Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel descritpion

Congress Plaza Hotel sells fast on our site. This downtown Chicago hotel is adjacent to Millennium Park and 2 blocks from The Art Institute of Chicago. It offers stunning city views, on-site dining and elegant rooms with free WiFi access.
A flat-screen cable TV is provided in every room at Congress Plaza Hotel. Tea and coffee-making facilities and in-room safes are also included in the classically-styled rooms.
A 24-hour fitness center and on-site barber shop are featured at Hotel Congress Plaza. A game room and dry cleaning service are available for guest convenience.
The Gazebo Restaurant, Rafael Steak House, and the Congress Lounge serve American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Room service is available to all guests.
Congress Plaza Hotel is 2 blocks from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and a subway station. It is within 1 miles of Willis Tower, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum.
South Loop is a great choice for travelers interested in parks, museums and sightseeing.

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Facilities of Congress Plaza Hotel

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Golf Course (within 2 miles) | Fitness Center

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

Parking ：Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 44 per day. | Public parking is available on site (reservation is needed) and costs USD 39 per day.

Reviews for Congress Plaza Hotel

Review 1：We liked everything about the room but thought a little frig would have been handy in the room.

Review 2：The bed was very comfortable, no heavy quilts on the bed and the room was spacious. Hotel was central to everything.

Review 3：A couple girlfriends and I went to Chicago for a girls weekend. We booked a double room for 3 of us and the person who checked us in gave us a room with 3 double beds. The room was spacious and clean. The hotel had history, which we loved and was a quick walk to most sites we wanted to see.

Review 4：-walkway abit old,rugged mats,must upgrade the mats -corridors walls are too dull & no 'lively' plants & looks 'scary' -too many areas not in used,even the doors look 'chilling'

Review 5：-big clean room -newly renovated bathroom -superb locations in heart of city

Review 6：1)The Front Desk staff (2 different people) have bad customer service skills. Neither smiled when I checked in, nor went to ask a question. They appear to want to check people in rapidly even though no one else was in line. As if they don't want to be bothered. 2)I had to move rooms when I checked in because the first one had a broken tv and was right above the train and was very loud. Then the 2nd room had no tv remote, and was located right up against the ice machine and vending machine. The hotel clearly had available rooms but I wondered if they try to give out the worst rooms there are to customers who book on the 3rd party sites, etc... 3)I saw a group of kids playing pool every night for hours at the hotel who clearly did not stay in the hotel. This made me not want to visit and eat at the bar that is right next to it. 4)I could hear the other rooms bathroom toilets flush. They actually caused my toilet to begin to make noises. Weird.

Review 7：There are taxi's waiting in front.

Review 8：I had a request for the room and it was not appreciated. Could not find water anywhere in the hotel. No continental breakfast.

Review 9：The room location was what I asked for.

Review 10：I wasn't thrilled with the remodeling noise but they did try and keep it to the middle of the day as to disturb the least amount of guests

Review 11：I loved the hotel having its historical features and modern amenities. I also liked the ease of check in and check out.

Review 12：Large old hotel that had the feeling of being deserted- even perhaps haunted--large empty spaces, closed or empty restaurants.

Review 13：Location, attractive old hotel, view, value, responsive staff

Review 14：The room was very small. The TV was not in good condition. The hotel itself need a total redesign and renovation. The hot water didn't last long or didn't get very hot nether.

Review 15：Nothing really it was very quiet that was pretty much it

Review 16：The bathroom was very small and could use some updating. There were cracks around the door and the door security was very minimal. Another deadbolt would've helped a lot.

Review 17：King size bed was extremely comfortable.

Review 18：The hot water took a long time, which happens sometimes but this was at off peak times. Perhaps because of it being an old building. As well, someone's else's food was in our fridge. Not sure how long it was in there but that is also a small mistake. I would certainly back.

Review 19：Location was wonderful. Price was reasonable. Rooms were clean and comfortable. I also received a free upgrade upon entry which is always nice.

Review 20：The TV cable channels should have had more to select from. There wasn't a refrigerator and or microwave in the room. Room could have been warmer.

Review 21：Otherwise, I still give the hotel a. 10 rating.

Review 22：Everything was great! The price for New Years compared to other hotels was very reasonable and it was very nice to receive the free passes to the New Years Eve party. I was sorry I didn't go and spent so much money at the Navy pier Resolution Gala which was not worth the expense. I know for next time!

Review 23：The room smelled like smoke after I asked for a non smoking room cuz I had my daughter with me so Left the hotel did not stay Franchine the manager there is terrible and has so much attitude no customer service

Review 24：Only thing I didn't like was the water was not hot enough in the shower

Review 25：Staff was very friendly building is beautiful was just a very nice experience

Review 26：This hotel is very old and run down. The hallways are dim with peeling wallpaper and old carpet. The rooms have potential with amazingly high ceilings, but the furniture is just old, dinged up and worn out. It has the potential to be a cool vintage hotel with renovations, but until that happens- no thanks.

Review 27：Location was good. We booked three days before NYE, so we were happy to get a room downtown for less than $400/night.

Review 28：Surprised by the room.Plain white,nothing on the walls for decorations, closet small, felt like an infirmary. Bathroom sink didn't have a stopper and sink small. No remote in the room..had to wait 45 minutes to get one.

Review 29：Lakeview was nice

Review 30：Room was in an old refurbished area. Smelled of mildew / recently dried wet carpet. Old hall door resulted in doorknob falling off causing me to be locked in with a need to call security. Quick response but could have been a safety issue

Review 31：Convenient location

Review 32：Room was extremely hot and there was no way to control it. Windows didn't open, beds were rock hard, walls were paper thin so we could hear EVERYTHING!

Review 33：Great location

Review 34：The pillows. I stayed here before a week or two ago and had no problem with the pillows. This time, the room I was in did not have a selection of different pillows so all I got were four harder, foam pillows which I hate to sleep on.

Review 35：Great location, friendly and clean. I have stayed here before in the last two weeks

Review 36：The room furniture and carpet are a bit old and the walls need decorating . Lack of comfortable armchairs.

Review 37：I had a room with a wonderful lake view. The location is great for attending a conference at Mc Cormick place. Plenty of decent eateries nearby and I enjoyed a concert of the Chicago symphony orchestra at the hall nearby.

Review 38：There was no hot water. The temperature was not cold but not warm enough to take a shower. We complained twice, were told that it will be fixed right away but nothing have changed. We booked two rooms and the water temperature in both rooms was the same.

Review 39：Location is great. Lake view rooms have really great view! :)

Review 40：The Staff were absolutely awesome! Mr. Robert (Doorman) was so very helpful with everything we needed. The Front Desk personnel were also very friendly and helpful, too. It was a great vacation and the only problem I had was the people in the next room were cursing like sailors. I called downstairs and the Security Guard showed up within minutes and they were escorted out! My five days after that were the best! I can't wait for our next trip to Chicago and the only place I will stay is the CONGRESS HOTEL ! (Upon arriving, we were upgraded to another room with the best view of any hotel I've ever stayed...and I do a lot of traveling!)

Review 41：The door to bathroom didn't comfortably close, every time you tried to close it , it had a loud thud and scretched as if the door was not made for the bathroom, it seemed like you were forcing it to close, while waking everyone up, which was uncomfortable in the middle of the night while people are sleeping and you need to go to the bathroom. the wifi didn't work and that upset everyone, the restaurant was way too expensive , which forced you to walk around and find food in the local area but there was an ice storm that nearly froze us while we were walking downtown to find an affordable food prices, that was terribly harsh. They don't call it the Windy City for nothing. Now to be honest I used to live in Vhicago but it was not easy for me to navigate in my own hometome. Too fasted paced. The staff was really great!!! I did not have one negative thing to say about the staff, which makes me want to stay at this hotel again, I'm visiting for spring break and I will probably stay here.

Review 42：The staff was great!!!!

Review 43：The local facilities closed early over the holidays without any real notification, e.g. the hotel bar. I can also understand that the staff also need a break, but it would have been nice to know beforehand, so I could have made other arrangements.

Review 44：The location in awesome, and the hotel has a lot of history and character. We had a great view, and the food was great. All in all a really pleasant experience!

Review 45：The room was old and outdated . Paint work chipped . Shabby appearance . However the bedding and towels were clean

Review 46：Friendly helpful staff . Very pleasant bar staff Concourse area and bar very nice .

Review 47：The only bad thing was as we we're leaving the stench of marijuana filled our floor and elevator. Although the valet did his best, the panhandlers were obnoxious.

Review 48：My family and I stayed because it was within walking distance to most of the major attractions. The valet Marco was great! Our check in process was easy. The view of the Navy Pier was beautiful and the Willis Tower was in our other room window. This was a classy place to stay and visit, as well as the history of the building.

Review 49：Once we parked, we never had to move our car during the three days we were in Chicago. The location of the hotel is ideal, so as long as you don't mind walking about a mile to complete all your shopping and get to museums, the Congress is perfect, especially for the cost.

Review 50：Initial Wi-Fi problems but fixed quickly.

Review 51：Nice location close to train stations and near the places of interest to me. Courteous and helpful hotel staff.

Review 52：Received a quick check-out at 2 or 3 am in the middle of the night. It was shoved under the door very loudly. Very noisy corridor. Room was near the ice machine which made a lot of noice.

Review 53：Cormfortable, clean room. Location was good!

Review 54：Everything just feels a little old. Needs some updating. But aesthetic problems don't really detract from the awesome location, friendly staff, and price.

Review 55：Great location. Clean overall.

Review 56：The first room was old, it had a smell to it and it had COCKROACHS pissed to the maxxxx!!!!!!! Then we transferred to the other side of the hotel it was better new paint great bathroom but the view was horrible. I would never recommend them to anyone. I see why they so cheap though no one in they right mind would pay over $50 for a room

Review 57：The staff they were so nice and friendly at the front desk and concierge. They deserve a bonus check.

Review 58：I didn't like the fact that we couldn't control the temperature of the room. I was extremely hot the entire time and if you wanted to open the windows, you couldn't sleep because of all the noise.

Review 59：The staff was very nice and courteous

Review 60：The location and staff were excellent. My wife and I were celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary and the hotel upgraded us to a corner suite with a view of the lake.

Review 61：Parts of the hotel are pretty "worn out" Not enough light in the room to work decently

Review 62：Good location with easy access to downtown attractions. Availability of public transportation and taxis is a given All in all, it was probably worth the money

Review 63：It was a great "older" hotel. It was a little longer to get to our favorite shopping but the walk was ok due to the great weather for December.

Review 64：There were cockroaches in the bathroom. I complained twice and it was only after the second complaint when I told the manager that I had taken pictures that they offered me another room. The staff at reception were lukewarm but the bell men were friendly and heplful. No minifridge in the room and no facilities to make drinks other than the small coffee machine with one sachet of ground coffee per day.

Review 65：The bell men were friendly.

Review 66：The room is old and should be renovated. It is too dark and is not cosy.

Review 67：Friendly staffs, actively respond to guest requirement. Good location with many bus routes, red and blue cta lines to go elsewhere.

Review 68：The room was microscopic and hot. Issues with the billing. deposit taken ahead of time.

Review 69：The location and lobby were wonderful. staff were very helpful.

Review 70：It was a little noisy. Woke up a few times due to people being loud on Michigan Ave and we could hear them from our room on the 6th floor.

Review 71：Great view. Hotel has cool character. Clean.

Review 72：Hotel is old. Things are broken, including fan in room and furniture in lobby. Great price for great location. You decide what you can deal with. Staff very nice.

Review 73：The property is quite tired, although there are some renovations being undertaken. Why do house-keeping come knocking at 8am on a Sunday to see if you have checked out?!

Review 74：Great location. Functional room.

Review 75：The heating system. The room hallways, carpets are new but doors and some walls need new painting, this is cosmetic and does not affect overall comfort.

Review 76：Spacious renowned rooms, fast reliable internet, very affordable for the excellent location and very nice staff and security guards, the lobby is an old fashioned beauty.

Review 77：, non-competent manager and simply cheating concierges, prices over the top with quite low-standard services. hotel itself very old and except nice lobby - generally 1-2stars maximum (based on EU standards). Badly needs some renovation...

Review 78：localisation

Review 79：The reception staff could be more welcoming, friendlier with a smile perhaps...

Review 80：Location, very close to Art Institute, Lake front, shopping. Wifi was good, room was a good size.

Review 81：Poor service, rooms really old and poorly maintained. Internet in the rooms is slow and often did not work. As a business traveler this is and important feature.

Review 82：Location is good and the history of the hotel

Review 83：The room was very outdated and no pictures on the wall-very sterile and univiting decor and atmosphere. There was an old rusty sink I the corner of our room which was very odd (room 533). Paint was peeling and old door knobs on the bathroom door. The hallways were dark and old and dingy looking totally unexpected when the elevator doors open-it's like you stepped into the twilight zone-the Lobby is beautiful but that's it-sorry..

Review 84：The view from my room

Review 85：My neighbors were very noisy and I could hear everything they were doing the walls are thin room service is very adamant about cleaning your room no air conditioning

Review 86：I like the location and beds where very comfortably .. Staff very nice room was fairly spacious but could be bigger bathrooms are great

Review 87：The "gym" has 2 old treadmills, a pair of stairmaster-type machines, and practically nothing for weightlifting - with no dumbbells at all. They should not be described as having a gym.

Review 88：The location is good.

Review 89：Rooms and furniture are old and old fashioned. Expected a bit more for the costs.

Review 90：Location is ok. Close to the park, and not too far away from the city center.

Review 91：Could use some upkeep, esp buckingham wing - tile falling off by elevator, dirty carpet in elevator; terrible odor in 6th floor hallway. Had bad breakfast at gazebo restaurant.

Review 92：Walking distance from good restaurants; friendly staff.

Review 93：The persons who checked us in and out was not so friendly nor welcoming. The worst feature about this hotel is the free wifi - they might as well not provide it as it doesn't work and when it does, which is almost never, it is very slow. I informed the front desk about it but nothing was done.

Review 94：The room was spacious. The lobby is nice. Concierge personnel were super friendly and helpful.

Review 95：We love staying at the Congress. It's historic & beautiful & the staff is always kind. They gave us an awesome free upgrade this trip tpo!!

Review 96：Room service was very bad. I requested coffee and other items that I did not get. Clean-up service was minimal. Lamp by bed was broken and it took 2 requests to get it fixed. It felt like a low budget motel.

Review 97：Location to my conference at Hilton was close

Review 98：Room cleaning service was so late and not finished sometimes when I am back in the late afternoon. The heater was not so powerful to make my room warm within a certain period of time. The wifi cannot be used on the last day of my stay probably due to some error in the setup by the hotel. The room is not equipped with a small refrigerator.

Review 99：The room was clean and large enough to stay. The location of the hotel is basically convenient to have access to important landmarks in the downtown and stations of the metro lines. The wifi was quite fast when available.

Review 100：No soundproofing or thermal insulation. The room is cold and noisy. No heat, you have to ask a space heater if you don't want to freeze (t hey won't give you one until you ask). The furnitures are damaged, the shower was partially broken. For the ones interested in the TV, it works only analogic and the menus (VoD, ordering...) just do not work. It seems that this hostel was good in the 90's, but they have not taken care of it since. Finally, after the check-in, I received a SMS from my bank saying the hostel will cost 450$, while my reservation was saying 340$. When I go ask the (rude) personnel, I learn that there is a 110$ deposit. I wish I had this kind of information when I did the check-in.

Review 101：The location

Review 102：must note that there are NO slippers provided! so just remember to bring your own if needed

Review 103：fantastic location! close to the loop and convenient transport

Review 104：Had a negative experience at breakfast in the Gazebo. Waitress was forgetful and inattentive, vanishing for very long periods. Oatmeal arrived tepid and had to be sent back for warming. Eventually, she finally offered a noncommittal "I'm sorry" and did not charge me for my coffee and fruit cup.

Review 105：Valet parking captain very friendly, helpful, and efficient.

Review 106：Great value for money. It is quite old, but the water in the shower was hot, sheets were clean and location is great. For what we paid, it was really good place to stay for a couple of nights.

Review 107：The room smelled very strongly of cleaner. Also, we got cold and as far as we could tell, we couldn't change the temp on the heater. I guess I didn't check beforehand, but no mini fridge and or microwave, left us not being able to save any leftovers from restaurants.

Review 108：The steakhouse was amazing as well as the staff. My friend and I were the only two guests when we first went in, with a few tables added as we left, and the waitstaff was amesome!!!!!

Review 109：We really didn't have anything bad to say. The hotel is old, and a little noisy. The traffic noise is very obvious, but it was very clean and had all the amenities we needed.

Review 110：The location was excellent. Bus and taxi service was very convenient, and shopping was a short walk away. There were very affordable, good restaurants also nearby.

Review 111：The cleaners would barge into my room every morning at 8:30am. Incredibly unorganized. Stayed in the section at the end of the building which had a scary elevator and noise theoughout the night. Next time will pay more for a better stay elsewhere.

Review 112：Location was fantastic. Also well priced for the area.

Review 113：There are some things that could be touched up in places, but it appeared they were working on painting and more.

Review 114：My review is based on the fact that I realize that the hotel is over 100 yrs old, and while updated still may not be what some expect. However, the double in separate rooms was very nice (it would be great if you had children or if you had two couples). We had two flat screen TV's and the internet was fast and reliable. We were pleasantly surprised at the staff's non attention to my fiance's service dog, which was a real plus and sadly not the case in too many places. We had a credit card snafu, and the fact they allowed us to pay part of the cost & deposit in cash was also very nice. Overall, I'd say if you want a nice place downtown, close to many things...choose the Congress Plaza.

Review 115：air conditioning/fan - either too hot, either too cold

Review 116：clean, new room; location; the staff was nice; overall great stay, and I was really scared going there having read some of the reviews

Review 117：Hallways and rooms need updating. Furniture in bad shape. Lost power in the AM when trying to shower and dress. Suspect electrical is also outdated.

Review 118：Location was fine.

Review 119：Need a microwave in the hotel. If not on the floors, where the vending machines are. Brought back left over to find out I had no way to heat it again. Watsed good food and money

Review 120：Great location! Close to the El and downtown. Bellman gave great advice about the city.

Review 121：Not a bad experience but, as a decorator/project manager, I was very disappointed with the poor quality paint job! New paint all over brass door plates, Inexcusable.

Review 122：Location is great. I have stayed in this hotel several times over a period of 30 years or so. Always good and will stay there again.

Review 123：Personnel very unpleasant, hotels floors carpet/walls dirty, scruffy, and old. Room painted recently by an amator, cold as heating not working. Rediculously expansive for what it is! I d like a refund of 50%

Review 124：I didn't like anything about this hotel

Review 125：22 inch tv in room, brown water from faucet, can not go from heat to AC because their set per time of year, linen seemed old, fitness center outdated by 20 years. It was a terrible experience and I told everyone I could to NEVER go there. I'm disappointed booking.com would have this as a viable listing and this will make me think twice about using thus site.

Review 126：The water with lemon and cucumber the lobby

Review 127：Since it was an older hotel, it was confusing getting to my room. I would highly recommend this hotel to someone who appreciates older homes and styles.

Review 128：Cost and location

Review 129：The hotel needs a facelift. The walls were so thin that I could hear a nearby resident having an orgasm. The only reason to stay here is that it's the most that you can afford.

Review 130：I was missing a small fridge to keep some cold drinks in it.

Review 131：Service was good. Cleaning was done properly. Location was excellent. I had a nice lack view. I used the gym a lot and was happy with it.

Review 132：It's a historic hotel and if you are not looking for that, it's a bit of a shock. The hotel amenities are lacking, you cannot control the temperature in your own room and the wi-fi is spotty at best.

Review 133：I thought the location was good and the staff was very helpful and friendly. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about the staff. They were fast, responsive, kind and accommodating. The rooms are quiet, literally had a block of college guys staying on my floor and could only hear them when I walked directly by their rooms.

Review 134：When booking keep in mind that this hotel opened in 1893. It's beautiful and the history behind it is amazing but it is very old and you'll have to keep this in mind when booking.

Review 135：Location was awesome, and the staff was happy and friendly. Our view was to die for. Couldn't ask for a better way to rise every morning we were here.

Review 136：Service was quite poor, the room set was late and sometimes you must require it

Review 137：The postion is perfect 20 minutes from the city ceter and 10 taxi minutes from the exhibition ceter.

Review 138：The rooms were old and worn down. Luckily we were in the South Tower. If given a room in the North Tower we would have left.

Review 139：Location, the hotel public places were beautiful. A lot of history and at one time the hotel was luxury.

The Fine Print

Complimentary New Year's Eve Party - Two complimentary New Year's Eve Party tickets per room. Must be 21 years old or older to attend the party in the Gold Room. The New Year's Eve party is from 8 pm until 2 am. There will be a DJ, coat check, dancing and party favors. Cash Bar only. Additional tickets can be purchased at the door for USD 50.00.You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply.Please note that a credit card is required at check-in for incidentals. A fixed amount of USD 75.00 is required as a deposit for incidentals at check-in and the remaining amount will be refunded after check-out.Please note that use of extra beds incurs a separate charge from extra guests in the room. Please contact the property directly for more information.Refunds for canceled reservations are processed on the day of cancellation; availability of funds depends on the individual banks, and it may take up to 60 days.Please note that check-in before 3 pm is subject to an additional night charge at current hotel rate.Rooms are guaranteed from 3 pm through 12 pm the following day. There is no need to confirm check-in times during this period.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.A security deposit of USD 75 is required upon arrival for incidental charges. This deposit is fully refundable upon check-out and subject to a damage inspection of the accommodation.