Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago Exterior photoCongress Plaza Hotel Chicago Exterior photoCongress Plaza Hotel Chicago Exterior photo
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Check rooms and rates
From246US$ /night
Check-in
21Apr2026Select date
Check-out
22Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60605
-
Close to Chicago Loop
Very good
7.4
7.6
/10
3.2
3.3
/5

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.
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Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Double Room Two Double Beds Lake View
2 persons
335 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Coffee machine
King Room Lake View Non-Smoking
2 persons
260 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
King Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Queen Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Very good
7.2/10Review 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

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
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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.
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago Restaurant photo
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago Restaurant photo
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago Restaurant photo

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, Illinois, United States, 60605
Map view
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60605
Nearby
407 S Dearborn St
Old Colony Building
1700 ft
431 S Dearborn St
Manhattan Building
1500 ft
Museum
Museum of Contemporary Photography
400 ft
Library
Harold Washington Library Center
1300 ft
Restaurants
Cafecito
800 ft
26 E Congress Pkwy Ste 1
Chicago Kitchen
600 ft
63 E Harrison St
Osaka Sushi Express
700 ft
400 S Michigan Ave
Bee Zzee
900 ft
424 S Wabash Ave
Epic Burger
1300 ft
517 S State St
Baskin-Robbins
900 ft
229 W Jackson Blvd
Fontano's Subs
900 ft
332 S Michigan Ave
BeeZzee Fresh Food
1200 ft
424 S Wabash Ave
Wingstop
1100 ft
12 E Harrison St
Explore Chicago
Explore Chicago
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Millennium Park
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
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
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
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
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
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
Chicago Kitchen
3 minutes' walk
Casual eatery famous for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Perfect for families and groups craving local flavors.
Epic Burger
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
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
The Rookery Building
13 minutes' walk
Architectural gem featuring a stunning lobby. Great for architecture enthusiasts and offers guided tours.
Getting around
City Centre
Chicago16 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 Station4 min  ·  1000 ft
Underground
Harrison4 min  ·  1000 ft
Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren5 min  ·  1400 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 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
Paid Public parking is possible at a location nearby.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs US$31.95 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Spanish, Hindi
Number of floors:
14
Number of rooms:
871
Former name
Congress Plaza Hotel

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
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 5349 verified reviews
7.6/10
Very good
69%
Recommend
Location
9.2/10
Staff
8.1/10
Breakfast
6.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.3/10
Pros
Best location
Comfortable bed
Pleasant staff
Cons
Slow elevators
Guest reviews
based on 5349 reviews
7.6/10
based on 3462 reviews
3/5
based on 5328 reviews
7.4/10
Martin from Germany
Single
Queen Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:September 17, 2025
9.0/10

Solid Stay with Great Proximity

great proximitycity bikeseasy 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
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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 locationclean roommaintained 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
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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-incomfortable bedsconvenient locationclean 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. The lobby looked nice. I saw some cool statues.
0 Helpful
|
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room