Rate and special offer based on Check-in: Jul 2, 2013 Check-out: Jul 4, 2013

Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

3 stars
520 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
3.3
out of 5
826 reviews
Great Stay in Chicago

I enjoyed all of the amenities as well as the atmosphere. would definitely visit again and... See full review

  • nmaggers
  • May 17, 2013
Great Stay in Chicago

I enjoyed the ambiance of the hotel as well as the cordial environment. The rooms were clean and... See full review

  • nmaggers
  • May 17, 2013
Historic hotel on Michigan Avenue by Grant Park
Guests at the Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park hotel enjoy value prices and a convenient location across from Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park, the Art Institute and Lake Michigan. Designed to accommodate large groups, the 850-room hotel has hosted legions of tourists, conventioneers and even the nation’s presidents since the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Its presence among Chicago architecture is unmistakable: Just look for the oversized sign in all red caps.
Highlights
  • Spectacular views of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Lake Michigan
  • Two restaurants and a lounge on site
  • Wireless Internet in the lobby
Rooms
Rooms at the Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park hotel favor space over flash. Find rooms and spacious suites of various sizes -- many with lakefront views -- as well as high ceilings and parlor seating. Wired and wireless Internet access are available for a fee.
Features

The Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park serves as a top reception site for weddings, conferences and other formal events. The lobby with its massive mosaic-tiled ceiling inspires awe in both guests and architecture fans. More than 50,000 square feet of meeting space, including the gorgeous Gold Room with its gold-leaf covered walls and ceilings, lend opulence to any occasion.

Diners visit the Gazebo Restaurant, a casual restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, or Rafael's Steakhouse, a more intimate dinner venue. Cocktails and pub fare are available in the lounge.

Other property amenities include a barbershop, game room and fitness center.

Transportation
  • O’Hare International Airport (16.1 mi/25.8 km)
  • Midway Airport (8.9 mi/14.4 km)
  • Blue Line (LaSalle) (0.9 mi/1.5 km)
  • Orange Line (Library) (0.3 mi/0.5 km)
  • McCormick Place Convention Center (1.7 mi/2.7 km)
Nearby attractions
  • Grant Park (across the street)
  • State Street (0.1 mi/0.2 km)
  • Buckingham Fountain (0.3 mi/0.5 km)
  • The Art Institute of Chicago (0.4 mi/0.6 km)
  • Millennium Park (0.5 mi/0.9 km)
  • Soldier Field (1 mi/1.6 km)
  • The Magnificent Mile (1.3 mi/2.1 km)
Policies and fees
  • Valet Parking $39.00 for overnight parking
  • Self-Parking $35.00 for overnight parking
  • In-room wired/wireless Internet access is charged at $9.95 + tax for 24 hours.

This is not a comprehensive list of fees. Any amounts listed above may not include taxes and are subject to change.

Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park Rooms

Lakefront King
Guest room with one king-sized bed. Rooms face Lake Michigan and Buckingham Fountain and can accommodate a maximum of 2 quests. All rooms have cable satellite T.V., coffee maker, radio and voice mail, high speed internet connection for $9.95 + TAX for 24 hours and Movies on Demand.
Lakefront Suite
Guest room with one king-sized bed. Rooms face Lake Michigan and Buckingham Fountain and can accommodate a maximum of 2 quests. All rooms have cable satellite T.V., coffee maker, radio and voice mail, high speed internet connection for $9.95 + TAX for 24 hours and Movies on Demand.
Standard Double
Guest room with two double beds and can accommodate a maximum of 4 guests. All rooms have cable satellite T.V., coffee maker, radio and voice mail, high speed internet connection for $9.95 + TAX for 24 hours and Movies on Demand.
City View King Suite
Guest room with one king-sized bed. Accommodate a maximum of 2 guests. All rooms have cable satellite T.V., coffee maker, radio and voice mail, high speed internet connection for $9.95 + TAX for 24 hours and Movies on Demand.
Standard Room - 1 Double Bed
Guest room with one double bed and can accommodate a maximum of two guests. All rooms have cable satellite T.V., coffee maker, radio and voice mail, high speed internet connection for $9.95 + TAX for 24 hours and Movies on Demand.
Standard King
Guest room with one king-sized bed and can accommodate a maximum of two guests. All rooms have cable satellite T.V., coffee maker, radio and voice mail, high speed internet connection for $9.95 + TAX for 24 hours and Movies on Demand.

Amenities

  • High-speed internet
General
Concierge
Activities
Health club
Dining
Restaurant
Room service
Internet
High-speed internet

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Hotel Map

41.8751 -87.6243
Area served
Chicago, IL
Nearby airports
Midway and O'Hare International Airports
Area description
Adjacent to Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain. Near Millenium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum Campus, Symphony Center, and the Sears Tower.

Nearby points of interest

  • Auditorium Building: 0.1 mi
  • Harold Washington Library: 0.2 mi
  • Chicago Architecture Foundation: 0.3 mi
  • Buckingham Fountain: 0.3 mi
  • Symphony Center: 0.3 mi
  • Grant Park: 0.3 mi
  • Printers Square: 0.3 mi
  • Art Institute of Chicago: 0.3 mi
  • Crown Fountain: 0.4 mi
  • Bank of America Theatre: 0.4 mi
  • Chicago Board of Trade: 0.5 mi
  • State Street: 0.5 mi
  • Cloud Gate: 0.5 mi
  • Shubert Theatre: 0.5 mi
  • Pritzker Pavilion: 0.6 mi
  • Auditorium Building: 0.1 mi
  • Harold Washington Library: 0.2 mi
  • Chicago Architecture Foundation: 0.3 mi
  • Buckingham Fountain: 0.3 mi
  • Symphony Center: 0.3 mi
  • Grant Park: 0.3 mi
  • Printers Square: 0.3 mi
  • Art Institute of Chicago: 0.3 mi
  • Crown Fountain: 0.4 mi
  • Bank of America Theatre: 0.4 mi
  • Chicago Board of Trade: 0.5 mi
  • State Street: 0.5 mi
  • Cloud Gate: 0.5 mi
  • Shubert Theatre: 0.5 mi
  • Pritzker Pavilion: 0.6 mi
  • Sears Tower: 0.6 mi
  • Yacht Club: 0.6 mi
  • Chicago Cultural Center: 0.6 mi
  • Marshall Fields: 0.6 mi
  • Harris Theater: 0.6 mi
  • Oriental Theatre: 0.7 mi
  • City Hall: 0.7 mi
  • Chicago Theater: 0.7 mi
  • Goodman Theatre: 0.7 mi
  • Prudential Plaza: 0.7 mi
  • Field Museum of Natural History: 0.7 mi
  • Cadillac Palace Theatre: 0.7 mi
  • Shedd Aquarium: 0.8 mi
  • Harold Washington College: 0.8 mi
  • Chicago Mercantile Exchange: 0.8 mi
  • Carson Pirie Scott: 0.8 mi
  • Opera House: 0.9 mi
  • Union Station: 0.9 mi
  • Marina City: 0.9 mi
  • Soldier Field: 1 mi
  • Museum of Broadcast Communications: 1 mi
  • Wrigley Building: 1 mi
  • Merchandise Mart: 1 mi
  • Tribune Tower: 1.1 mi
  • Adler Planetarium: 1.1 mi
  • North Michigan Avenue: 1.1 mi
  • Hull House Museum: 1.2 mi
  • Chicago - Mag Mile - Wacker Dr: 1.3 mi
  • Lake Point Tower: 1.3 mi
  • Michigan Avenue South: 1.3 mi

Dining

Gazebo Restaurant
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.
Tavern Tap
A relaxed setting to enjoy cocktails or play pool or watch your favorite sports

Meeting facilities

Meeting Info
50,000 square feet of meeting space. World renowned gold room

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
1500
Check-out:
1200

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

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Guest Reviews (826)

Ratings and reviews for Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Overall score

3.3 / 5
826 out of 826
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
3.7
Hotel staff:
3.7
Room comfort:
3.4
Location:
4.5
Value:
3.5

72% would recommend to a friend.

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Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

4
Grandrew
Minneapolis, MN
Jun 2, 2013

First Timers

This was our first trip to Chcago and we could not have been happier with our stay. The hotel had tons of character and was very clean. We were right downtown with access to all transportation, we could get anywhere with out a problem.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

4
paterfailias
Grand Rapids, MI, USA
May 27, 2013

24 Hours in Chicago

We were there over Memorial Day weekend; did not seem to be a lot of people in the hotel. Consequently, we got a wonderful room, overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan. Able to walk to restaurants, the Goodman, and Jazz Showcase - perfect location. Alas, no decaf coffee in the room.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

1
Copper Granny
Silverthorne, Colorado
May 27, 2013

Disappointed

This hotel was given a 3 star rating but does not deserve a 2 star. This is a very old hotel that needs redecorating and upgrading. I was so disappointed in our room the first night that I went to the desk to let them know. I was given the choice of two other rooms that were a bit nicer but still were in need of renovation. I could have stated at a Hilton just down the street for a few dollars and more and would have been so much happier. The good things about this place were the staff and the location - but there are so many other hotels that are nearby. They charged $10 per day for wifi so we went to Panera to use theirs.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
1
Room cleanliness:
2
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
1
Location:
4
Value:
1
Sightseeing tip: Short walk from hotel

The trolley/double decker bus tours were great. Also, the Wrigley Field tour was outstanding.

Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

4
Jon Brown
Iowa
May 22, 2013

Great Hotel

Our stay was great from the time we entered until we left. The staff was very helpful with directions and taxi's when we needed them. The people who stayed with us in the second room had some problems the first night with noise next door, and the next morning, the hotel moved them to a different floor where things were fine the next night. Breakfast in the restaurant was plentiful and delicious!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short drive from hotel

Ed Devicks Restaurant is an experience all should experience at least once. Not expensive, good food, casual - don't expect the usual service!

Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

4
H.E.W.
Business
West Hills, California
May 22, 2013

A tired hotel, a subpar experience

This hotel is very tired. It smells old and musty. The service is not too friendly. When we stayed, the elevator was broken so there was always a long wait. Breakfast was horrible. It seemed to be decently clean. We had 6 people (all business associates), so we booked 3 rooms with double queens. Upon arrival, one of the rooms had a king size bed so 2 co-workers had to share a bed. Not ideal! We stayed here because everywhere else was booked and it was decently priced. The only thing we liked about it was the location. The building has a historic charm to it but that doesn't make up for everything else. Would not recommend to anyone.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
3
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

4
TeeWee
Grand Rapids MI
May 19, 2013

Gateway to Chicago fun on foot!

great base to walk from to everywhere in downtown Chicago; Miracle Mile, Grant & Millennium Park, Riverwalk, museums, sculpures...can't beat the location!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Sightseeing tip: Short walk from hotel

See your refection at Cloudgate

Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

5
nmaggers
Business
new york, new york
May 17, 2013

Great Stay in Chicago

I enjoyed all of the amenities as well as the atmosphere. would definitely visit again and recommend this hotel to others.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

5
nmaggers
Business
new york, new york
May 17, 2013

Great Stay in Chicago

I enjoyed the ambiance of the hotel as well as the cordial environment. The rooms were clean and comfy as well. I would recommend it to anyone I know.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

5
Dan Bzly
Business
Wilmington, nc
May 12, 2013

Great Location!

Loved the location of this hotel. Right near the train, which I highly recommend using to get around town.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
5
Trip purpose:

Business

Money-saving tip: Short walk from hotel

Definitely use the train to get from the airport to the hotel, and from the hotel to anywhere you want to go in the city. Saves a ton of money and time! Also, if you check out the aquarium, the $8 adult pass will get you to the entire bottom floor of the aquarium which will keep you entertained for quite a while!

Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

4
JennyMcG
Green Bay, WI
May 9, 2013

Great Location, Clean Old-Wordly Style

This was a great location for us, overlooking Grant Park right on Michigan Ave. We walked everywhere we wanted to go comfortably. The hotel was very clean. It's an old hotel and the beautiful, ornate detail was definitely seen in the lobby.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
3
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