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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

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

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
(212 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
(552 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
(493 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
(128 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
(55 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
(147 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
  • ‪Fontano's Pizza and Subs - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Maharaj Indian Grill - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Relish Chicago Hot Dog Stand - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Gazebo Restaurant at Grant Park - ‬1 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

Lobby
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
3.7 out of 5, Good, 2,515 reviews
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Feb 5 - Feb 6
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 Feb 4, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on Feb 5, 2026 start from $95.2, 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. 4399 out of 9847 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2623 out of 9847 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1505 out of 9847 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 716 out of 9847 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 604 out of 9847 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

4/10 Poor

Navjeet

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Misty, Charlotte

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes to everything.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Krystle

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Martin

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The hotel is in a great location. The rooms really need updating though. The climate control is non existent. The bathrooms definitely need improvement. The common areas and lobby are beautiful and the staff is friendly. The restaurants aren't very good. The worst coffee ever!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The hotel was clean and had had character
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

John, Lake Villa

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No ice machines working on the floors - No NBC on TV ; soda machines not working . Rooms clean ; bed comfortable . shower water pressure weak . A comfortable chair to sit would be nice .
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Lydia

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
There were holes in the sheets, food on the walls, and dirty floors. We ended up having to book a room at a different hotel because we couldn't bring ourselves to stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Kimberly Noel, Redlands

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay comfortable bed and great location!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Bonnie

Room had a.sewer.smell. staff at.arrival helpful and friendly. Typical old.hotel with.cheap repairs and poor heat
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brittany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our stay was great! The room was clean and very accommodating. The hotel overall was very clean. We love staying at Congress because it’s conveniently located and is always clean!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Jerry

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Serviceable and thrifty option to be close to Grant Park for a race. Not great but not bad. At 100-150 a night cheaper than others close by it works.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025