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Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 star property
Hotel near Columbia College Chicago in Chicago

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Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

Experience grandeur in this beautifully designed ballroom with high ceilings, arched windows, and elegant table settings.
Relax in a classic lobby with a central seating area, armchairs, and sofas, surrounded by high ceilings and large windows.
Enjoy a city view from the large window, framed by a simple design.
Relax in this stylish living room with a large flat-screen TV, coffee machine, and comfortable seating area.
Experience the grandeur of the Concourse Hotel, a historic building with a classic architectural style, featuring a prominent entrance and ground-floor windows.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

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

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

Room options

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

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

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

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)
  • City view
  • 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
(19 reviews)
  • 538 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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
(119 reviews)
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

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
(61 reviews)
  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Double Beds

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
(175 reviews)
  • 251 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • 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
(452 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
(113 reviews)
  • 251 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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
(471 reviews)
  • 278 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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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

  • Art Institute of Chicago - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Millennium Park - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Michigan Avenue - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Grant Park - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Chicago Riverwalk - 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 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 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.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wired and wireless 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.

Languages

English, Hindi, Spanish

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

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

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 (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

  • 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)
  • An in-room refrigerator is available for an additional fee
  • 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.

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 Jul 12, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on Aug 7, 2025 start from $170.15, 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. 3818 out of 8944 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2454 out of 8944 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1383 out of 8944 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 720 out of 8944 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 569 out of 8944 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

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Hospitality was amazing and room was beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Everything was quite good check in was fast and easy
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Always enjoy staying there!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

KIYOSHI, AUSTIN

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The interior lobby is beautiful and our room appeared to have been recently renovated.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

DONALD, Morristown

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Xzarria

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was good
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

RACHEL, Christiansted

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

6/10 Okay

Hector, Alexandria

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Hector, Alexandria

Business traveler
It was not what I expected for the rate per night
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Clifford, ARLINGTON

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Staff unfriendly
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Genevra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We always stay at The Congress and love it! It is clean, affordable, beautiful old building and the staff is always so nice! Our favorite hotel in the city!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lionel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
since it’s cheap you’ll always hear teenagers running amok in the hallways but other than that there aren’t many issues.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Yanni

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff didn’t explain the parking rules. I got fine. Also we found big Centipede in our room. And shower water was clogged can’t go down to the drain. Next to our room somebody smokes Marijuana. Very bad experience to stay at this hotel. No more and not recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Tori

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Congress Plaza Hotel is an obviously old building, but they have done their best to update it. The room and bed were comfortable, clean, and well organized. There are of course some parts of the hotel that have maintained the old nostalgic feeling, but I didn't find anything off-putting or overly concerning. Overall, a satisfactory stay!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mohammad, Madison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
View and building architecture are exceptional
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Will stay here again

Great experience at the Congress. Helpful staff and good location for a fair price.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
While it’s an older building, it’s well taken care of for its age. A great price for the area, would definitely stay there again
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Rinku

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice views of lake michigan. Very nice and helpful staff. All amenities are present. Only issue is that there is no microwave in room but it is available in a common room for use.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jonathan

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Outdated, ruinous condition, and neglected.

Shower had a leak in the ceiling, which meant paint dripped on your head. The bed was beyond firm. That was a brick. The A/C didn’t have a temperature setting, and the fan setting didn’t work so hot air on high was all we got. I expected, with a historic hotel to have some dated features, but we got was a hotel that had been neglected, dirty, and unsatisfactory. I’m very happy we didn’t plan to stay longer, or our weekend would have been cut very short.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Jason

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The heater in the room didn't work. Website have wing pricing info about parking.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shane, Mosinee

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check-in. Parked nearby for resonable price. Walking distance to nearly everything and close enough for the major attractions with a quick cab or rail ride.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zachary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Bring a fan
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Adam

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025