Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 star property
Hotel near Columbia College Chicago in Chicago

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

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

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
(213 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 251 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

Family Suite

  • Sleeps 6

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(555 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
(128 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 251 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Family Suite

7.8 out of 10
Good
(70 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
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Queen Room, Interior View

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(149 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

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

Deluxe Suite

  • Sleeps 2

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
  • Millennium Park - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Michigan Avenue - 13 min walk - 0.7 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

Hotel near Columbia College Chicago in 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 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.

Similar properties

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 Feb 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on Feb 16, 2026 start from $92.82, 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.

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. 4417 out of 9880 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2633 out of 9880 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1511 out of 9880 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 717 out of 9880 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 602 out of 9880 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Memory

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

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

8/10 Good

Lance

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is in a prime downtown location. The weather was bad so we didn't get to walk around that much, but it is close to a lot of things to do. I'd definitely stay there again if I need to be downtown.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lance

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, clean room. It's an older building, but everything was in good working order. Staff was excellent as you must use bell staff to get bags to your room. Parking was $62 for 24 hours, so brace yourself for that.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very large room. Good location for subway travel and view of park
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Dated place but clean
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edgar

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

KEITH, Allen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect View of the Buckingham Water Fountain (not working) and walking distance to Soldier Field.. BooYa! Room was immaculate, will stay here again. 5 stars ⭐️
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve, Grapevine

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Nancy

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Felipe, Pittsburgh

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Smells like weed near room 1231. Maybe add security camera on hallways
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Peyton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
View and location were awesome. Room and hotel were clearly dated both good and bad. Overall good but missing some modern amenities like air conditioning or climate control
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast was ordered it was not very good. It sucks the rooms dont have air
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Isabelle

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was genuinely so dirty
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Carter

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Janky, unsupervised, and unmaintained
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Viviana

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

DeAngela

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
For one the pictures online had me thinking I was walking into something cute and historic but not was I wrong. Don’t be fooled, the photos are very misleading. The building is over 100 years old, and trust me, you can feel every single one of those years the moment you step inside. My first night it got pretty chilly, and when I tried turning on the heat, the unit just blew cold air like it was mocking me. I called the front desk and that’s when they hit me with, “We don’t have AC or heat, but we can bring you a portable heater.” What?? I’m still trying to figure out how that’s supposed to work in the dead of winter or the middle of summer. They did bring the heater, but for a hotel in downtown Chicago, that shouldn’t even be a conversation. There’s also no microwave in the room, just a tiny fridge that can hold maybe a couple bottles of water. If you’re planning to heat anything up… good luck. I’ll give them this: the room prices are affordable and the deposit was only $75. That was the only real positive. But between the misleading photos, the lack of basic temperature control, and the overall condition of the building, I wouldn’t stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johnny

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Raymond

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Don’t stay here! Our sink is as leaking and then I fell and fractured my foot. Next night toilet broke.. and staff was horrible!!! Worst stay of my life!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charlene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
View was great. Beds still hard as a rock but room is very comfortable otherwise.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Moise, Jonesboro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was very clean, didn’t get a chance to dine in and enjoy the breakfast.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Angela

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stay. Would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025