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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Details

520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60605
-
Close to the Chicago Loop
Very good
7.4
7.6
/10
3.2
3.2
/5

Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago - Historic Michigan Avenue hotel with Grant Park views and convention facilities

Standing on Michigan Avenue since 1893, this landmark Chicago hotel features 50000 square feet of event space, including the iconic Gold Room. Located in the Chicago Loop district adjacent to Grant Park, Congress Plaza Hotel offers rooms with views of Lake Michigan, Willis Tower, or Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain. The property houses two dining venues: Rafael's restaurant serves American classics and seasonal specialties, while the Gazebo provides American breakfast with made-to-order options. Business travelers can book Business Class Lakeview Kings equipped with work desks. The Congress Lounge, positioned at Michigan and Congress Avenues, provides city views and leather seating. Located within 1 mile of major attractions like The Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower, and Skydeck Chicago, the Congress Plaza Hotel sits near 24 beaches and 600 parks. Guests can walk to Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and Magnificent Mile shopping.

Pros

Historic venue that has hosted Chicago's elite social events for 125 years

Within 984.3 ft of diverse dining options including Thai, sushi, and Himalayan restaurants

Steps away from Lake Michigan walking, biking, and jogging trails

Located near nearly 200 annual music, food, and cultural festivals between March and September

Cons

One-way streets and limited unloading areas affect vehicle access

Navy Pier and some major attractions are 1 mile away

“The hotel's location across from Millennium Park and near Michigan Avenue places guests in the heart of the action. While some aspects show their age, the attentive bell staff and on-site amenities like diverse dining options and event spaces, including the Gold Room, still provide value. For travelers prioritizing location and service over ultra-modern accommodations, this could be a worthwhile choice.”
Hotel logo
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown
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Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.
King Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Queen Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Double Room Two Double Beds
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Coffee machine
King Suite City View
2 persons
390 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Barber shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's buffet

Spa & Leisure

  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Indulge in vibrant dining options at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago, featuring contemporary American cuisine and inviting spaces for relaxation and socializing. Guests can enjoy hearty meals and creative specialties while soaking in the welcoming atmosphere of the hotel's dining venues.
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago Restaurant photo
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago Restaurant photo
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago Restaurant photo

Rafael's Restaurant

Contemporary American
Ambiance
A casual dining spot offering a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for gatherings with family or friends.
Key Offerings
Rafael's presents a menu of classic American dishes and seasonal chef specialties, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Congress Lounge

Bar and Lounge
Ambiance
An intimate gathering space with city views, comfortable leather seating, and flat-screen TVs for entertainment.
Key Offerings
The lounge serves refreshing cocktails in a relaxed environment, ideal for unwinding after a busy day in the heart of Chicago.
Reservation
Not required.
Hours vary.

Location

520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60605
Map view
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60605
Nearby
407 S Dearborn St
Old Colony Building
1700 ft
431 S Dearborn St
Manhattan Building
1500 ft
Museum
Museum of Contemporary Photography
400 ft
Library
Harold Washington Library Center
1300 ft
Restaurants
Cafecito
800 ft
26 E Congress Pkwy Ste 1
Chicago Kitchen
600 ft
63 E Harrison St
Osaka Sushi Express
700 ft
400 S Michigan Ave
Bee Zzee
900 ft
424 S Wabash Ave
Epic Burger
1300 ft
517 S State St
Baskin-Robbins
900 ft
229 W Jackson Blvd
Fontano's Subs
900 ft
332 S Michigan Ave
BeeZzee Fresh Food
1200 ft
424 S Wabash Ave
Wingstop
1100 ft
12 E Harrison St
Explore Chicago
Explore Chicago
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate
15 minutes' walk
Iconic sculpture in Millennium Park, known as 'The Bean.' Reflective surface creates stunning photographs.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park
18 minutes' walk
Vibrant park featuring art installations, gardens, and a concert venue. Hosts free events in summer.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago
19 minutes' walk
World-renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from various cultures, with free admission days.
Skydeck Chicago
Skydeck Chicago
18 minutes' walk
Observation deck at Willis Tower offering panoramic views of the city from 1,353 feet up. Glass ledge experience.
Bike Rentals at Millennium Park
15 minutes' walk
Variety of bike rentals available for leisurely rides around the park and nearby lakefront. Rentals available seasonally.
Chicago Cultural Center Tours
12 minutes' walk
Guided tours of this architectural gem showcasing stunning mosaics and the largest Tiffany dome in the world. Free admission.
Cafecito
Cafecito
3 minutes' walk
Charming Cuban café known for flavorful sandwiches and coffee. Casual atmosphere, ideal for a quick bite.
Epic Burger
Epic Burger
5 minutes' walk
Casual spot offers gourmet burgers made from fresh ingredients. Vegetarian options available.
The Chicago Theatre
10 minutes' drive
Historic venue hosting a variety of live performances, including concerts and comedy shows. Stunning architecture.
Pavilion at Grant Park
16 minutes' walk
Concert venue in Grant Park offering summer music festivals. Family-friendly atmosphere.
Getting around
City Centre
Chicago16 min  ·  4300 ft
Airports
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)23 min  ·  9.5 mi
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)46 min  ·  18.8 mi
Train
Van Buren Street Station4 min  ·  1000 ft
Underground
Harrison4 min  ·  1000 ft
Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren5 min  ·  1400 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 1 review
3/5 based on 3462 reviews
7.4
7.4/10 based on 5435 reviews
#170 of 217 hotels in Chicago based on Tripadvisor
Josh
United States, October  2024
7.2/10

I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The rooms were spacious and clean, offering a nice view of the Loop skyscrapers, which was a highlight for me. The staff was courteous, although there were a few service hiccups. The location was excellent, just a short walk from various attractions, but my experience was somewhat marred by an unsettling security issue during my stay. Overall, the value for money was decent, but I would advise caution when it comes to safety.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were spacious, clean, and featured a beautiful view of the Loop skyscrapers. I really appreciated the extra amenities like a mini fridge and ample toiletries.
Service
6.0
The staff was generally courteous and professional, but I did encounter some delays in addressing my concerns during my stay.
Location
9.0
This hotel is ideally located just a short walk from most attractions, right across from Grant Park, making it easy to explore downtown Chicago.
Dining
7.0
I didn't have a lot of dining experiences here, but the options seemed fair in pricing. However, I didn't get a chance to try a full breakfast.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel had multiple amenities including a bar and restaurants, but I did notice some issues, like the ice machine being out of order.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
Paid Public parking is possible at a location nearby.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs US$31.95 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Spanish, Hindi
Number of floors:
14
Number of rooms:
871
Former name
Congress Plaza Hotel
FAQs
About Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago
What is the distance from Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago to Millennium Park?
The hotel is located directly across from Millennium Park, approximately 0.5 km away.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
Does Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago offer on-site dining options?
The hotel features on-site dining at Rafael's Restaurant and Gazebo for breakfast.
What type of amenities can guests find in the rooms at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?
Rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TV, coffee makers, and iron/ironing boards.
What are some attractions near Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?
Nearby attractions include the Art Institute of Chicago (1 km), Navy Pier (3 km), and Buckingham Fountain (1 km).
Is there a fitness center available at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?
The hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center for guest use.
What dining options are available within walking distance of Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?
Nearby restaurants include Thai Spoon And Sushi (0.5 km), Cafecito (0.5 km), and Mercat a la Planxa (0.5 km).
Does Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago have business services available?
The hotel features a business center and offers same-day dry cleaning services.
What is the unique historical significance of Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?
The hotel boasts historic charm, having been a significant venue for events dating back to the 1920s.
What measures are in place for guest security at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?
The property has 24-hour security and a luggage storage service.
Are there any accessibility features at Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago?
The hotel offers handicap parking and accessible facilities for guests with mobility challenges.

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