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Congress Plaza Hotel

Property class: 3.5
3.5-star hotel near Columbia College Chicago

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

A spacious lobby with a central sofa, multiple seating areas, and a decorative ceiling.
A cityscape with various buildings, including a prominent skyscraper and a classical building with arched windows.
A grand ballroom with ornate ceiling decorations, multiple chandeliers, and a central table with a white tablecloth.
Outdoor seating with yellow umbrellas labeled "Twisted Tea," wicker chairs, and tables.
A spacious bar area with a central bar, multiple seating options including bar stools and tables, and a well-lit ceiling with recessed lighting.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60605
  • Place, Grant Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Auditorium Building and Theatre
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Millennium Park
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Room options

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
(285 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King 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 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
(629 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
(544 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
(149 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
(75 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • 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
(201 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

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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 for Jewish Learning and Leadership are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Grant Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Auditorium Building and Theatre - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Columbia College Chicago - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Buckingham Fountain - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Millennium Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Chicago Van Buren Street Station - 2 min walk
  • Harrison Station - 5 min walk
  • Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

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

About this property

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5-star hotel near Columbia College 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 3.5-star 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 air-conditioned 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.

This Chicago hotel provides complimentary wired 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.

Similar properties

A modern hotel lobby with seating areas, a reception desk, and an elevator.
Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Downtown Chicago
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
4.1 out of 5, Very good, 2,742 reviews
The price is CA $121
CA $144 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 7 - Dec 8
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

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

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

  • Bed sheets 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
  • 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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

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

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)
  • 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.

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

We should mention

  • 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

Frequently asked questions

How close is Congress Plaza Hotel to the airport?

Congress Plaza Hotel is 12 mi (26-min drive) away from the Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Congress Plaza Hotel?

As of Nov 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on Nov 22, 2026 start from CA $164, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Congress Plaza Hotel.

How close is Congress Plaza Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is 2.6 mi (8-min drive) from Oak Street Beach and 3.7 mi (13-min drive) from North Avenue Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Congress Plaza Hotel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t offered at Congress Plaza Hotel, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of between USD 16 and 23 for adults, USD 12 and 18 for children.

Is there a casino at Congress Plaza Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Bally's Casino Chicago (2-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Early check-in costs USD 49.00 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Self parking is available for USD 62.00 per night.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel have a pool?

Congress Plaza Hotel does not have a pool.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel have a restaurant?

Yes, there are 2 restaurants on site.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Congress Plaza Hotel to downtown Chicago?

Congress Plaza Hotel is 0.3 mi away from Chicago.

Congress Plaza Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 4493 out of 10126 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2568 out of 10126 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1631 out of 10126 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 761 out of 10126 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 673 out of 10126 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean with a view of the park and lake. Staff was helpful with questions on transportation. Hotel near many restaurants and places to visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was old but nice. Most of the staff was nice. Just the one front desk women wasnt very nice. The gentleman at the front door were so kind and helpful for us out of towners
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was wonderful location, got to see the fire works at Navy pier. Hotel was clean and the breakfast was delicious
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always love when I stay at the Congress
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay in Chicago!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
central to everything and great, quiet rooms. we loved the bar and the building is beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
great price for a big room with a view!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always a great stay at the Congress! I'll definitely be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the location. I liked the details in the decorations of the property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Location
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There is no doubt that this is an older hotel, but it was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel - would stay again. Only downside was noise from the street late at night but nothing they could do anything about
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very dated and dilapidated building. Overpriced for what you got. You are paying for the location only.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were kind and were prepared to help.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had a great stay at the Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago this weekend. One of the best parts was the location, it was incredibly convenient and within easy walking distance of many of the city's attractions, restaurants, and parks. The staff was also very friendly and welcoming, making check-in and the overall stay smooth and enjoyable. If you're looking for a hotel with a great location and helpful service, I would definitely recommend staying here.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed in a wonderful room with a great view. It was very clean. We stay at the Congress every time we come to Chicago to see our daughters.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
On my stay in Chicago, i chose the Congress because of a previous stay here. Love the location, nice size room and the helpful staff Gabriel in particular! Thank you! Definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location at walking distance to main attractions in downtown. Small but clean room. Hotel parking at public parking locations.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The Congress Hotel is a beautiful older hotel. It unfortunately is in need of maintenance. Is a wonderful hotel of significant historical value.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Iconic hotel located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Friendly staff and fast check in experience. Clean rooms. Loved it for our Soldier Field event.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Generally well located and clean, but so noisy due to being right on Michigan.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026