Only a few hotel rooms are currently available at this rate. Availability can change at any time and may affect the prices.
*rate found for check-in Dec 8, check-out Dec 9
Rates displayed reflect the lowest rate found over the next 30 days. This rate is subject to change. Rates may not include service charges, extra person charges, fees or incidental charges (such as room service).
Converted rates (shown in parentheses) are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at this hotel, but within a reasonable distance and additional charges may apply for use. All information has been provided by this hotel.
Check-in: 1500
Check-out: 1200
Local currency: USD
The Congress Plaza Hotel & convention center is perfect for the value driven guest looking for a convenient downtown location with spectacular views of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain and Lake Michigan. It is just short walk to the New Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum Campus, Symphony Center, and the Sears Tower. The city business districts, shopping and restaurants, as well as downtown theaters and universities are also just minutes away. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (15 miles) and Midway Airport (11 miles) are easily accessible.
The Congress Plaza Hotel & convention center was originally designed and built in 1893 to accommodate visitors to the Columbian World's Exposition. There are a total of 840 guest rooms, including 50 deluxe suites, many of which overlook the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan.
Travel Advisory: The Hotel and Restaurant Employees Union Local 1 is currently conducting a strike against The Congress Plaza Hotel. Guests may encounter picketers outside the hotel.
As of March 1st, valet parking will cost $33.00/night and garage parking will cost $28.00/night.
Check-in: 1500
Check-out: 1200
Local currency: USD
*rate found for check-in Dec 8, check-out Dec 9
Rates displayed reflect the lowest rate found over the next 30 days. This rate is subject to change. Rates may not include service charges, extra person charges, fees or incidental charges (such as room service).
Converted rates (shown in parentheses) are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at this hotel, but within a reasonable distance and additional charges may apply for use. All information has been provided by this hotel.
Overall score
3.7 out of 5
(257 reviews)
Reviews and scores for each hotel are collected from customers who purchased a stay at that hotel.
Reviewers are asked to rate a variety of hotel attributes on a scale of 1 to 5. The highest possible score is "5," meaning the user was "very satisfied," while "1" is the lowest, meaning the user was "very dissatisfied."
The "overall score" is an average of all reviewer scores submitted for a hotel.
Hotel address: 520 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Chicago, IL
Midway and O'Hare International Airports
Adjacent to Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain. Near Millenium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum Campus, Symphony Center, and the Sears Tower.
A relaxed setting to enjoy cocktails or play pool or watch your favorite sports
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner served from 6:30am to 10:30pm. Breakfast includes full American Breakfast, lunch- a variety of salads and sandwiches, dinner- chicken, beef, pork and seafood dishes.
50,000 square feet of meeting space. World renowned gold room
Please enter check-in and check-out dates to the right to select a room
Check-in: 1500
Check-out: 1200
Local currency: USD
*rate found for check-in Dec 8, check-out Dec 9
Rates displayed reflect the lowest rate found over the next 30 days. This rate is subject to change. Rates may not include service charges, extra person charges, fees or incidental charges (such as room service).
Converted rates (shown in parentheses) are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at this hotel, but within a reasonable distance and additional charges may apply for use. All information has been provided by this hotel.
Overall score
3.7 out of 5
(257 reviews)
Reviews and scores for each hotel are collected from customers who purchased a stay at that hotel.
Reviewers are asked to rate a variety of hotel attributes on a scale of 1 to 5. The highest possible score is "5," meaning the user was "very satisfied," while "1" is the lowest, meaning the user was "very dissatisfied."
The "overall score" is an average of all reviewer scores submitted for a hotel.
Score
4 out of 5
Great Hotel!
TNT311 Oct 26, 2009
Our room was clean and ready early. The staff was helpful, although they didn't seem very knowledgable about the hotel. We ... loved the huge closet! I would definitely recommend to a friend. Also, we were walking distance for public transportation and other places around the city we wanted to visit.
Traveler type: Business
The Red Line bus station on Jackson can also access the blue line if you keep going downstairs. For some reason this isn't marked, but very helpful for getting around!
Score
3 out of 5
Small, but comfortable budget hotel
Milwaukee Student Oct 26, 2009
The Congress Plaza Hotel was exactly what we were looking for as two students looking for a multiple day stay in Chicago. We ... wanted a cheap hotel that we could count on being clean and in a decent location, and got what we paid for. The staff were all foreign and were difficult to understand, but they did their best to help at all times and were friendly. The rooms are tiny, and everything in the hotel tries really hard to be nice, but you can tell that it is aging. It isn't disappointing, however, with the price. The hotel has amenities such as a restaurant, lounge, and fitness center, but is missing a pool and hot tub, which was unfortunate. If you are looking for a cheap hotel, I wouldn't be afraid to try the Congress Plaza - I would stay there again if I had to. If you have more money to spend, however, try another option.
Traveler type: Couples
Score
4 out of 5
Very convenient with a touch of class
Two Nerds Oct 21, 2009
Great locale for visiting The museums, aquarium and the planetarium, as they are easily within walking distance. We had ... great fall weather and walked through Millennium Park twice on different days. Buckingham Fountain is directly across from the Hotel. We loved the historic hotel with its grand lobby and room furnishings. Last day we took the grand tour bus to Navy Pier and through the northside then back to the Sears tower.
Traveler type: Couples
From union station we walked to Macys to pickup our Chicago Go card which was a great way to pre pay for many must see sights.
Reviews represent the opinions of CheapTickets customers, not of CheapTickets or its staff.
The Red Line bus station on Jackson can also access the blue line if you keep going downstairs. For some reason this isn't marked, but very helpful for getting around!
--TNT311, Orlando, FL Oct 26, 2009
From union station we walked to Macys to pickup our Chicago Go card which was a great way to pre pay for many must see sights.
--Two Nerds, Muskegon,Mi Oct 21, 2009
Morton's and Harry Caray's is easily within walking distance...a great feel of Chicago's culture is experienced by walking from the Congress to the River.
--Chuck, Brown Deer, WI Oct 19, 2009
Overall score
3.7 out of 5
(257 reviews)
Reviews and scores for each hotel are collected from customers who purchased a stay at that hotel.
Reviewers are asked to rate a variety of hotel attributes on a scale of 1 to 5. The highest possible score is "5," meaning the user was "very satisfied," while "1" is the lowest, meaning the user was "very dissatisfied."
The "overall score" is an average of all reviewer scores submitted for a hotel.
Sort reviews by: most recent | highest rating | lowest rating
Score
4 out of 5
Great Hotel!
TNT311 Oct 26, 2009
Our room was clean and ready early. The staff was helpful, although they didn't seem very knowledgable about the hotel. We ... loved the huge closet! I would definitely recommend to a friend. Also, we were walking distance for public transportation and other places around the city we wanted to visit.
Traveler type: Business
The Red Line bus station on Jackson can also access the blue line if you keep going downstairs. For some reason this isn't marked, but very helpful for getting around!
Score
3 out of 5
Small, but comfortable budget hotel
Milwaukee Student Oct 26, 2009
The Congress Plaza Hotel was exactly what we were looking for as two students looking for a multiple day stay in Chicago. We ... wanted a cheap hotel that we could count on being clean and in a decent location, and got what we paid for. The staff were all foreign and were difficult to understand, but they did their best to help at all times and were friendly. The rooms are tiny, and everything in the hotel tries really hard to be nice, but you can tell that it is aging. It isn't disappointing, however, with the price. The hotel has amenities such as a restaurant, lounge, and fitness center, but is missing a pool and hot tub, which was unfortunate. If you are looking for a cheap hotel, I wouldn't be afraid to try the Congress Plaza - I would stay there again if I had to. If you have more money to spend, however, try another option.
Traveler type: Couples
Score
4 out of 5
Very convenient with a touch of class
Two Nerds Oct 21, 2009
Great locale for visiting The museums, aquarium and the planetarium, as they are easily within walking distance. We had ... great fall weather and walked through Millennium Park twice on different days. Buckingham Fountain is directly across from the Hotel. We loved the historic hotel with its grand lobby and room furnishings. Last day we took the grand tour bus to Navy Pier and through the northside then back to the Sears tower.
Traveler type: Couples
From union station we walked to Macys to pickup our Chicago Go card which was a great way to pre pay for many must see sights.
Score
3 out of 5
Great urbanathlon location
Urbanathlete Oct 20, 2009
I travelled to Chicago for the Urbanathlon and decided to stay at the Congress Plaza for its location and value. The location ... is great since it is right across the street from Grant Park where the event begins and ends, and it was walking distance from the blue line which connects to O'hare airport. The hotel itself is old and outdated so in the future I will probably stay some place a little nicer. Otherwise, the staff was very nice and helpful and the location was perfect.
Traveler type: Friends
Score
5 out of 5
Wonderful Weekend
Chuck Oct 19, 2009
Very short stay, but perfect for our needs. We attended a play at the Goodman Theatre, lunch at Harry Caray's and dinner at ... Morton's. All within walking distance from the Congress. We would stay at the Congress in the future.
Traveler type: Couples
Morton's and Harry Caray's is easily within walking distance...a great feel of Chicago's culture is experienced by walking from the Congress to the River.
Score
3 out of 5
ok, for an old hotel
Riccardo Oct 17, 2009
my hotel selection was based on both the distance to the Chicago Symphony, and price. Both were very acceptable. The hotel ... was only 2 blocks from the Symphony center. For the price, it was a good deal. The staff were helpful, especially the door men, and porters, who gave much helpful advice. Check in, and checkout were a breeze. The hotel is old, and the rooms, though not really first rate... were clean, and maid service was fine.. The other guests, many who arrived by limo, seemed also to find the hotel a good deal. The breakfast room was also very acceptable.. service was good. I have no real complaints.. there were, however, a couple strikers outside the door... but they did not bother me at all.. My room had no real view.. except to the college building next door, and i was not allowed a room change to a view of the lake. The weather was so bad, however, that this was a minor inconvenience. My bed was too hard, and hurt my back... but, for a couple days, i tolerated it. The bathroom door would not open past the toilet, so, to use the toilet, i had to shut the door.. The bathtub was small. No nightlights. I opened the curtains to get some light, at night. TV was bigscreen plasma, but just got the normal free channels ( and pay channels for extra).
Traveler type: Single
There is a very good sushi take out on the corner, though staffed by chinese, not japanese... and a health food store just around the block, near the Symphony Center. Both i used frequently.
Score
4 out of 5
Great buy, great location, decent room
Button 28 Oct 12, 2009
Picked the hotel due to the extreme close location to the Chicago Marathon and the reasonable cost. ...
Traveler type: Single
Score
4 out of 5
Grand old hotel - great value for price
Nana Oct 5, 2009
Our family get-together included a trip to the Shedd Aquarium, which is walking distance from the Congress. Our room was ... clean and comfortable. We have stayed at the Congress previously, and found new restoration being done to the hotel. The Congress is a grand old hotel and we are delighted the owners are gradually working on restoration.
Traveler type: Couples
The Shedd Aquarium is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Congress, however we took a cab (~8.00) due to inclement weather and having our 3-year old granddaughter with us.
Score
3 out of 5
It is what it is.
J Oct 5, 2009
It is what it is. If you need a place to stay that is in the heart of Chicago, this is a good place to stay. If you are ... looking for that 5 star hotel that you are pampered you every 5 miniutes, this might not be your place. I would stay here again for the location.
Traveler type: Friends
Score
2 out of 5
Good location
Traveller Sep 28, 2009
The location provided access to parks, short distance sight-seeing and dining. ...
Traveler type: Couples
Score
4 out of 5
Great downtown tourist location
DD Sep 24, 2009
Toured Chicago and visited friends. First time in this city. Great hotel. ...
Traveler type: Friends
Score
3 out of 5
Not What We had Hoped For...
TravelCandy Sep 21, 2009
When I booked the reservation I knew the hotel was an old hotel, but I could have sworn that their website said they had just ... finished renovations...and that may have been- only they hadn't finished our room. The ceiling was badly patched, half of the wood work/trim had been stripped of all paint and varnish- so it looked and smelled terrible (possibly from some water damage), the bathroom fixtures didn't all work properly and in some cases were not attached to the walls- and there wasn't a trash can to be found anywhere in our room (not even in the bathroom!)! The beds were kind-of hard- but okay. However- I have to say that the location was great- you are within walking distance of lots of great shops and restaurants and can easily grab a cab or mass transit to anywhere else in the city that you may want to go!
Traveler type: Friends
Score
4 out of 5
Weekend in Chicago
bluebird Sep 16, 2009
Get a lakeview room and and enjoy remarakable views and access to Grant Park, Navy Pier, and, many mueseums. Priceless! We ... expected an older hotel with character and that's what we got. Yes, it needs some updating but the sheets were nice and clean and all furniture seemed new enough. For the price it's unbeatable!
Traveler type: Couples
Score
4 out of 5
Congress Plaza Hotel, just the facts
Kevinator Sep 16, 2009
I was in Chicago for a conference, so I didn't spend much time in my room. The Doorman was OUTSTANDING, very attentive and ... cheerful. Th lobby and lounge were beautiful with easy access. The down side is that my room had very thin walls and I could hear a normal conversation in the next room, which means they could hear mine. The base room was configured well, but the Bathroom tile work was VERY POOR, and I kept stubbing my toe on the raised bathroom floor. The water pressure and temperature was a GREAT surprise for a hotel. I would stay again, tho the picketing union workers were annoying, making it very hard to wait for a cab or shuttle with all the noise they were creating. The picketers were very rude, even by the very basic of human standards.
Traveler type: Business
If you like the water, Lake Michigan was a very short walk through Grant Park. My walk along the shoreline was very nice, with the sailboats, and ferris wheel a short distance away. Truly amazing water fountain right outside the front door of the hotel. (2 small city blocks)
Score
5 out of 5
Unbeatable location for the price.
John and Ann Sep 15, 2009
We went to Chicago just to relax and enjoy the city. For 5 days we did just that and loved it. The Congress is an old, ... charming hotel right on Grant Park, in front of Buckingham Fountain, and on the Chicago Lake front. We walked, took a one day guided tour, rode the Transit System (we bought a pass), and used some cabs. All travel in the city was easy, in-expensive, and pleasant. We visited The Art Institue, The Aquarium, The Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Science and Industry, and Navy Pier. All museums are immense, exquisitly done, and are reasonably priced. They are all accessible by the public bus and the subway system. The Congress Hotel Staff was most helpful and accomodating. The Hotel ambiance, location, and staff all made the stay a REALLY PLEASANT EXPERIENCE.
Traveler type: Couples
Ask the Hotel staff for suggestions on where to go and how to get there. Buy a CTA Transit pass. (1-day, 3-day, 5-day, etc.) Go to the top of one of the really tall buildings. We ate at top of The John Hancock tower twice. We spent time in Millenium Park (Attended 2 free concerts.) and Grant Park. Both are clean, have beautiful flowers, and are safe.
Score
4 out of 5
fun weekend
big jim Sep 14, 2009
nice & peaceful ...
Traveler type: Couples
the saloon steakhouse
Score
5 out of 5
U2 Concert
Timbo Sep 14, 2009
This hotel is in a perfect location and has a tremendous amount of character!!! ...
Traveler type: Couples
Score
1 out of 5
Great View but Room was Small and Dirty
CChildress Sep 14, 2009
Though the Congress Hotel had a great location and great views of Millennium Park; the room we had was small, dirty and ... noisy. The walls were paper thin and I could hear a normal conversation in the next room very easily. Also we blew a circuit in the room. My husband was ironing his shirt, we were charging one of our phones and I was blow drying my hair, doing all of these things at the same time managed to trip the circuit to our room. We stood in the dark for twenty minutes while the front desk figured which circuit breaker lead to our room. It was very evident that they have not updated the room in a long time. The rug was a very worn and dirty. It looks like an amateur carpenter tired to replace the baseboard but did not bother to paint it white to match the rest of the trim in the room. The furniture was very old and scratched up. The wallpaper was old and peeling off the walls. The bathroom was extremely small and there was no shampoo in our room either. I know this hotel is old but it is not very well maintained. I expected a much nicer room for the money we paid.
Traveler type: Couples
Score
3 out of 5
Close to Soldier Field
Bono Lover Sep 14, 2009
We were in Chicago for the U2 concert and were only there to sleep. Walking distance to Soldier Field (where the concert took ... place). Small room and very small bathroom, but pretty clean.
Traveler type: Family
Can walk to Magnificent Mile.
Score
4 out of 5
excellent location, tourism and business
PLF Sep 9, 2009
we stayed always around the city for tourism, the hotel was very good and with excellent location for both tourism and business. ...
Traveler type: Couples
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Reviews represent the opinions of CheapTickets customers, not of CheapTickets or its staff.
Sort hints by: most recent | distance from hotel
The Red Line bus station on Jackson can also access the blue line if you keep going downstairs. For some reason this isn't marked, but very helpful for getting around!
--TNT311, Orlando, FL Oct 26, 2009
From union station we walked to Macys to pickup our Chicago Go card which was a great way to pre pay for many must see sights.
--Two Nerds, Muskegon,Mi Oct 21, 2009
Morton's and Harry Caray's is easily within walking distance...a great feel of Chicago's culture is experienced by walking from the Congress to the River.
--Chuck, Brown Deer, WI Oct 19, 2009
There is a very good sushi take out on the corner, though staffed by chinese, not japanese... and a health food store just around the block, near the Symphony Center. Both i used frequently.
--Riccardo, Tallahassee, Florida Oct 17, 2009
The Shedd Aquarium is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Congress, however we took a cab (~8.00) due to inclement weather and having our 3-year old granddaughter with us.
--Nana, Midland, Michigan Oct 5, 2009
If you like the water, Lake Michigan was a very short walk through Grant Park. My walk along the shoreline was very nice, with the sailboats, and ferris wheel a short distance away. Truly amazing water fountain right outside the front door of the hotel. (2 small city blocks)
--Kevinator, Rocky Mountains Sep 16, 2009
Ask the Hotel staff for suggestions on where to go and how to get there. Buy a CTA Transit pass. (1-day, 3-day, 5-day, etc.) Go to the top of one of the really tall buildings. We ate at top of The John Hancock tower twice. We spent time in Millenium Park (Attended 2 free concerts.) and Grant Park. Both are clean, have beautiful flowers, and are safe.
--John and Ann, Amesbury, Massachusetts Sep 15, 2009
the saloon steakhouse
--big jim, lake Barrington, Il Sep 14, 2009
Can walk to Magnificent Mile.
--Bono Lover, Cleveland, OH Sep 14, 2009
Elect the valet parking. For $33, it's well worth it.
--Tom, Freeport, IL Sep 6, 2009
Parking cheaper than other Chicago hotels. But, you have to wait a long time for car. Allow time.
--ColumPar, KY Sep 6, 2009
Take the architectural foundation river cruise on the Chicago River; Wrigley Field is also fun, but we had a rain out!
--Catonsville 2, Baltimore, MD Aug 22, 2009
Exchequer Pub on Wackerly
--Brad, Caro, MI Aug 18, 2009
Gino's Pizza- A Must have! Turn right onto Superior. Pizza takes about 45 minutes, so make sure you have enough time. Fun place.
--AH, Springfield, MO Aug 3, 2009
Millenium Park is less than two blocks away.
--Family member, Arlingtgon Heights, Ill Aug 3, 2009
if you want to stay over night to go to the taste you couldn't ask for anything better. also, we watched the fireworks right around the corner from the hotel
--pschulz, chesterton, in Aug 2, 2009
Shop at the Art Institute Gift shop for great unusual gifts at good prices.
--Travelshopper, Michigan Aug 1, 2009
I already have passed information on to friends who come to Chicago occasionally. The Congress Plaza is only a short walk from public transit (e.g. the "L"and buses), and attractive sites, like the Art Institute. Dining services are at hand nearby as well.
--Bill, Jacksonville, IL Aug 1, 2009
Giordanos Pizza (www.giordanos.com) was within about 9-10 blocks (a short walk-maybe). Many others within a short walk as downtown Chicago Loop is within a few blocks.
--Budd, Lincoln, NE Jul 29, 2009
The art institute of Chicago and the Sears tower are awesome!
--Chris, Los Angeles, CA Jul 29, 2009
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Reviews represent the opinions of CheapTickets customers, not of CheapTickets or its staff.
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