautiful old building and the staff is always so nice! Our favorite hotel in the city!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lionel

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
since it’s cheap you’ll always hear teenagers running amok in the hallways but other than that there aren’t many issues.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Victor

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place is very deteriorated, from the room you can hear external noises
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Meghan

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

10/10 Excellent

Araceli

Parking was next door but it was good
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Tina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

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

Great Family Weekend

We stayed in a family suite and appreciated the space. Great location to walk to museums.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

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

Great Location and Typically a Great Value

I’ve stayed here with my 3 teenage sons twice now. We’ve all enjoyed it and it was a great value both times. We all like the history of the hotel, its location, and the lake view rooms we’ve had. Our most recent room was larger than typical hotel rooms. Beds were firm, but we slept great and I never sleep well at hotels. Shower water pressure was decent. I think the only thing we didn’t like was the small TV and the cable wasn’t an HD signal, but we travel with an Apple TV and travel router which made it better. Didn't try the restaurants or bars onsite as we had Dunkin for breakfast and local restaurants for lunches and dinners. We parked in the Grant Park South parking garage both times and that is a great combo.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Loren

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
There were like three cockroaches when we got to pur room
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Ryan

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was fine
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Really enjoyed staying at the Congress. The only thing I didn’t care for was the doors leading into the rooms, the panels are literally pushable to get into someone’s room due to the state of their condition. But that’s the only negative. The staff was amazing, the cleanliness was top notch. It was the perfect hotel for heading to the shamrock shuffle Sunday morning. We will be back next year to stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Samantha, Palatine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The only issue is that the rooms don’t have individual temperature controls, at least none that I found. Otherwise the congress plaza is a great old hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal, Richland

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay, the lobby is gorgeous! When going to our room the building does smell a little stale and old in the halls, however our room was beautiful, clean and smelled very fresh. The price was great and the area was very convenient.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robb

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

Weekend Joy

I had a great weekend get away. And I even got to view the Shamrock Shuffle from my window.
Lake view
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jemya

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025