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Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, 60605

Close to Chicago Loop

Very good

7.2

7.6

/10

3.3

Loved by Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago guests

Early check-in

Helpful staff

Great location

Lovely views

Daily housekeeping

Extra blankets

"Love the fact that they preserved the old architecture while having up to date renovations done."

Stephanie from United States

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"After I upgraded to the 14th floor, my view over the lake is wonderfull."

Bijman from Netherlands

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"The building is awesome and the hotel is old but historic, so it's always a good idea to visit it."

Rocco2006

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Rooms with Views

Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago offers rooms with views of Lake Michigan, Grant Park, and Willis Tower. Some suites include a living room with a sofa, desk, and flat-screen TV. Quadruple rooms feature private bathrooms with free toiletries, air conditioning, and a tea and coffee maker. Select rooms have decorative round tables and coffee makers.

Dining Options

The hotel's Gazebo serves a made-to-order breakfast, including the 'Congress Glam Slam' with eggs, bacon, chicken sausage, and pancakes. Rafael's offers American classics and seasonal specialties for lunch and dinner. The Congress Lounge provides city views, leather seating, and cocktails.

Leisure & Entertainment

Guests can attend concerts at the Symphony Center or explore Millennium Park's gardens. The hotel is steps from Navy Pier's 17-story Ferris Wheel and the Magnificent Mile for shopping. Nearby attractions include the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Location & Transportation

Congress Plaza Hotel is in Chicago Loop, adjacent to Grant Park and the Magnificent Mile. It is a short walk to Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Museum Campus. The area has restaurants serving global cuisines and easy access to public transport.

Services & Events

The hotel has 50,000 square feet of event space, including the Gold Room for receptions. Business travelers can request Lakeview King rooms with work desks. Staff provide personalized service to help guests explore Chicago's attractions efficiently.

Must-do experiences

Stroll Grant Park and enjoy murals while sipping a Chicago dog.
Visit the Art Institute for world-class art and iconic architecture.
Catch a live jazz show at the historic Buddy Guy's Legends nightclub.
Indulge in deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's, a local favorite.
Explore the historic architecture on a Chicago River boat tour.

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

King Room
2 persons
20 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Queen Room
2 persons
12 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Double Room Two Double Beds
2 persons
25 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

September 2026 - September 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Very good

7.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
ATM/Cash machine
Barber shop
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby at .

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Dry cleaning
Shops/Commercial services
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's buffet

Spa & Leisure

Jacuzzi

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Guests at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago can indulge in a delightful dining experience at Rafael's Restaurant and the inviting Congress Lounge. Offering a mix of casual ambiance and contemporary American cuisine, these venues are perfect for those looking to enjoy flavorful meals or unwind with a refreshing drink after exploring the vibrant surroundings of The Loop.

Rafael's Restaurant
Contemporary American
Ambiance
Casual dining atmosphere, just steps from the hotel bustle.
Key Offerings
Enjoy made-to-order breakfasts, along with a menu featuring American classics and seasonal chef specialties for lunch and dinner.
Reservation
No
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Congress Lounge
Casual bar dining
Ambiance
Intimate lounge setting with comfortable leather seating and city views.
Key Offerings
A great spot to unwind with a cocktail while enjoying flat-screen TVs for entertainment.
Reservation
No
Hours vary.

Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago Location

520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, 60605

Explore Chicago

Millennium Park

18 minutes' walk

Iconic public park featuring the famous Cloud Gate sculpture and lush gardens. Hosts free concerts and events during summer.

The Art Institute of Chicago

19 minutes' walk

World-renowned museum with vast collections, including Impressionist masterpieces. Don't miss the free admission days.

Navy Pier

25 minutes' walk

Chicago's lakefront playground with rides, dining, and events. Great for families with entertainment and fireworks in summer.

Shedd Aquarium

35 minutes' walk

Massive indoor aquarium showcasing aquatic life. Offers free admission days and thrilling animal encounters.

Grant Park Biking

5 minutes' drive

Rent a bike and ride through Grant Park's scenic trails. Ideal for leisure cycling or families exploring the park.

Yoga at Millennium Park

18 minutes' walk

Join free yoga classes in the summer at Millennium Park. Perfect for relaxing while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Skydeck Chicago

18 minutes' walk

Visit the sky-high observation deck at Willis Tower for stunning city views. A must for thrill-seekers seeking an adrenaline rush.

Cafecito

3 minutes' walk

Vibrant Cuban café known for its coffee and empanadas. Great casual spot for a quick bite and vibrant atmosphere.

Chicago Kitchen

3 minutes' walk

Casual eatery famous for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Perfect for families and groups craving local flavors.

Epic Burger

5 minutes' walk

Casual burger joint with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Menu features options for vegetarians and gluten-free diets.

Chicago Cultural Center

12 minutes' walk

Historic landmark showcasing art exhibits and performances. Enjoy free concerts and family-friendly events throughout the year.

The Rookery Building

13 minutes' walk

Architectural gem featuring a stunning lobby. Great for architecture enthusiasts and offers guided tours.

Getting around

City Centre
Chicago 16 min · 4300 ft
Airports
Midway International (MDW) 23 min · 9.5 mi
Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) 46 min · 18.8 mi
Train
Van Buren Street Station 4 min · 1000 ft
Underground
Harrison 4 min · 1000 ft
Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren 5 min · 1400 ft
Bus
Bus stop 2 min · 400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 12 pm

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby at .

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs USD 31.95 per person.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

Spanish, Hindi

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

871

Former name

Congress Plaza Hotel

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Congress Plaza Hotel enjoys a superb location, directly across from Grant Park and with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline from some rooms. Its historic charm is often mentioned, and it's conveniently located near the Art Institute, Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium, with easy access to the Red Line for exploring the city and direct connection to the airport. While some guests have noted that the hotel's age is apparent in certain areas, others appreciate its spacious rooms and functional fitness room, also the location is walkable to many spots.

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Review score

Based on 5400 verified reviews

7.4 /10

Very good

65 %

Recommend

Location

9.1/10

Staff

8.0/10

Breakfast

5.8/10

Paid Wi-Fi

5.8/10

Pros

Best location

Comfortable bed

Pleasant staff

Cons

Slow elevators

based on 3462 reviews

3/5

Joseph from United States

Couple

King Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 11, 2025

8.7/10

Good Value, GREAT location

fine views easy access high ceilings natural light

My east-facing room on the tenth floor offered fine views. I could see Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum from my window. The location provided easy access to downtown sights. I appreciate the hotel's proximity to museums and train lines. the friendly front desk agent offered a free upgrade to a spacious room with high ceilings. The large windows also let in plenty of natural light.

The tv in my room was small and positioned between windows. It.

Rooms

8/10

My king room featured a comfortable bed and functional modern furniture. The room size was adequate and had sufficient space for luggage and movement. The outdated curtains did not provide complete darkness, though. The coffee maker worked, and the temperature regulation was sufficient.

Service

9/10

The staff assisted with directions and basic inquiries effectively. Front desk employees addressed concerns with my room key immediately. The valet parking service also operated efficiently. I found the service to be helpful and attentive, though not always overly friendly.

Dining

9/10

The hotel has a restaurant on site. However i chose to explore nearby options. MANY places were easily accessible. The hotel provides basic coffee service in the lobby each morning. I appreciated the convenience and speed of the service.

0 Helpful

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Wilfred from United Kingdom

Single

Queen Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 24, 2025

6/10

an okay stay, i guess

the location was alright. it was near some things i wanted to see, i suppose.

the room got hot. the air conditioning didn't seem to do much to cool things down, even though it was on full blast, really annoying.

0 Helpful

Roderick from United Kingdom

Business traveller

Queen Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: October 22, 2025

9.0/10

Charmed by Classic Hospitality

convenient location helpful staff comfortable bed

The location proved very convenient, with quick access to many attractions. The staff offered assistance with directions and local recommendations. My room included a comfortable bed and fresh linens. I slept soundly.

The elevators seemed a bit slow during peak hours.

Dining

8/10

The hotel restaurant provides a breakfast buffet with a variety of choices. Fresh fruit, pastries, and hot dishes were available. The service was attentive, and the atmosphere was relaxing.

Rooms

9/10

My room featured a large window overlooking the city. The air conditioning unit worked efficiently and maintained a comfortable temperature. A small desk and ergonomic chair allowed me to work comfortably.

Service

10/10

The front desk staff was helpful and responsive to my requests. Housekeeping maintained a high standard of cleanliness throughout my stay.

Location

9/10

The hotel is located within walking distance of Grant Park. Public transportation options were easily accessible from the hotel entrance. Many dining and shopping opportunities were nearby.

0 Helpful

Martin from Germany

Single

Queen Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: September 17, 2025

9.0/10

Solid Stay with Great Proximity

great proximity city bikes easy access

The location worked well for accessing city bikes. I had easy access to the train and parks. Riverwalk and the lake trail also became easily accessible to me. Parking presented some challenges, requiring reservations several blocks away for affordable options.

The hotel's age show in some areas and could use updates.

Location

9/10

This hotel provides very easy access to city bikes, as well as to train stations, allowing me to move around easily. Several parks are nearby, and the convenience really enhanced my visit.

Service

10/10

The door staff and drivers provided amazing service . The cleaning staff maintained the room always in great condition. Otis, Jose, Pedro, and Irs provided assistance, including dining suggestions and punctual transportation to both a boxing match and the airport.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel possesses beauty, and displays history throughout its premises. The hotel is aged, but maintained in nice and clean condition. I noticed unique architectural details in public areas.

0 Helpful

Olivia from United Kingdom

Couple

King Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: July 27, 2025

8.5/10

solid stay with convenient location

convenient location clean room maintained room

the hotel's location was very convenient to visit major attractions. grant park was close. i could easily walk to many points of interest. the room was clean and well kept.

some areas of the hotel showed signs of needing updates.

Dining

8/10

room service provided convenient meal options i found the food satisfactory the service was prompt and efficient the menu included a reasonable variety of choices for different tastes.

Rooms

9/10

the king room featured a comfortable king bed it included updated furnishings and a spacious closet the bathroom was very clean with fresh towels available daily i appreciated the functional layout.

0 Helpful

John from United Kingdom

Single

King Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: June 24, 2025

8.8/10

Solid Stay with Prime Location

early check-in comfortable beds convenient location clean room

I got a very early check-in at 2 PM. The hotel stored my bags beforehand! I liked that. My room was clean. I also found the beds comfortable. I enjoyed the convenience of the location near Grant Park and other attractions.

The bathroom was a bit old.

Service

9/10

The staff was vigilant! They worked to keep the hotel safe. The front desk provided quick responses. Room service addressed needs promptly. Staff were always kind.

Location

10/10

The hotel is next to Millenium Park! It is also near the El and Metra commuter lines. The hotel has close proximity to both the Michigan and Jackson locations. Grant Park is right out front.

Rooms

8/10

The room was spacious. The furnishings were great. It had two large beds. The beds were comfortable. My room on the 12th floor had views toward the lake.

Dining

8/10

Dining options were reasonable. There is a bar that looked dated! The dining service was good. The breakfast service also seemed fine. I think the dining services did the job.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel has beautiful interior spaces. The hallways were wide. Elevators are available. The lobby looked nice. I saw some cool statues.

0 Helpful

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