Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

In Chicago for business reason with an extra day for doing the tourist thing, Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park had the location, location and location edge. At walking distance (less than 20 minutes) from both my meeting places and the waterfront park and museums (think reflecting peanut, Art Institute and Field Museum) it was ideal for me. Otherwise, the hotel had all the standard amenities you can ask for the price and was clean.

The first room they gave us smelled of cigarette smoke and wasn't a room worth wanting to stay in. However, after we asked to switch rooms, they apologized and upgraded us to a lake view. The room was amazing. Very large, high ceilings, amazing view right on the corner of the building so we had windows on two sides of the building. It was right in front of Grant Park. Definitely want to go back here again for that room!

I'd stayed at the Congress Plaza Hotel once before, in a room with a lake view, and had a favorable enough impression to think of it when my mother and I needed a room in Chicago at the last minute. I could only afford a regular queen room this time, but I trusted that it would be just as spacious, clean, and comfortable as my previous room. We arrived late--around 9 p.m.--but the staff member who checked us in was pleasant and friendly despite the late hour. She informed us that we'd been given a free upgrade to a room with a lake view. I was thrilled, since the view is the most distinct memory I have of staying in the hotel. The room was exactly what I remembered and expected. There was plenty of space and many more outlets as I usually find in other hotels. The closets are huge, the bathrooms are spotless, and noise has never been an issue (and both times I've stayed, the hotel has hosted a conference and participants have shared my floor). The hotel provides dining options, but there are plenty of place to eat within walking distance (including at least one Dunkin Donuts that is open 24/7). The location on Michigan Ave. and proximity to Lake Shore means that every place I've visited during my most recent stays (Second City, McCormick Place, and the Center on Halsted) has been a short drive away. I've been pleased with my experiences in this hotel and would look into it for future stays in the area.

Stained sheeting, management had no concern... Not clean , torn carpet... Lame

Hotel has a lot of old charm but the rooms seem like they haven't been updated in over 20 years.

The hotel is old and the room was rough. Although the beds were comfortable! One night stay was the max for us.

had a wonderful time. this hotel is a great part of history.

The Hotel is particularly old, but it has been kept in good shape. My room was very quiet, and it had 10 foot ceilings which was nice. It was a little expensive, because it isn't that nice but the location is unbeatable. I was in town without a car, and it worked great for my needs.

We had cockroaches in our room! The staff was nice and quick to give us a new room. But the cockroaches caused uneasiness throughout the trip and we were not offered anything "for our trouble". Gross.

Great location, right on Michigan Ave across from Grant park. Rooms are as basic as could be, but at least they are clean. Receptionists could use a lesson in customer service, but concierge was great.