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Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 star property
3.5-star hotel near Columbia College Chicago

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

Lobby
Exterior detail
2 restaurants, breakfast served
Junior Suite, City View | City view
Banquet hall

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

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

View all photos for Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside | Living room | TV

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

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

View all photos for Family Suite

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Family Suite

  • Sleeps 6

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

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

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite | Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Family Suite

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

View all photos for Accessible Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Accessible Standard Room, 2 Double Beds | Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Accessible Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

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

View all photos for Queen Room, Interior View

Queen Room, Interior View | Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Queen Room, Interior View

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

View all photos for Standard Lakefront Suite

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Lakefront Suite

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Accessible Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Accessible Room

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Standard Queen Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Standard King Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard King Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for King Room with Lake View

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

King Room with Lake View

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Standard Two Double Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Two Double Room

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Two Double Room with Lake View

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Two Double Room with Lake View

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Junior Suite, City View

Junior Suite, City View | Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Junior Suite, City View

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

View all photos for Deluxe Suite

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Deluxe Suite

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Suite with City View

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Suite with City View

  • Sleeps 2

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About the neighborhood

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 of Jewish Studies are also within half a mile (1 km).

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
  • ‪Maharaj Indian Grill - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Fontano's Pizza and Subs - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Relish Chicago Hot Dog Stand - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Potbelly Sandwich Shop - ‬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.

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  • Restaurant
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Apr 12 - Apr 13
Total with taxes and fees
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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

  • Bedsheets 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
  • 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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! 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

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

  • Children 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • 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 Apr 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on Apr 5, 2026 start from $125, including 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 2.2 mi (8-min drive) from Ohio Street Beach and 2.6 mi (8-min drive) from Oak Street 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. 4484 out of 10007 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2657 out of 10007 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1536 out of 10007 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 723 out of 10007 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 607 out of 10007 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra, Deerfield

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is always clean, staff friendly and conveniently located for running races that begin in grant park
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lamont

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a great stay
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was great. Clean rooms ,great location
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

RUSSELL, WHITEFISH BAY

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Memory

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Jerry

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Two night ‘security guards’ were rude, especially one. When walking around to explore a different floor from our room without any signs/barriers saying we couldn’t, and also when entering the front of the hotel late at night once, we were treated as suspicious. Their tones were rude, and they demanded to see our room keys both times. The second incident mentioned happened two nights after the first. The guard clearly recognized me and my sister from the room exploration, so to speak, but visibly and audibly backed off slightly once he realized my husband was with us, and hadn’t been before. I didn’t get any names, but I really don’t appreciate being talked to like a naughty child rather than a paying adult customer.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Cory

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Drunkenness and people passed out all over the hotel. Security was everywhere. We couldn’t sit in the lobby as a family without being bothered by hotel security asking us for hotel key cards but drunkards could be on the floors in the hallways…??? Also no hot water? Zero. That’s a holiday deal breaker. Two days. Ice cold showers for a family of 5. We’ll stay somewhere else thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Cory

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities
While we don’t fault the hotel for having a New Years Eve party People passed out all over the hotel corridors is too much. Security was all over the building. And the hotel has ZERO warm water. Zero! Not fun when it’s so cold outside. We’ll stay somewhere else next time.

2/10 Terrible

Shanise

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The first room had cockroaches in the bathroom. Soon as we turned on the light one appeared on the outside of the tub. We crushed it left the hotel for about 6 hours. When we got back there were 3 cockroaches 2 by the toilet and 1 by the bathroom garbage can. I went to speak with the front desk agent and she stated I had to wait until 8am when a manager came in but will send security to my room so I can write a statement. When security came to the room he stated that the hotel is 100 years old and cockroaches are common as well as bed bugs. When I spoke with the manager she stated I couldn’t get a refund since I booked through Expedia and I would have to call Expedia so they can send an invoice to the hotel to get a refund. Expedia reached out to the hotel and 72 hours later no response so due to Expedias refund policy I couldn’t get a refund. What’s really wrong is the fact I only wanted a refund for 1 day stay in which the cockroaches were in that particular room. The hotel did offer a new room but that was on my second day stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Marleny

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Mashaundra

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
No hot water for showers. Only 1 elevator was working. The staff was great.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizayah

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Zeno

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
They might have been short of staff during the holidays. My room and the hallway needed vacuuming.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Gregchen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Both times I showered the water was not hot it was barely warm. The walls and doors are paper thin you can hear everything. The burger at the restaurant didn’t taste like real beef. The staff was definitely friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Marco

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was terrible it smells
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Danial, Fishers

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The windows were sealed shut :(
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosa Rios

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very clean and just the right size and amenities for our short one night stay. The temperature was great on such a frigid night, we rested well during our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
This is my favorote hotel in the whole city.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I didn't have breakfast. The stay was pleasant. Was here for the NYE party. Enjoyed my stay per usual and comfort in my room per usual
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

JERI

Got followed to our room and left a day early
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Akezia, PLANO

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Myles

Great
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Jalen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes. Excellent and very professional staff. Very helpful and outgoing.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025