Rate and special offer based on Check-in: May 28, 2013 Check-out: May 29, 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
813 reviews
congress stay

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

  • jewellr22
  • Apr 17, 2013
Classy Old-time Chicago

Spectacular old-fashioned rooms with high ceilings and unbeatable views. Excellent location,... See full review

  • Prospective student's dad
  • Feb 25, 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

Meeting facilities

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

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

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 (813)

Ratings and reviews for Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Overall score

3.3 / 5
813 out of 813
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
3.7
Hotel staff:
3.7
Room comfort:
3.4
Location:
4.5
Value:
3.5

71% would recommend to a friend.

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Review this hotel
Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

4
PeterHans
Business
St Louis
May 6, 2013

Right Place

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.

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

Business

Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

4
Nomaden
Michigan
May 4, 2013

Great View

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!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

4
Miss Adventure
Fort Wayne, IN
Apr 30, 2013

Convenient, comfortable weekend stay.

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.

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

Reviewer score

1
DocLuke
Fort, Collins, Colorado
Apr 22, 2013

Do not stay here!

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

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

Rush street, Michigan and State are good places to check out.

Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

2
TimMur
Business
Minneapolis
Apr 20, 2013

Needs work

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

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
2
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
2
Location:
3
Value:
2
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

2
Petunia 101
Chicago, IL
Apr 18, 2013

Great Michigan Avenue location

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

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
3
Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

5
jewellr22
Peterstown, WV
Apr 17, 2013

congress stay

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

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

Reviewer score

3
GradStudent22
Madison, Wisconsin
Apr 14, 2013

Sufficient

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.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
2
Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

1
gonzowillie
Iowa City
Apr 14, 2013

Cockroaches

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.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
1
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
2
Review of Congress Plaza Hotel at Grant Park

Reviewer score

2
Random travelers2
Chicago, IL
Apr 8, 2013

Mediocre hotel, great location

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.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
2
Location:
5
Value:
2
Sightseeing tip: Short walk from hotel

Grant park

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