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Room Availability
There are only a few rooms left at this price, so we encourage you to book as soon as possible. Keep in mind that room availability can change at any time as demand changes, and when availability at a particular price runs out, the price for the room may increase.
*rate found for check-in Dec 29, check-out Dec 30
Rates displayed reflect the lowest rate found over the next 30 days. This rate is subject to change. Rates may not include service charges, extra person charges, fees or incidental charges (such as room service).
Converted rates (shown in parentheses) are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at this hotel, but within a reasonable distance and additional charges may apply for use. All information has been provided by this hotel.
Check-in: 1500
Check-out: 1200
Local currency: USD
The Congress Plaza Hotel & convention center is perfect for the value driven guest looking for a convenient downtown location with spectacular views of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain and Lake Michigan. It is just short walk to the New Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum Campus, Symphony Center, and the Sears Tower. The city business districts, shopping and restaurants, as well as downtown theaters and universities are also just minutes away. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (15 miles) and Midway Airport (11 miles) are easily accessible.
The Congress Plaza Hotel & convention center was originally designed and built in 1893 to accommodate visitors to the Columbian World's Exposition. There are a total of 840 guest rooms, including 50 deluxe suites, many of which overlook the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan.
Travel Advisory: The Hotel and Restaurant Employees Union Local 1 is currently conducting a strike against The Congress Plaza Hotel. Guests may encounter picketers outside the hotel.
As of March 1st, valet parking will cost $33.00/night and garage parking will cost $28.00/night.
Check-in: 1500
Check-out: 1200
Local currency: USD
*rate found for check-in Dec 29, check-out Dec 30
Rates displayed reflect the lowest rate found over the next 30 days. This rate is subject to change. Rates may not include service charges, extra person charges, fees or incidental charges (such as room service).
Converted rates (shown in parentheses) are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at this hotel, but within a reasonable distance and additional charges may apply for use. All information has been provided by this hotel.
Overall score
3.6 out of 5
(268 reviews)
Reviews and scores for each hotel are collected from customers who purchased a stay at that hotel.
Reviewers are asked to rate a variety of hotel attributes on a scale of 1 to 5. The highest possible score is "5," meaning the user was "very satisfied," while "1" is the lowest, meaning the user was "very dissatisfied."
The "overall score" is an average of all reviewer scores submitted for a hotel.
Hotel address: 520 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Chicago, IL
Midway and O'Hare International Airports
Adjacent to Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain. Near Millenium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum Campus, Symphony Center, and the Sears Tower.
A relaxed setting to enjoy cocktails or play pool or watch your favorite sports
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner served from 6:30am to 10:30pm. Breakfast includes full American Breakfast, lunch- a variety of salads and sandwiches, dinner- chicken, beef, pork and seafood dishes.
50,000 square feet of meeting space. World renowned gold room
Please enter check-in and check-out dates to the right to select a room
Check-in: 1500
Check-out: 1200
Local currency: USD
*rate found for check-in Dec 29, check-out Dec 30
Rates displayed reflect the lowest rate found over the next 30 days. This rate is subject to change. Rates may not include service charges, extra person charges, fees or incidental charges (such as room service).
Converted rates (shown in parentheses) are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at this hotel, but within a reasonable distance and additional charges may apply for use. All information has been provided by this hotel.
Overall score
3.6 out of 5
(268 reviews)
Reviews and scores for each hotel are collected from customers who purchased a stay at that hotel.
Reviewers are asked to rate a variety of hotel attributes on a scale of 1 to 5. The highest possible score is "5," meaning the user was "very satisfied," while "1" is the lowest, meaning the user was "very dissatisfied."
The "overall score" is an average of all reviewer scores submitted for a hotel.
Score
4 out of 5
Great location, great price
jrichardin Nov 28, 2009
Good location for going to Lyric Opera (30 min walk) and to Art Institute (10 min walk). Reasonably-priced parking in the ... street behind the hotel.
Traveler type: Couples
Score
1 out of 5
Congress Plaza Hotel
Brucek Nov 23, 2009
Appalling. The room backed onto 3 carparks which had car doors opening and shutting all night plus the odd car alarm going ... off as people opened their cars before turning off their alarms. As well as this, the 'L' also ran 20 yards from the window which was also subject to a searchlight on the wall which shone around the curtains. The walls were paper thin and carried the noises from adjacent rooms all night. The room, although cleanish and tidy was in the first stages of neglect and dis-repair with wallpaper coming off around the door.
Traveler type: Single
Walk to your nearest L station and get a map of the L, then carefully read the section on 1, 2 or 3 day passes which oddly enough you can't buy at the station. They are valid for 24 hours AFTER FIRST USE, not time of purchase. You can travel around, get on and off as many times as you like and really see the place.
Score
3 out of 5
IRID
MRID Nov 23, 2009
It was fine for what I needed. I was attending a conference and I just needed a place to sleep and clean up. I did not ... care for the Internet connection.
Traveler type: Business
Reviews represent the opinions of Orbitz customers, not of Orbitz or its staff.
Walk to your nearest L station and get a map of the L, then carefully read the section on 1, 2 or 3 day passes which oddly enough you can't buy at the station. They are valid for 24 hours AFTER FIRST USE, not time of purchase. You can travel around, get on and off as many times as you like and really see the place.
--Brucek, Brisbane, Australia Nov 23, 2009
The front desk has nice deals and discounts for many local pizza joints which helped us save money.
--Smart shopper, ohio Nov 18, 2009
This location is ideal for those who like variety.
--Travelling Guy, Wisconsin Nov 16, 2009
Overall score
3.6 out of 5
(268 reviews)
Reviews and scores for each hotel are collected from customers who purchased a stay at that hotel.
Reviewers are asked to rate a variety of hotel attributes on a scale of 1 to 5. The highest possible score is "5," meaning the user was "very satisfied," while "1" is the lowest, meaning the user was "very dissatisfied."
The "overall score" is an average of all reviewer scores submitted for a hotel.
Sort reviews by: most recent | highest rating | lowest rating
Score
4 out of 5
Great location, great price
jrichardin Nov 28, 2009
Good location for going to Lyric Opera (30 min walk) and to Art Institute (10 min walk). Reasonably-priced parking in the ... street behind the hotel.
Traveler type: Couples
Score
1 out of 5
Congress Plaza Hotel
Brucek Nov 23, 2009
Appalling. The room backed onto 3 carparks which had car doors opening and shutting all night plus the odd car alarm going ... off as people opened their cars before turning off their alarms. As well as this, the 'L' also ran 20 yards from the window which was also subject to a searchlight on the wall which shone around the curtains. The walls were paper thin and carried the noises from adjacent rooms all night. The room, although cleanish and tidy was in the first stages of neglect and dis-repair with wallpaper coming off around the door.
Traveler type: Single
Walk to your nearest L station and get a map of the L, then carefully read the section on 1, 2 or 3 day passes which oddly enough you can't buy at the station. They are valid for 24 hours AFTER FIRST USE, not time of purchase. You can travel around, get on and off as many times as you like and really see the place.
Score
3 out of 5
IRID
MRID Nov 23, 2009
It was fine for what I needed. I was attending a conference and I just needed a place to sleep and clean up. I did not ... care for the Internet connection.
Traveler type: Business
Score
4 out of 5
worth the search
jrtjoin Nov 19, 2009
clean, convenient, even their employee's picket line was calm ...
Traveler type: Business
Score
3 out of 5
It was ok, not the greatest
Smart shopper Nov 18, 2009
The staff was slow to answer the phone at the front desk when we called for extra pillows. They never showed up when we asked ... them to help us with our bags when we wanted to check out, we waited over 15 minutes.
Traveler type: Couples
The front desk has nice deals and discounts for many local pizza joints which helped us save money.
Score
4 out of 5
My stay @ the Congress by Grant Park
KINGJDEE Nov 17, 2009
our stay here was a very pleasant. housekeeping attends to your needs within seconds of requests. and the staff is friendly ... and courteous. the only brownie point not awarded is they dont allow check ins til mid afternoon. NO A.M. CHECK-INS
Traveler type: Couples
Score
3 out of 5
Workers on Strike
Magic Reviewer Man Nov 16, 2009
I chose to stay at this hotel for the price and location, and was not disappointed. Other reviews I read said that it was a ... good place to sleep for the night; I agree. If you are the kind of person who needs a "luxurious" experience, or an "amazing" bed to sleep on, this hotel isn't for you. But if your room is really just a launch pad, then I would recommend this hotel. After I checked in, I found workers picketing outside of the hotel. I was initially worried that it would translate into poor customer service, but it quickly became clear that even when picketing, the workers understood that I didn't cause their problem, and they went out of their way to ensure that my trip didn't suffer during the strike. I would stay here again, but I would also comparison shop the Travelodge hotel around the corner before I made another reservation.
Traveler type: Business
Score
4 out of 5
Good location and price.
Carebear Nov 16, 2009
The hotel was as expected from an old Chicago hotel which is what we wanted. Close to shopping, restaurants etc. Staff ... wasn't incredibly helpful or friendly except for a security guard who was extremely helpful with directions and suggestions.
Traveler type: Friends
Score
3 out of 5
Great Location
Travelling Guy Nov 16, 2009
This Hotel was a bargain for the location. Right off of Michigan Ave next to Millennium Park. Plenty of restaurants and ... trendy bars well within walking distance. I'm a Chicago native, and it was great to get back to the city for a weekend. I would recommend this hotel for those looking for a night or two out in town. The lobby and bar was nice, but the halls and rooms themselves need some renovation in order for this hotel to gain a star. I wouldn't recommend this for a romantic getaway, but for those looking for a decent hotel for that weekend out with friends, the Congress Hotel is well suited.
Traveler type: Friends
This location is ideal for those who like variety.
Score
3 out of 5
business travel
business traveler Nov 10, 2009
Good location with reasonable rate for the area. My room overlooked the El which was noisy. the hotel lounge, restaurant and ... room service wasn't open past 10pm.
Traveler type: Business
Score
4 out of 5
Great Spot for Downtown Touring
mom and daughters Nov 9, 2009
The Congress is in a great location for downtown excursions. We toured a college; shopped; dined; attended the symphony and ... art institute; strolled Millenium and Grant Park; all by walking. The blue line train was a perfect connection from O'Hare too. THis is a classic, beautiful older hotel that I know we will use in the future. Our room faced a side street but we could still see Michigan Ave and the lake. Not for those that want a "cookie cutter" hotel; it has charming character.
Traveler type: Family
Take the Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour! We purchased a 2 day pass that allowed us to take the tour and preview what to stop at and see later on. Very informative and friendly guides.
Score
4 out of 5
Great Hotel!
TNT311 Oct 26, 2009
Our room was clean and ready early. The staff was helpful, although they didn't seem very knowledgable about the hotel. We ... loved the huge closet! I would definitely recommend to a friend. Also, we were walking distance for public transportation and other places around the city we wanted to visit.
Traveler type: Business
The Red Line bus station on Jackson can also access the blue line if you keep going downstairs. For some reason this isn't marked, but very helpful for getting around!
Score
3 out of 5
Small, but comfortable budget hotel
Milwaukee Student Oct 26, 2009
The Congress Plaza Hotel was exactly what we were looking for as two students looking for a multiple day stay in Chicago. We ... wanted a cheap hotel that we could count on being clean and in a decent location, and got what we paid for. The staff were all foreign and were difficult to understand, but they did their best to help at all times and were friendly. The rooms are tiny, and everything in the hotel tries really hard to be nice, but you can tell that it is aging. It isn't disappointing, however, with the price. The hotel has amenities such as a restaurant, lounge, and fitness center, but is missing a pool and hot tub, which was unfortunate. If you are looking for a cheap hotel, I wouldn't be afraid to try the Congress Plaza - I would stay there again if I had to. If you have more money to spend, however, try another option.
Traveler type: Couples
Score
4 out of 5
Very convenient with a touch of class
Two Nerds Oct 21, 2009
Great locale for visiting The museums, aquarium and the planetarium, as they are easily within walking distance. We had ... great fall weather and walked through Millennium Park twice on different days. Buckingham Fountain is directly across from the Hotel. We loved the historic hotel with its grand lobby and room furnishings. Last day we took the grand tour bus to Navy Pier and through the northside then back to the Sears tower.
Traveler type: Couples
From union station we walked to Macys to pickup our Chicago Go card which was a great way to pre pay for many must see sights.
Score
3 out of 5
Great urbanathlon location
Urbanathlete Oct 20, 2009
I travelled to Chicago for the Urbanathlon and decided to stay at the Congress Plaza for its location and value. The location ... is great since it is right across the street from Grant Park where the event begins and ends, and it was walking distance from the blue line which connects to O'hare airport. The hotel itself is old and outdated so in the future I will probably stay some place a little nicer. Otherwise, the staff was very nice and helpful and the location was perfect.
Traveler type: Friends
Score
5 out of 5
Wonderful Weekend
Chuck Oct 19, 2009
Very short stay, but perfect for our needs. We attended a play at the Goodman Theatre, lunch at Harry Caray's and dinner at ... Morton's. All within walking distance from the Congress. We would stay at the Congress in the future.
Traveler type: Couples
Morton's and Harry Caray's is easily within walking distance...a great feel of Chicago's culture is experienced by walking from the Congress to the River.
Score
3 out of 5
ok, for an old hotel
Riccardo Oct 17, 2009
my hotel selection was based on both the distance to the Chicago Symphony, and price. Both were very acceptable. The hotel ... was only 2 blocks from the Symphony center. For the price, it was a good deal. The staff were helpful, especially the door men, and porters, who gave much helpful advice. Check in, and checkout were a breeze. The hotel is old, and the rooms, though not really first rate... were clean, and maid service was fine.. The other guests, many who arrived by limo, seemed also to find the hotel a good deal. The breakfast room was also very acceptable.. service was good. I have no real complaints.. there were, however, a couple strikers outside the door... but they did not bother me at all.. My room had no real view.. except to the college building next door, and i was not allowed a room change to a view of the lake. The weather was so bad, however, that this was a minor inconvenience. My bed was too hard, and hurt my back... but, for a couple days, i tolerated it. The bathroom door would not open past the toilet, so, to use the toilet, i had to shut the door.. The bathtub was small. No nightlights. I opened the curtains to get some light, at night. TV was bigscreen plasma, but just got the normal free channels ( and pay channels for extra).
Traveler type: Single
There is a very good sushi take out on the corner, though staffed by chinese, not japanese... and a health food store just around the block, near the Symphony Center. Both i used frequently.
Score
4 out of 5
Great buy, great location, decent room
Button 28 Oct 12, 2009
Picked the hotel due to the extreme close location to the Chicago Marathon and the reasonable cost. ...
Traveler type: Single
Score
4 out of 5
Grand old hotel - great value for price
Nana Oct 5, 2009
Our family get-together included a trip to the Shedd Aquarium, which is walking distance from the Congress. Our room was ... clean and comfortable. We have stayed at the Congress previously, and found new restoration being done to the hotel. The Congress is a grand old hotel and we are delighted the owners are gradually working on restoration.
Traveler type: Couples
The Shedd Aquarium is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Congress, however we took a cab (~8.00) due to inclement weather and having our 3-year old granddaughter with us.
Score
3 out of 5
It is what it is.
J Oct 5, 2009
It is what it is. If you need a place to stay that is in the heart of Chicago, this is a good place to stay. If you are ... looking for that 5 star hotel that you are pampered you every 5 miniutes, this might not be your place. I would stay here again for the location.
Traveler type: Friends
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Reviews represent the opinions of Orbitz customers, not of Orbitz or its staff.
Sort tips by: most recent | distance from hotel
Walk to your nearest L station and get a map of the L, then carefully read the section on 1, 2 or 3 day passes which oddly enough you can't buy at the station. They are valid for 24 hours AFTER FIRST USE, not time of purchase. You can travel around, get on and off as many times as you like and really see the place.
--Brucek, Brisbane, Australia Nov 23, 2009
The front desk has nice deals and discounts for many local pizza joints which helped us save money.
--Smart shopper, ohio Nov 18, 2009
This location is ideal for those who like variety.
--Travelling Guy, Wisconsin Nov 16, 2009
Take the Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour! We purchased a 2 day pass that allowed us to take the tour and preview what to stop at and see later on. Very informative and friendly guides.
--mom and daughters, South Dakota Nov 9, 2009
The Red Line bus station on Jackson can also access the blue line if you keep going downstairs. For some reason this isn't marked, but very helpful for getting around!
--TNT311, Orlando, FL Oct 26, 2009
From union station we walked to Macys to pickup our Chicago Go card which was a great way to pre pay for many must see sights.
--Two Nerds, Muskegon,Mi Oct 21, 2009
Morton's and Harry Caray's is easily within walking distance...a great feel of Chicago's culture is experienced by walking from the Congress to the River.
--Chuck, Brown Deer, WI Oct 19, 2009
There is a very good sushi take out on the corner, though staffed by chinese, not japanese... and a health food store just around the block, near the Symphony Center. Both i used frequently.
--Riccardo, Tallahassee, Florida Oct 17, 2009
The Shedd Aquarium is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Congress, however we took a cab (~8.00) due to inclement weather and having our 3-year old granddaughter with us.
--Nana, Midland, Michigan Oct 5, 2009
If you like the water, Lake Michigan was a very short walk through Grant Park. My walk along the shoreline was very nice, with the sailboats, and ferris wheel a short distance away. Truly amazing water fountain right outside the front door of the hotel. (2 small city blocks)
--Kevinator, Rocky Mountains Sep 16, 2009
Ask the Hotel staff for suggestions on where to go and how to get there. Buy a CTA Transit pass. (1-day, 3-day, 5-day, etc.) Go to the top of one of the really tall buildings. We ate at top of The John Hancock tower twice. We spent time in Millenium Park (Attended 2 free concerts.) and Grant Park. Both are clean, have beautiful flowers, and are safe.
--John and Ann, Amesbury, Massachusetts Sep 15, 2009
the saloon steakhouse
--big jim, lake Barrington, Il Sep 14, 2009
Can walk to Magnificent Mile.
--Bono Lover, Cleveland, OH Sep 14, 2009
Elect the valet parking. For $33, it's well worth it.
--Tom, Freeport, IL Sep 6, 2009
Parking cheaper than other Chicago hotels. But, you have to wait a long time for car. Allow time.
--ColumPar, KY Sep 6, 2009
Take the architectural foundation river cruise on the Chicago River; Wrigley Field is also fun, but we had a rain out!
--Catonsville 2, Baltimore, MD Aug 22, 2009
Exchequer Pub on Wackerly
--Brad, Caro, MI Aug 18, 2009
Gino's Pizza- A Must have! Turn right onto Superior. Pizza takes about 45 minutes, so make sure you have enough time. Fun place.
--AH, Springfield, MO Aug 3, 2009
Millenium Park is less than two blocks away.
--Family member, Arlingtgon Heights, Ill Aug 3, 2009
if you want to stay over night to go to the taste you couldn't ask for anything better. also, we watched the fireworks right around the corner from the hotel
--pschulz, chesterton, in Aug 2, 2009
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Reviews represent the opinions of Orbitz customers, not of Orbitz or its staff.
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