About
Directly across from Millennium Park and sitting on the iconic Michigan Avenue, Congress Plaza Hotel offers elegance, luxury, and history in the heart of downtown Chicago. This historic Chicago hotel offers stunning city and lake views, on-site dining options, and free WiFi. Offering a mix of contemporary amenities and classic, historic character, each room at Congress Plaza Hotel features high ceilings, expansive bathrooms and a flat-screen cable TV. Coffee makers, working desks, and ironing facilities are provided in each room. Some rooms offer separate living areas and family-friendly bedding layouts. Rafael’s offers a menu of American classics, coupled with creative seasonal chef specialties for lunch and dinner. For breakfast, guests can start the day off with breakfast at Gazebo or grab a drink and watch a game on the flat-screen TVs at the Congress Lounge, which offers city views and comfortable leather couches and chairs. A 24-hour fitness center, barbershop and same-day dry cleaning and shoeshine services are available on-site. The hotel includes 23 contemporary venue event spaces, including the infamous Gold Room, dating back to early 1920's Chicago. Room service, a business center, and multiple seating areas are also offered. Congress Plaza Hotel is within walking distance from Chicago must-see attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain, and Lake Michigan. Shops, dining and entertainment on the Magnificent Mile is only 10 minute's walk. Navy Pier is only 2 miles away.
Guest Rating
Good
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value
Location
Satisfaction
Room Options
Lake View Room with 2 Double Beds
302 sqft • 2 Double
Room Details and Photos
Lake View King Bed
302 sqft • 1 King
Room Details and Photos
Family Suite
539 sqft • 1 Single
Room Details and Photos
Family Suite
593 sqft • 2 Double • 1 King
Room Details and Photos
Queen Room
130 sqft • 1 Queen
Room Details and Photos
Congress Plaza Hotel - All Inclusive Reviews Rating
Good
Review summary
The hotel is praised for its excellent and convenient location, with spacious, comfortable beds and generally quiet rooms, complemented by friendly and helpful staff. Many guests appreciated the clean rooms, good value for money, and amenities such as on-site restaurants and bars with good food and service. However, some reviews mention issues with outdated and poorly maintained bathrooms, cleanliness concerns including mold and odors, thin walls, and expensive or limited parking options.
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value
Location
Satisfaction
Lisa
•Posted on: 11-22-2025
This hotel's location can't be beat and the cost is an exceptional value. Staff members were 100% courteous, helpful, and prompt.
Because this is an older hotel there are fewer amenities. No microwave in the room, hot water was not as hot as could be desired during high use times of day. I think it's radiator heat so a bit of a knack to controlling temperature. But these were minor things compared to location and cost for me.
Henry
•Posted on: 11-6-2025
Great location, historic feel to the hotel, clean rooms and friendly staff
Nothing!
Brian
•Posted on: 11-2-2025
Ease of check-in and check-out. Comfortable bed.
Poor air conditioning. Bathroom badly needs upgrade. No croissants at breakfast. Eggs Benedict cold when delivered
Moureau
•Posted on: 10-20-2025
Location, Location, location!! Walking distance to food & entertainment. Interesting history. Fast and smooth elevators. Hotel caters to several venues which is great if your looking for different options. The door service personal were helpful and nice.
The restaurant charges almost $40 for a standard basic breakfast buffet but doesn't tell you price up front because they know you wouldn't eat there otherwise! Had to ask for washcloths for room. Can more than see the age of the building. Boast Queen beds but they are more Full size. In room frig froze everything even after adjusting temp. Had to run shower for 4 minutes to get warm water. Frequent Mary Jane oder about.
Moureau
•Posted on: 10-19-2025
Location, Location, location!! Walking distance to food & entertainment. Interesting history. Fast and smooth elevators. Hotel caters to several venues which is great if your looking for different options. The door service personal were helpful and nice.
The restaurant charges almost $40 for a standard basic breakfast buffet but doesn't tell you price up front because they know you wouldn't eat there otherwise! Had to ask for washcloths for room. Can more than see the age of the building. Boast Queen beds but they are more Full size. In room frig froze everything even after adjusting temp. Had to run shower for 4 minutes to get warm water. Frequent Mary Jane oder about.
Vadim
•Posted on: 10-18-2025
The hotel is lovely. The rooms are clean and not very spacious, but perfectly adequate. The best part is the location—everything worth seeing is within walking distance! It was a great choice and we had a wonderful time!
Lydia
•Posted on: 10-5-2025
Fab location; close to everything, including the lake, river walks, shops. Room was spacious and the bed was very comfortable. As a female solo traveller, I felt safe everywhere and most of the staff were friendly. I enjoyed the retro, historic atmosphere and the seating/business area.
Excessive street noise. I had to ring down to reception for towels; there weren't any, but the issue was quickly resolved. The cafe space wasn't comfortable for my first breakfast; very cold and sketchy service. Shame, as the food was good.
Kopyrina
•Posted on: 10-2-2025
Location, staff, atmosphere, cleanliness, quietness, clean and comfortable beds, I liked all of it...Thanks!
Tom
•Posted on: 9-24-2025
Great history, very clean and comfortable. Staff very friendly and helpful
Slight lack of water pressure on the top floor
Darren
•Posted on: 9-23-2025
Great location, beautiful old hotel, very clean, excellent experience.
Showing 1-10 of 115 reviews
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Top Amenities:
Guest Policies
Check-in:
After 03:00 PM
Check-out:
Before 12:00 PM
Pets:
Pets are not allowed.
Important Info:
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation. Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian. A damage deposit of USD 75.0 is required at checkin. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed on checkout via credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.
Features & Amenities
Highlighted Amenities:
Amenities & Services
location
Congress Plaza Hotel
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
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