United States
USD

Congress Plaza Hotel

3 stars
7.1
Good
based on 9646 reviews
9,646 reviews
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
+1 312 427 3800
Thu 10/8
-
Fri 10/9
2 guests, 1 room
Lobby
Lobby
Other
Lobby
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
Banquet hall
Other
Other
Other
Other
Restaurant
Bar
Building
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
Other
Building
Overview
Prices
Amenities
Reviews
Location
When to book
Tips & FAQs
Nearby stays

Overview

The iconic Congress Plaza Hotel in downtown Chicago has served solo travelers, families, couples, politicians, and celebrities for the last 125 years. Its gracious lodgings and close proximity to many local attractions make it an ideal destination for guests from around the globe.

Congress Plaza Hotel is located across from Grant Park, which overlooks Lake Michigan, and is about 30 minutes away from O’Hare International Airport. It's walking or driving distance from many major Chicago landmarks, including Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and Magnificent Mile.

Accommodations at Congress Plaza Hotel are stately and spacious. Guests can choose from the Lakeview King Room overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the Family Suite with two bedrooms, two TVs, and one bathroom, or the Deluxe Suite with picturesque views and a jacuzzi. There are smoking and non-smoking rooms available, and all have complimentary WiFi access.

Congress Plaza Hotel offers many on-site amenities and activities. The 24-hour fitness center can set pulses racing, while the on-site barbershop, shoeshine, and same-day dry cleaning services can help prepare guests for an important meeting or a special night out. A full-service business center is ideal for sending or retrieving documents, and the charming gift shop offers one-stop shopping for special Chicago souvenirs. The hotel's Gold Room has been an in-demand spot for holding dream weddings for over a century.

Congress Plaza Hotel offers various dining options that are as elegant and inviting as the hotel itself. Sidle up to the bar at Congress Lounge and enjoy a craft cocktail or beer while watching the latest Cub’s game. Gazebo Restaurant serves crave-worthy breakfast fare to get your day started right, and Rafael’s Restaurant dishes out classic American fare for lunch and dinner while diners enjoy stunning park views.

7.1
Good
9646 reviews

Latest deals for Congress Plaza Hotel

Thu 10/8
-
Fri 10/9
Deals from
$92
•Cheapest rate per night
Compare prices for Standard room, King room and 47 more Congress Plaza Hotel deals.
Standard room, 1 queen bed
$92
nightly with fees
Standard room, bed type unknown
$109
nightly with fees
Standard room, bed type unknown
$113
nightly with fees
Queen room, bed type unknown
$124
nightly with fees
Standard room, 1 queen bed
$138
nightly with fees
Queen room, bed type unknown
$141
nightly with fees
Standard room, 1 king bed
$143
nightly with fees
Double room, bed type unknown
$144
nightly with fees
Standard room, 2 double beds
$146
nightly with fees
Standard room, bed type unknown
$158
nightly with fees
Queen room, bed type unknown
$161
nightly with fees
King room, bed type unknown
$162
nightly with fees
Queen room, bed type unknown
$189
nightly with fees
Double room, 2 double beds
$196
nightly with fees
Standard room, bed type unknown
$227
nightly with fees
Standard room, bed type unknown
$228
nightly with fees
Queen room, bed type unknown
$231
nightly with fees
Queen room, bed type unknown
$243
nightly with fees
Standard room, bed type unknown
$316
nightly with fees
Standard room, 1 king bed
$321
nightly with fees
*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.

Amenities at Congress Plaza Hotel

  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Room service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Tea/coffee maker
  • Coffee machine
  • Business center
  • Wi-Fi available in all areas
  • Flat-screen TV

Reviews of Congress Plaza Hotel

7.1
Good
9646 verified ratings
Wonderful
2710
Very good
1867
Good
1870
Okay
1007
Fair
937
Mediocre
474
Poor
781

Summary of reviews

Guests say
Guests consistently praise the hotel's excellent location, with many noting its convenience to attractions and public transport. However, reviews frequently mention issues with cleanliness, outdated facilities, and small room sizes. Service is also criticized, with several guests reporting poor front desk experiences and inconsistent housekeeping. While the historic atmosphere is appreciated by some, many feel the property needs significant renovation and better maintenance.
AI-Generated from customer reviews
Location10 out of 10
Atmosphere5 out of 10
Service3 out of 10
Room Size3 out of 10
Cleanliness2.5 out of 10
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All reviews

4.0
Mediocre
Anonymous, Jun 2026
Hotel is tired. VERY tired. Our room was expensive, small and with a bathroom desperately in need of refurbishment. 12th floor. Only 1 working elevator. Gym had broken equipment and wasn’t usable. Staff overall surly. To be honest I would be too if I had to work here!
4.0
Mediocre
Steve, May 2026
The location was good….but the rooms are old and do not have adjustable heat/ air conditioning. Most of the time it was blazing hot in the room. Hot water was a rarity with showers…mostly cold. Two of the entrance doors are broken. The adjoined rooms are separated by only one door and the locks are old and don’t work well. The noise from outside the hotel feels like you don’t even have walls….so l...
Read more
8.0
Very good
Justin, Apr 2026
For an older hotel, the rooms were nicely updated - new flooring, fresh paint, newer furniture, and plenty of places to charge devices - and said updates didn’t take away from the historic character of the building. The shower was a little cramped and the bed was a little firm, but the value for our room rate was rather quite exceptional. We would definitely stay here again. One thing we would not...
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4.0
Mediocre
Ann, Nov 2025
The two good things were it was clean and it was quiet. That's it.
6.0
Okay
Kristin, Jul 2025
Definitely needs an upgrade in the hallways and restaurant. Chipping paint, old musty carpet and very outdated decor make it a sad place to wander through. The room itself was updated and clean, all but the bathroom and closet. While I appreciate a skyline print to decorate an urban room, perhaps Manhattan doesn’t make sense on a wall in Chicago?
8.0
Very good
Anonymous, Jul 2025
Hotel was great! Good location, clean hotel. Tv was as very small for it being 2025, but we didn’t spend much time in the room anyway. Absolute steal for the price.
4.0
Mediocre
Tom, May 2025
Location was good. Rooms way too hot. WiFi very spotty.
4.0
Mediocre
Anonymous, May 2025
Great base of operations and close to the theater I was attending a show at, which was its biggest plus. Check-in woman had a slight attitude, but check-out woman was very sweet. Hallways showed signs they needed some care (cracks, chipping paint, etc.). Room had no visual appeal; made me feel like I was in a youth hostel. Ice maker on my floor didn't work. One of my heaters/air conditioners didn'...
Read more
2.0
Poor
Mark, Aug 2024
Bad customer Service, at the front desk
8.0
Very good
Henry, Jun 2024
I’m in a wheelchair. Most everything was accessible but the shower/tub was a conventional bathtub so I couldn’t shuffle into it. So I did sponge baths.

Location

520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605

What's nearby

  • Grant Park227 yd
  • Art Institute of Chicago0.3 mi
  • Chicago Board of Trade Building0.4 mi
  • Millennium Park0.5 mi
  • Willis Tower0.6 mi
  • Field Museum0.7 mi
  • Chicago Theater0.7 mi
  • Shedd Aquarium0.7 mi
  • Michigan Avenue Bridge0.9 mi
  • Magnificent Mile1.4 mi
  • Michigan Avenue1.4 mi
  • River North1.5 mi

Policies

Check-in/Check-out

Check in anytime after 3:00 PM, check out anytime before 12:00 PM

Cancellation/prepayment

Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider.

Essential information about Congress Plaza Hotel

Low season

High season

Average price (weeknight)

Average price (weekend night)

December
July
$379
$306
Cheapest month to stay with an average 61% drop in price.
Most expensive month to stay with an average 90% rise in price.
Average Sun - Thu price over the last 2 weeks.
Average Fri & Sat price over the last 2 weeks.

Congress Plaza Hotel

Which month has the cheapest rates at Congress Plaza Hotel?

The cheapest month to stay at Congress Plaza Hotel is January, with an average nightly rate of $106. The most expensive month is May at $346 per night.

What is the cheapest day to book Congress Plaza Hotel?

The cheapest day to book Congress Plaza Hotel is Sunday, with an average nightly rate of $278. The most expensive day is Tuesday at $576 per night.

How far in advance should you book Congress Plaza Hotel?

To get the best price at Congress Plaza Hotel, book around 7 weeks in advance. This could save you approximately 20% compared to booking last minute.

KAYAK's top tips for your stay at Congress Plaza Hotel

  • If you’re after a cheap room at Congress Plaza Hotel, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in December and February.
  • Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at Congress Plaza Hotel, plan to stay on a Sunday or Wednesday. The most expensive day is usually Tuesday.
  • The cheapest price a room at Congress Plaza Hotel was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $169, while the most expensive was $923.
  • How long should you stay at Congress Plaza Hotel? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 2 days.

FAQs when booking at Congress Plaza Hotel

  • What deals or special offers can guests receive at the Congress Plaza Hotel?

    If you are hoping to eat some of your meals at the Congress Plaza Hotel during your trip, consider booking the Bed and Breakfast package, which will provide you with free daily breakfast for every member of your party. Depending on how many nights you will be staying at the hotel, you may also be eligible to receive a discount on your booking.

  • What wedding packages are offered by the Congress Plaza Hotel?

    When couples are planning their special day at the Congress Plaza Hotel, there are several reception packages that they can choose from. The basic package provides a selection of amenities, including a personal wedding planner, a sparkling wine toast, decorations, a 4h open bar, and a custom designed wedding cake. Different catering packages can be selected, with the A Moment in Time package costing $129 per guest and providing entree choices such as beef wellington, pot stickers, and crab cakes. For a fancier menu, opt for the An Elegant Affair package, which costs $159 per guest and includes the option of filet mignon and lobster tails.

  • What meeting amenities are offered by the Congress Plaza Hotel?

    For those that are planning on hosting a meeting or workshop at the Congress Plaza Hotel, there are many services that you can take advantage of. For an additional fee, guests can receive access to audio equipment, technical personnel to help with logistical set-ups, lighting, and special effects. It is also possible to purchase access to flip charts, easels, markers, and an AV cart, as well as computer data equipment and video equipment. There is an on-site catering team that will work with you to customize your perfect menu for the event.

  • What popular sites and attractions are located near the Congress Plaza Hotel?

    If you are interested in science, consider visiting the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, a unique experience that is only a 5m drive from the Congress Plaza Hotel. For those that enjoy art, the Museum of Contemporary Art can be reached by car in under 7m and is known for being one of the world’s largest contemporary art venues. The Field Museum is a 6m drive from the hotel and focuses on natural history, making it a popular choice among children.

  • What choices do guests have when traveling from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to the Congress Plaza Hotel?

    If you will be traveling with a lot of luggage or just simply want to go from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to the Congress Plaza Hotel as quickly as possible, it is best to either rent a car or use a ridesharing service. A standard UberX will cost you approximately $31 to $39 each way, while an UberXL will be closer to $50 to $65. If you would like to save money, opt to use public transportation instead, such as the local train. The Blue line will bring you to the hotel in around 50m, and a single-fare ticket will cost $2.50.(Prices checked 06/06/19).

  • Where is Congress Plaza Hotel located?

    Congress Plaza Hotel is located at 520 South Michigan Avenue in Loop, 0.2 miles from the center of Chicago. Grant Park is the closest landmark to Congress Plaza Hotel.

  • When is check-in time and check-out time at Congress Plaza Hotel?

    Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 PM at Congress Plaza Hotel.

  • Does Congress Plaza Hotel offer free Wi-Fi?

    Yes, Congress Plaza Hotel offers free Wi-Fi.

  • How far is Congress Plaza Hotel from the airport?

    Congress Plaza Hotel is 8.7 miles from Chicago Midway.

  • How does KAYAK find such great Congress Plaza Hotel hotel deals?

    KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Congress Plaza Hotel and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Congress Plaza Hotel.

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3-star hotel
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Good to know

Distance to city center

Nearest Airport

Distance to airport

0.2 mi
Chicago Midway
8.7 mi

More options for your stay in Chicago