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

Aerial view
Lobby
Junior Suite, City View | Living area | TV
Exterior detail
Family Suite | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

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

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Room options

Accessible Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

  • 251 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Junior Suite, City View

  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

  • 538 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Queen Room, Interior View

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Suite

  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

  • 251 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

  • 251 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

  • 278 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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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 has 2 restaurants along with conveniences like free in-room WiFi and a gym.

What's nearby

  • Art Institute of Chicago - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Millennium Park - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Grant Park - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Chicago Riverwalk - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Soldier Field - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile

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 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 securing valuables, concierge services, and dry cleaning/laundry. Additional amenities include conference space, a business center, and express check-out.
Guests can expect TVs with cable channels, along with free WiFi and wired Internet. 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.

Languages

English, Hindi, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

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

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
  • Smoke-free property

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 (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

  • 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)
  • An in-room refrigerator is available for an additional fee
  • 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 Jun 14, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on Jul 1, 2025 start from $134.1, 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.

Will I be able to park 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.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Congress Plaza Hotel?

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, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

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.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

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).

Can I book a room with a balcony 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. 3761 out of 8869 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2453 out of 8869 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1375 out of 8869 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 715 out of 8869 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 565 out of 8869 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

Brittany

Liked: Cleanliness
It’s was easy- we were in our rooms within a Few minutes of arriving
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Brenda, Anaheim

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is like going back into the 1920's. They have not upgraded in many years. The room battery on the door had not been replaced which caused us to be locked out of the room for three hours until 1am.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would stay here again. It’s old but that is part of its charm!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

AIMEE

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff judged guests because of age and limited guest from going to the room
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Gregory

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

6/10 Okay

Bonnie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karine

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Grateful for the wonderful service and hospitality-
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hamid

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice place
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Douglas

Traveled with family
Location was great! It’s an old hotel but it’s good enough to stay for the convenience. Slow water pressure for the shower.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

La Nae

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay! Cool historic hotel in an excellent location. Breakfast buffet was $29.95 and had wonderful variety of choices.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Andrew

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

4/10 Poor

Zamaya

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
I rated the service high due to Steve, the bell person, he is friendly, helpful and very good at his job. The rooms are small, not up to date and not the cleanest. There was hair on the towels, in the shower. I do clean the shower and things when I arrive but it is still unsettling the hair wasn’t noticed. There wasn’t a lot of counter space in the bathroom which is not preferred. The person who checked me in was having a bad day or something they just set a paper in front of me and I was to assume what was needed until they finally told me a signature was needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Ross

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Propert is near Lake Michigan and walkable to Blue/Red lines. However, room was so hot, could not adjust temperature in the room so you’re at the mercy of the weather. Had to open our windows at night which didn’t help much but also created so much noise from traffic outside. The last night the staff came to room voluntarily to give us a fan due to excessive heat and temperature outside was only in low 60s. Otherwise convenient and cheap, just uncomfortable sleeping conditions.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Brenda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great views fast elevator. Didn't like that the temperature of the room could not be controlled it was super hot. Other than this hotel is great.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peggy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Kenneth

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Historical hotel with architectural elegance.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wenceslao

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Vibhavari

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. But the hotel is very old, and there is no sound absorption- you can hear everything from the next room. The young guys next to my room kept playing loud music until four in the morning, talked loudly, and despite calling the reception to ask them to lower volume, nothing changed. This went on for three nights! The cafe downstairs - the food and service was terrible! The Alfredo sauce was so bad, I had to send it back. The reception ladies were not at all helpful when asked where to store my luggage. The bellman was out- and the reception ladies just set there- did not help. There was no luggage rack in the room- so had to use one of the rickety chairs to place my bag o. it. The bathroom did not have counter- just a very narrow ledge- so it was hard to place anything on it. Bed was comfortable and pillows were good. Had a nice view of the river. Bottom line- I will not stay here again. For the amount of money they charged,
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Alyssa

Room was very dirty
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Always a good choice to stay in Chicago. Very good location and affordable price. The hotel is old but in very good condition. Fully recommended
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Momin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

michele

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The rooms were like a saunas and we got stuck in the bathroom 3 times.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Anneliese

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
We had a nice stay for 2 nights while in Chicago. The facility itself is quite outdated, but our room was renovated and nice. The bathroom was outdated and the shower didn’t look great so we didn’t use it. It was very hot at night in our room, as the unit would only blow warm air, but we opened the window slightly which helped. Overall not a bad stay and would recommend for short term stays.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel was so cool. A great combination of character and convenience! Steve at the door is the best. He was extremely helpful and friendly. Thank you, Steve!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025