4.6 (11,501 Reviews)
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The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center

520 S Michigan Ave • Chicago, IL 60605
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A city street with cars driving past historic buildings, including the Congress Hotel, and an equestrian statue in the foreground under a blue sky.
A large historic building at night with a bright neon sign reading "CONGRESS HOTEL" on the roof, illuminated against a dark sky.
Ornate hotel lobby with marble floors, white armchairs, round tables, decorative pillows, and arched, gold-accented ceilings. The space is symmetrical and well-lit.
Bright hotel room with a double bed, two chairs at a round glass table, two lamps, large windows with white curtains, and a view of the ocean.
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About The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center

Overview

Since 1893, the Congress Plaza Hotel, located steps from Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, has offered timeless elegance, lakefront views, and unmatched access to Chicago’s top attractions along Michigan Avenue. View deals and book today.

up to 4 people

Good To Know

  • Located on Michigan Avenue, directly across from Grant Park and Millennium Park.
  • Complimentary WiFi in rooms and throughout the hotel.
  • 24-hour fitness center.
  • Convenient access to public transportation, including the ‘L’ train and Metra stations.
  • Features historic event spaces, including the Gold Room and Florentine Room.
  • Three on-site dining venues serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Walking distance to the Art Institute, the Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier.
  • Offers lakeview rooms and suites with Jacuzzi tubs.
  • Complimentary WiFi and 24-hour front desk service.
  • Minimum age to check in is 18.
  • Overnight self-parking is $62 per vehicle, per night. No in-and-out privileges.
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Property Amenities

  • 24 Hour Front Desk
  • Business Center
  • Elevator
  • Gift Shop
  • Handicapped Access
  • Inside Corridors
  • Meeting Facilities
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
  • Restaurant on Property
  • Wedding Services
  • Valet Parking
  • Concierge Services
  • Parking (surcharge)
  • Breakfast (surcharge)
  • Coffee Shop or Café
  • Sundry/Grocery
  • Dry Cleaning/Laundry Services
  • Smoke-free Property
  • Fitness Facilities (24 Hours)
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Promotional Images (29)
Exterior view of the historic Congress Hotel building with blue sky in the background. A bathroom with blue tile flooring, a toilet, a white sink, a mirrored wall, and a bathtub with a glass sliding door. Towels hang on racks near the tub. Hotel reception area with four wooden desks, red marble columns, a red carpet, and gold stanchions. There are signs indicating where to enter and exit. A modern bedroom with two single beds featuring teal bedding, a shared nightstand with a lamp, a framed picture above, and a window with sheer curtains letting in natural light. A room with a pool table, several dining tables, and chairs, featuring brick walls and large windows.

Description

Check-In: 3:00pm Check-Out: 12:00pm
Built in 1893 to host visitors of the World’s Columbian Exhibition, The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center is one of Chicago’s most historic hotels. Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, this iconic hotel offers a blend of old-world elegance and modern amenities. The hotel’s prime location on Michigan Avenue places visitors within walking distance of top attractions, including Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Magnificent Mile.

Each guest room features high ceilings and large bathrooms. Contemporary amenities include complimentary WiFi, pillowtop beds, and flat-screen TVs. Select suites feature Jacuzzi tubs and panoramic lake views. The hotel’s three dining options—Rafael’s, The Gazebo, and the Congress Lounge—offer everything from hearty breakfasts to evening cocktails in an elegant setting.

For events, the Congress Plaza is a Chicago institution, with historic venues such as the Gold Room and Florentine Room hosting weddings, galas, and conventions for over a century. The location also places guests within walking distance of Navy Pier, theaters, and shopping, making it an ideal base for both leisure travelers and business guests seeking convenience, style, and history in one remarkable address.

Important Information
  • Parking: Self-Parking is available at garage (PARK 1) afor $62.00 per day with no in-and-out privileges. SpotHero is available to offer alternative parking in nearby locations.
  • Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed. ADA-defined service animals are welcome.
  • Other fees: A $25 per night, per room deposit, is required at check-in.

All fees mentioned are subject to change without prior notice, and applicable taxes.
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The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center Reviews

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HK608WI
Madison, Wisconsin
"No Refund and they don't care."
TripAdvisor user rating 1.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 17, 2025 NEW
Be careful in the bar. They will charge you for drinks that you never ordered. Then blame you for ordering them. The management will not refund you the money either. They just hang up on you everytime you ask.
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pablosT2777AR
Costa Rica
"Perfect location"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 16, 2025 NEW
Excellent location, confortable rooms, no problem at all. Good restaurant and the bar has good pizza. Prices reasonable. Recommended if you need to move in the city.
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corinas890
"Great location, but overpriced and disappointing room"
TripAdvisor user rating 2.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 16, 2025 NEW
The hotel has a great location in downtown Chicago. It is a beautiful Art Nouveau building with great stain glass and decor on the first floor. However, the rooms are overpriced and both the rooms and hallways are in poor condition and disappointing and could definitely use renovations to bring them to the required standard of quality.
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Orracle51
Gurnee, Lake County, Illinois
"better options elsewhere"
TripAdvisor user rating 3.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 03, 2025
Great location--close to events, restaurants, shopping. But the wing we were in (Buckingham) was very dated. Few plugs, super firm mattresses, tiny elevator, could hear noise from other rooms. But worse--no heat! The dial on the old register was missing and we had to ask them to send up a portable heater. This ic Chicago in November!
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samrath747
Dallas, Texas
"Pass this hotel for sure"
TripAdvisor user rating 2.0 out of 5
Reviewed October 23, 2025
Other than location and price, would not recommend to stay here, check in process , the staff was not friendly, almost a bother to them. Was not given a room facing the lake as requested. The hotel is old which is fine, but the sink and tub did not drain. No heat available till November . Requested a space heater and had to call 3 times before I received it.
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The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center is located at 520 S Michigan Ave • Chicago, IL 60605
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center

Does the hotel have a pool?

No. Congress Plaza Hotel does not have a pool.

Does the hotel offer free breakfast?

No. There are 2 onsite restaurants perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat. Full breakfast is offered on weekends for a fee from 6 AM to 11 AM local hotel time.

Is there a fitness center?

Yes. Guests have access to a fitness center during their stay.

What are some historical sites nearby?

Garfield Park Conservatory is less than 5 miles away, Macy's on State Street is less than a mile away and The Rookery Building is approximately half a mile away.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel charge a resort fee?

No, Congress Plaza Hotel does not charge a resort fee, however, a deposit of $25 per night plus taxes is collected upon check in.

Is The Congress Plaza Hotel haunted?

The Congress Plaza Hotel is said to be the most haunted hotel in Chicago. Constructed in 1893, the hotel has a long history of a few of the most notable villains who stayed there. America’s first serial killer Dr. HH Holmes was a guest at the Plaza, as well as Al Capone. These and other spirits are believed to roam the halls and play creepy pranks.

Does the hotel offer accessible rooms and amenities?

Yes. Accessible features and amenities are available with accessible front desk, elevators, public entrances, meeting rooms, restaurants and accessible rooms. Should you have specific accessibility needs, please make a note of this on your reservation or contact the hotel's phone number on your confirmation email prior to arriving. Special requests are based on availability and not guaranteed.

What are the top things to do in Chicago near the hotel?

Nearby attractions include The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and the Skydeck Chicago all within two miles from the hotel.

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