Bad customer Service, at the front desk
3 stars
Congress Plaza Hotel
Photos of Congress Plaza Hotel
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.
Latest deals for Congress Plaza Hotel
*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.
Prices are based on 1 night, not including taxes and fees
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
Basics
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi available in all areas
- Internet
- Linens
- Towels
- Fire extinguisher
- Free toiletries
- Shampoo
- Smoke alarms
- Heating
- Body soap
- Air-conditioned
- Trash cans
- Conditioner
Accessibility and suitability
- Entire unit wheelchair accessible
- Increased accessibility
- Elevator
- Shower chair
- Accessible by elevator
- Hypoallergenic
- Adapted bath
- Allergy-free room
- No smoking
- Toilet with grab rails
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
- Designated smoking area
- Private entrance
General
- Quiet street view
- River view
- Family rooms
- Sea view
- Seating area
- Interconnected room(s) available
- Sofa
- Lake view
- Landmark view
- Telephone
- Carpeted
- City view
- Storage available
Services and conveniences
- Conference rooms
- ATM on-site
- Business center
- Wake-up service
- Concierge service
- Safety deposit box
- Meeting/Banquet facilities
- Mini-market on site
- Room service
- Key card access
- Express check-out
- 24hr front desk
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge
- Breakfast in the room
- Tea/coffee maker
- Refrigerator
- Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
- Coffee machine
- Vending machine (drinks)
- Vending machine (snacks)
- Dining table
Bathroom
- Raised toilet
- Shower
- Shower cap
- Bathtub
- Hairdryer
- Toilet
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush
- Private bathroom
Media and entertainment
- Radio
- Flat-screen TV
- Cable or satellite TV
- TV
Laundry
- Laundry facilities
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Iron and ironing board
Things to do
- Gift shop
- Bicycle rental
- Golf
- Beauty salon
Bedroom
- Socket near the bed
- Alarm clock
- Wardrobe or closet
Workspace
- Fax/photocopying
- Laptop safe
- Desk
Parking and transportation
- Parking
- Airport shuttle
Health and safety
- Daily housekeeping
- Safe
Family friendly
- Cribs available
- Kid-friendly buffet
Fitness
- Fitness center
Reviews of Congress Plaza Hotel
7.4
Good
7640 verified ratings
Wonderful
2058
Very good
1461
Good
1580
Okay
848
Fair
779
Mediocre
365
Poor
548
Summary of reviews
Guests say
Guests generally appreciated the hotel's location, describing it as wonderful and conveniently situated near cultural attractions. Cleanliness was frequently mentioned positively, with many guests noting clean bathrooms and well-maintained rooms. However, there were considerable complaints regarding service, particularly the front desk and customer service experiences. Issues such as inconsistent room temperatures, uncomfortable beds, and noise from outside events were also pointed out, detracting from the overall experience.AI-Generated from customer reviews
Reviews(10)
Q&A(5)
Tips(10)
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7.5 out of 10
2345 reviews
6.8 out of 10
943 reviews
7.9 out of 10
419 reviews
9.2 out of 10
1 review
6.8 out of 10
100 reviews
All reviews
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.
We traveled for Lalapalooza. Location is perfect! Hotel is expensive for what it is and needs updating.
The room was so outdated, the bed hard, the tub handle rusty, the shower/tub area are dirty, hot water not working, no sound cancellation (ended up can’t sleep). Ac can’t be adjusted. Not worth for the price i paid Only good is location
The spacious double room was great. My only complaints would be the old furnace/AC which we couldn’t control the temperature of so the room would be too warm and some of the pillows being too stiff.
I loved the great view and access to Lollapalooza. I think what could’ve been better is an earlier check-in time since I had to wait over an hour to check due to others checking in at the same time.
This hotel has profoundly uncaring, incompetent staff and management and is dangerous. Elevators failed frequently. Seriously, no exaggeration. Elevators were out of service multiple times during my stay, and it was clear that that’s an accepted norm at this hotel. Lighting throughout is random and mostly absurdly inappropriate for a hotel, a mix of appropriately warm lighting and cool, body-clock...
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Pros (+) location
Cons (-) the customer service could be improved. My Expedia reservation took a while, I sat in the lobby for a while (this was okay), but afterwards they charged double, and I had to call 3 times, and involved Expedia team to have the issue solved and get the reimbursement.
Pros (+) The bed was great as were the amenities. The hotel is lovely and spacious. When I commented in a different review that I was surprised not to have been offered an upgrade in a very slow time, I was immediately given one. Our 3 night stay was very pleasant.
Cons (-) Many of the staff seemed indifferent to us as customers. Only after my poor review did the front desk take any interest in us and even then there were no smiles. The maintenance man we met on the elevator seemed to be the only person happy to work there.
Pros (+) Location was great and the room was nice
Cons (-) No parking. The price was good but the parking was not included, it and was about $50 a night so it kind of defeated the purpose of getting a good deal.
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
How are the beds at Congress Plaza Hotel?
The beds at Congress Plaza Hotel are comfortable and guarantee a good night’s rest, according to many guests.
Is parking available at Congress Plaza Hotel?
Yes, parking is available at Congress Plaza Hotel. However, some guests mentioned that the parking fee is $62 every time you leave and come back.
What can I expect from the dining options at Congress Plaza Hotel?
Congress Plaza Hotel offers various dining options that are as elegant and inviting as the hotel itself. Guests can enjoy classic American fare for lunch and dinner at Rafael’s Restaurant, and crave-worthy breakfast fare at Gazebo Restaurant to start the day right.
How is the cleanliness at Congress Plaza Hotel?
For the most part, the rooms at Congress Plaza Hotel are clean and super spacious, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests.
When is the best time to visit Congress Plaza Hotel?
The best time to visit Congress Plaza Hotel is during the low season in January or the high season in August. However, it's important to note that some guests have experienced issues with the air conditioning and heating during their stay.
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
Opt for a Lakeview King Room
Guests highly recommend choosing a Lakeview King Room for its incredible views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan.
Explore Nearby Attractions
Take advantage of the hotel's close proximity to attractions like Grant Park, Symphony Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Cloud Gate, and Millennium Park, all within walking distance.
Consider Room Selection Carefully
Some guests mentioned noise issues and outdated rooms, so it's advisable to inquire about room conditions and choose based on personal preferences.
Enjoy On-Site Dining
Guests praised the hotel's dining options, particularly the Congress Lounge for craft cocktails and the Gazebo Restaurant for breakfast with a view of the park.
Check for Renovations
Some guests experienced difficulties due to ongoing renovations, so it's recommended to inquire about the current status of any renovation work before booking.
Take Advantage of On-Site Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, business center, and gift shop, providing convenience and entertainment for guests.
Be Mindful of Temperature Control
Several guests mentioned issues with temperature control in the rooms, so it's advisable to check the heating and cooling systems upon arrival.
Consider the Historical Charm
While some guests noted the hotel's age, others appreciated its historical charm and unique character, making it a distinctive stay for those who appreciate history.
Inquire About Room Upgrades
Some guests recommended inquiring about room upgrades to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, especially regarding room size and amenities.
Plan for Transportation
The hotel's proximity to O'Hare International Airport and availability of airport shuttle services make it convenient for travelers, especially those arriving by air.
Location
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605
What's nearby
- Grant Park227 yd
- Symphony Center0.3 mi
- Art Institute of Chicago0.3 mi
- Cloud Gate0.5 mi
- Millennium Park0.5 mi
- Chicago Cultural Center0.6 mi
- Willis Tower0.6 mi
- Field Museum0.7 mi
- Chicago Theater0.7 mi
- Shedd Aquarium0.7 mi
- Chicago Lakefront Trail0.9 mi
- Chicago Riverwalk0.9 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 | January |
|---|---|
High season | August |
Average price (weeknight) | $247 |
Average price (weekend night) | $178 |
When to book a room at Congress Plaza Hotel
Price per night. Prices are not fixed and may vary with time.
Average nightly price per month
Average nightly price
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Value for money | 7.4 |
|---|---|
Distance to city center | 0.2 mi |
Nearest Airport | Chicago Midway |
Distance to airport | 8.7 mi |