Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 star property
Hotel with 2 restaurants, steps from Columbia College Chicago

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

Banquet hall
Property preview
Exterior detail
Lobby
Junior Suite, City View | Living area | TV

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available

Explore the area

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

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(212 reviews)
  • 251 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(22 reviews)
  • 538 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Family Suite

  • Sleeps 6

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(547 reviews)
  • 278 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(493 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(127 reviews)
  • 251 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Family Suite

7.8 out of 10
Good
(69 reviews)
  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Double Beds

Accessible Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(55 reviews)
  • 251 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Queen Room, Interior View

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(146 reviews)
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Lakefront Suite

  • Sleeps 2

Accessible Room

  • Sleeps 4

Standard Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

Standard King Room

  • Sleeps 2

King Room with Lake View

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Two Double Room

  • Sleeps 4

Two Double Room with Lake View

  • Sleeps 4

Junior Suite, City View

  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite

  • Sleeps 2

Suite with City View

  • Sleeps 2

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About the neighborhood

Chicago

Located in Downtown Chicago, Congress Plaza Hotel is next to popular attractions like Columbia College Chicago and Museum of Contemporary Photography. This 870-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and a gym.

What's nearby

  • Auditorium Building and Theatre - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Columbia College Chicago - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Buckingham Fountain - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Art Institute of Chicago - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Millennium Park - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles

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

  • ‪Epic Burger - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Fontano's Pizza and Subs - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Lounge At Congress Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Gazebo Restaurant at Grant Park - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Thai Spoon - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Congress Plaza Hotel

Hotel with 2 restaurants, steps from Columbia College Chicago
Guests of Congress Plaza Hotel enjoy a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and meeting rooms. Self parking is offered for USD 62.00 per night. Multilingual staff at the front desk are standing by 24/7 to help with concierge services, securing valuables, and dry cleaning/laundry. Additional amenities include conference space, a business center, and express check-out.
Guests can expect free wired internet and TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include sitting areas, refrigerators, and coffee makers. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

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)
  • Limited onsite self parking

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

Restaurants on site

  • Tavern Tap
  • Tavern Tap

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Gym
  • Shopping

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Hair salon
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 50,000 square feet of conference space
  • Business center
  • Meeting rooms

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

More

  • 100% renewable energy
  • 14 floors
  • 3 buildings
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1893
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Heating
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • 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

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 25.00 per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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 list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed 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

Is a free cancellation option available at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Congress Plaza Hotel offers free cancellation on some room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

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

As of Dec 30, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on Jan 3, 2026 start from $78.34, 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.

What's there to see near Congress Plaza Hotel?

This hotel is situated in Downtown Chicago within a 10-minute walk of Millennium Park, State Street, and Art Institute of Chicago. You'll also find Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Yes, uncovered parking is offered for USD 62.00 per night. Bicycle parking is also available for guests.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel include a casino on the premises?

No, Congress Plaza Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Congress Plaza Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Congress Plaza Hotel good for couples?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this hotel, including a soaking tub and free Internet access in each guestroom with some featuring lake views.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Congress Plaza Hotel has 2 restaurants, and serves a full breakfast on weekend mornings for a surcharge.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Congress Plaza Hotel though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Yes, this hotel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

Where is the closest airport to Congress Plaza Hotel?

The closest major airport to Congress Plaza Hotel is Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), which is 12 mi away (26 minutes by car). Another top airport is Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD), which is located 18.9 mi away (37-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Congress Plaza Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Congress Plaza Hotel.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel host weddings?

Take advantage of the wedding venue at Congress Plaza Hotel if you plan to say "I do" during your trip.

Congress Plaza Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 4318 out of 9720 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2607 out of 9720 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1495 out of 9720 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 715 out of 9720 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 585 out of 9720 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Kim

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
The rooms have no climate controls, so the preset temperatures on the unit is all you get. The equipment in the fitness rooms did not work, and the room itself was messy.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

David

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Room was clean, but the rest of the hotel was rough, not cared for.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Did not Have breakfast. Room clean and area felt old and falling apart
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

John

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Natalie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Samir

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zachary

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

James, New Orleans

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic experience all around!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

TED

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
NO HOT WATER!!!! Two night stay, and ZERO HOT WATER!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is great, and the lobby is ornate, but the rooms have not been updated for decades , and I would expect more for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Joli

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I read from reviews that The Congress Plaza was in an excellent location which I completely agree. They have made room improvements and our rooms were very clean. But two things that need to be improved: the mattresses are too firm, maybe add a soft pillow topper so something. Did not sleep well. The second improvement needed is climate control - all we could do is adjust the fan speed of the unit under the window. There was no way to adjust the temperature.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Mallory

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

Great location, nice but dated hotel

Stayed here for few days while attending a conference near Willis Tower. Easy walk over there, as well as to Millennium Park. As a solo female, I felt very safe in the area, even walking around at night! There are plenty of other people out and about, which helps. The hotel itself is decent--it feels elegant and vintage in the lobby. Walking over to the elevators sends you back 40 years and everything is extremely dated. The hallways between the hotel rooms are also really dingy and not welcoming at all. Thankfully, the room was decently updated and I had a lovely view of the lake! The room itself was comfortable, but some of the wares, again, felt dated (small TV/no TV guide, binder full of hotel recommendations that feel like they haven't been looked at in years). The bathroom also has zero counter space and could be updated. But overall, this room was fine for a few days in the city, and I appreciated the lower cost of this hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Kathy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Coffee pot and iron did not work - adjoining room was very loud all night long - I acutaly booked a room with 1 queen bed and we were place in a room with 2 double beds and an adjoining room - not in our party. They were very loud overall beautiful hotel just a few glitches
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Karla

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Craig, Olathe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This is a beautiful historic Chicago downtown hotel across the street from Grant Park. However, some of the rooms and hallways are in need of updating.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Nerie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Clean, but old hotel room.

Clean linen and towels. Comfortable bed. Old a/c unit that made noises when adjusted and may use some filter cleaning. Old carpet.Tiny room. No space for a table, just one chair available. Fridge and cofee maker were good.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandi

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great stay! Easy check in, kind and helpful staff. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Steve and Johnny the bellboys were always very nice and helpful! A smile and quick conversation whenever we see saw them. We had an awesome time!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms. Liked how there’s things nearby to do. Staff were polite
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

William, Tempe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stay here every year for music festival, it's super convenient to the public transportation and close to most of the downtown area attractions. It's an older hotel but rooms are clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Bridget

Traveled with family
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Jandry

Need fix or renovation some place, closet, rest room door
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephan

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

sammi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025