Congress Plaza Chicago

Congress Plaza Hotel

(815) 216-5884

520 South Michigan Avenue (Congress Parkway)
Chicago, IL 60605 41.87536 -87.62435

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Neighborhoods: Loop, Central

CONGRESSPLAZAHOTEL.COM

Years in business

Established in 1893

Hours:

24 hours

Last updated 10.20.11

Category:

Hotels & Motels, Government Contractors, Travel, Business Hotels, Family-Friendly Hotels, Tourist Hotels, Budget Hotels

Smoking Permitted:

Yes

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Congress Plaza Chicago

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

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…

Editor's Tips

Save Money:
Visit website to learn about specials.
The Extras:
Two on-site restaurants -- The Gazebo Restaurant and Rafael's -- offer American cuisine, while the Tavern Tap Lounge offers a relaxing pub atmosphere.
Know Before You Go:
This Michigan Avenue hotel was originally designed and built to accommodate visitors to the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893.
ambiance
95.0% positive
  1. “We requested a Lakeview Suite, which had a beautiful view, but was not worth $190.00 a night.”
  2. “The view, over looks buckingham fountain and the lake, which is the best in the city.”
  3. “chose the Congress Plaza because I needed a location convenient to downtown that I could afford for the weekend when my employer was no longer footing the bill.”
  4. “It offers a great view of Grant Park and, if facing Michigan Ave., a view of the spectacular Navy Pier fireworks.”
  5. “It is a very good location though, just not a very good hotel.”
  6. “Clearly, this hotel is not interested in providing a comfortable experience to its customers.”
  7. “Big floral print bedspread and our view from the bay window was blocked by a fire escape!”
  8. “... sure it is showing its age but the rooms are big and comfortable and the staff are very friendly.”
  9. “If your looking for a romantic getaway go to the Essence Suites in Orland Park or the Sybaris.”
  10. “The location is next to all the best Museums, and you are less then a mile from The mag mile.”
food quality
25.0% positive
  1. “Yes, the room service is bad, yes the food is bad, yes the people are rude, yes the rooms are older and not so nice BUT one of the best rates for DT Chicago.”
service
25.0% positive
  1. “Rooms smell bad, Not good customer service, dirty hotel, very old and run down”
  2. “The front desk was rude and very childish.”
  3. “Yes, the room service is bad, yes the food is bad, yes the people are rude, yes the rooms are older and not so nice BUT one of the best rates for DT Chicago.”
  4. “... sure it is showing its age but the rooms are big and comfortable and the staff are very friendly.”
  5. “Chicagos worst hotel welcomes you (or at least the former employees who are picketing out front for almost 5 YEARS will!)”
value
60.0% positive
  1. “The rooms are huge and very comfertable.”
  2. “providing you wish for a smelly room with cigarette burns on the carpet and bedspread, an icy cold shower with the same water pressure as a cheap plastic squirt gun, an air conditioner that dates back to the Truman administration only capable of slightly ”
  3. “Dont waste your money at this horrible hotel.”
  4. “I've stayed in old hotels before was expecting a certain amount of disrepair in the room I managed to get at such an affordable price.”
  5. “We requested a Lakeview Suite, which had a beautiful view, but was not worth $190.00 a night.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/09/11

thanks

by tamiaaric at Citysearch

very helpful information desk - great food at the hotel restaurants - friendly bartender at the lounge - amazing first floor

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/20/11

Very impressive.

by Marva Hopkins at Citysearch

The doorman - Steve is terrific. He is always great, remembers his customers. Very impressive.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/14/11

great stay.!

by Haley Nannie at Citysearch

while it is an aged hotel, my accomodations were neat and clean and the staff helpful and courteous.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/08/11

Friendly staff

by Ronda Rodriguez at Citysearch

Great location with easy access to Grants Park, The Navy Pier and The Magnificent Mile. Friendly staff with large rooms.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/30/11

I always enjoy my stay

by mikailaklapperich at Citysearch

I always enjoy my stay at the congress plaza hotel. I enjoyed breakfast at the Gazebo. I dined by myself, a $36.00 service charge was inadvertently added to my $18.00 food bill. I asked the server to correct the bill, which was done in a congenial manner. Thanks !

The Details on Congress Plaza Chicago

Place Categories:

  • worst hotel
  • really love congress hotel
  • comfortable rooms
  • very good location
  • rude front desk
  • amazing lobby
  • comfortable experience
  • never warm water
  • favorite insects
  • romantic getaway
  • disappointing stay
  • horrible smell
  • extremely helpful desk clerk
  • big floral print bedspread
  • very friendly staff
  • beautiful antique elevators
  • absolutely fabulous gold room
  • very annoying maids
  • poor repair
  • terrible whole place
  • bad room service
  • rich heritage
  • beautiful view
  • best museums
  • absolutely exquisite gold ballroom
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