Congress Plaza Hotel
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 427-3800
- Cross Street:
- Congress Parkway
- Directions:
- El: Red Line to Harrison; Blue Line to La Salle; Green Line to Adams/Wabash; Brown or Orange Line to Library-State/Van Buren; bus: 1, 3, 4, 6 to Harrison St; 7, 145 to Van Buren St; 36 to Congress Dr; 146 to Congress Dr/Michigan Ave
- Hours:
- 24 hours
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Editorial Review for Congress Plaza Hotel – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
Since its construction in 1893 to house visitors to the World's Columbian Exposition, the Congress has hosted everyone from presidents to gangsters. In fact, the hotel is said to house the spirits of some of its famous guests, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Frank Lloyd Wright and Thomas Edison. The hotel's grandeur has been chipped away at over the years by ill-conceived renovations, but some striking original flourishes--like colorful lobby mosaics--remain.
The Details
With 840 rooms and more than 50,000 feet of meeting space, the Congress is a major player in the city's convention trade. Guest rooms have enormous closets--a throwback to days when travelers hauled steamer trunks rather than carry-ons. The Congress has some of the best rates in the downtown area, and rooms facing Michigan Avenue offer panoramic views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyVisit website to learn about specials.
The ExtrasTwo on-site restaurants -- The Gazebo Restaurant and Rafael's -- offer American cuisine, while the Tavern Tap Lounge offers a relaxing pub atmosphere.
User Reviews for Congress Plaza Hotel
07/13/2008 Posted by biddiroo
My family just returned from Chicago and I was perfectly pleased with this hotel. I can only think the bad reviews are, by now, outdated or that the writers missed the charm of this historic and quite enchanting place. The staff could not have been warmer or friendlier beginning with the doorman/valet. Yes, there is still a picket line, but we chatted with a few of those people as well. The desk clerk and bellmen were extremely helpful. We were even treated to a mini "ghost-tour" by the security people. The Gold Room is absolutely fabulous! Ask them to take you there! We then walked the haunted (?!?!) 12th floor and it is very CREEPY! Everyone we spoke to was so proud of the rich heritage and offered wonderful stories about movies filmed there and the famous guests. The rate was only $115/night for a large room with two king beds and a view of Lake Michigan to die for, overlooking the Buckingham fountain and Grant park! What a treat each morning! We did have problems getting hot water and had to run the shower for about ten minutes to get it comfortable enough. The bathroom was rather small, but the room size made up for it. (Ask for rooms ending in "74"---those are the biggest. That was a hint from the staff.) Conveniently located minutes away from all lakefront activities and walking distance to the trolleys, "L's" and the Sears Tower. Right in the middle of it all! Let the valet park your car and enjoy the city!
Pros: Historic charm, Close to Family Activities
Cons: Small bathroom, Slow hot water
01/14/2008 Posted by fellgirl12
I read the reviews on this page before booking the hotel, and most people who have complained about this particular hotel have no grounds from my personal experience. I loved this hotel! It's very old, has an amazing past, and has so many treasures to uncover. The Gold Ballroom is absolutely exquisite. The antique elevators are beautiful. My room was enormous, spotless, and had a killer view of the Sears Tower. The lobby is spectacular. I would only suggest it to people who have an appreciation for history. I found the staff there very pleasant and helpful - the Indian bellhop is a charming man and one of the doormen is very sweet. I did a little exploring in the building and found certain areas of it very creepy - almost as if I expected The Shining twins to appear at the end of the hall. Some hallways are pitch black because no one is booked there. In fact, during my week stay in Chicago, the only time I felt uneasy was in one particular hallway. The location of the hotel is right in the middle of everywhere. Two blocks from the Art Institute, three from Millennium Park, a brisk 20 minute jaunt to the Magnificent Mile and Chicago River. It's a very photogenic building, and I fell in love with its old lady charm. I'm returning to Chicago in June, and will definitely stay there again.
Pros: large, comfortable, quiet, great location, antique beauty
Cons: smells kind of weird, a little creepy in some areas.
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