The Congress Plaza

United States , Chicago - IL
CHICAGO, 520 South Michigan Avenue
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2026

Jennifer

The room was very clean and the bed comfortable. Parking was a bit of a challenge but not unexpected based on location. Will likely visit again when business brings me to the area.

Self

4/10

Poor

11 Mar 2026

Cody

I didn’t have any hot water for the first 36 hours or so. There is no WiFi. The TV has around 15 channels but no remote. Neither of the restaurants were open during my 3 day stay. Beds are super hard.

8/10

Excellent

10 Mar 2026

M Cynthia

I like this hotel. It’s simple, clean, no frills and gets the job done. Hallways carpets are a little worse for wear but the room serves the purpose - you get what you reserve! - and you’re close to everything. It’s a “go to” for me.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2026

Arlene

Clean and well kept. Great Southloop location.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2026

Vijay

Good: Clean; friendly staff.

Bad: hot water stopped working at some point; safe was not working; lightbulb kept flickering; ice machine was broken on the 10th floor

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Mar 2026

Jamie

Beautiful old historical hotel. The rooms were clean. We had a fantastic view of Lake Michigan. There were a few things that would have made me want to give it a higher rating. Free coffee and front door man. The staff seemed tired and under appreciated.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2026

Nicholas

Great historic vibe, but feels old.

4/10

Poor

08 Mar 2026

Samantha

Front desk staffs not very welcoming, no one greeted us or smiled at check in. Front hotel lobby smelled highly strong of smoke and weed. No basic amenities such as lotion. Our room door looked like a previous guest had a fight and kicked the door out (made us feel not safe). Hot water was NOT HOT AT ALL. We had to turn on the hot water for about 15 mins to get hot water. Bed was a HARD BED, not soft. Hotel room was trash(looked at stairs, no view).

Partner

4/10

Poor

08 Mar 2026

Tobias

Staff was helpful, unfortunately the property needs some TLC. Hallways are dilapidated. Front doors were broken to cause us to swerve through which doors are working. It took 5 mins for the hot water to come on. The location in South loop is a little dead for nightlife. But if you're looking for a cheap no frills stay, This will work.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Mar 2026

Zerriana

Nice room

Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Mar 2026

Leah

Staff is very polite and friendly! Grant gardens and bus stops are very convenient. Beautiful views. Historical building and safe feeling.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2026

Rowan

Fantastic Location! Friendly staff, lots of history. Central Heating during the winter, so you’ll have to open a window to avoid getting toasted. Overall great bang for your buck and right next to several transportation options!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2026

Shaneka

Great location! Friendly staff

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2026

Heide

Very pleased with our room; very clean, obviously \"moderned\" up a little for an old hotel. Main lobby beaytufu

8/10

Excellent

04 Mar 2026

Abigail

The rooms were cleans, but run down. Certain staff was nice, but there was also a mix of rude people. Saw many different ads about free breakfast and it was not accessible.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2026

Earlene

Very beautiful historical hotel. The place may need a few more finishing touches.
We experienced only one hiccup.
We stayed for 2 nights. I asked the housekeeper if she could just make up the bed or freshen it up without new linen on that Saturday morning and let her know I left a tip on the bed for her. Her response was see front desk.

2/10

Poor

03 Mar 2026

Alicia

There was no hot water in the shower the whole time
we were there.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2026

Tiffany

I adore The Congress Plaza Hotel. The property is a historical monumental hotel in a prime location, making it easily walkable to enjoy all of the sightseeing Chicago has to offer. In which, there is plenty. The staff friendly, highly effective, and make you feel seen and heard as a guest. Specifically, Steve, the bellman. He knows who is entering and leaving the building. Which always makes me feel safe a solo traveler. Additionally, he offers great insight in regard, to the \"whats happening\" around the city. The restaraunts and bar staff are equally as great. You are bound to make a pal, while engahing in great conversation with other tourist and locals. Ruiz the hotel manger is super attentive. She goes beyond great measure to ensure that your needs are meet. It's always a great pleasure staying here. In fact, I never want to leave. The view of the sunrise and sunset over looking lake Michigan wpuld make any guest want to stay a little bit longer.Thank you to all of the staff for making every visit pleasurable.

Self

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2026

Sharon

We always stay at the Congress Plaza - it's fairly convenient, the rooms are quiet, the beds comfortable, the restaurants decent. It's about a 7-10 minute walk to the Blue line, but bus stops right at the hotel or across the street. The hotel decor is gorgeous and well-maintained, everything worked, but the water pressure wasn't great and it took a long time to get any hot water.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2026

Avier

Good

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2026

Lizbeth

Very nice room, high ceilings and beautiful view. All staff we interacted with was very nice.

Partner

2/10

Poor

02 Mar 2026

William Leo

The room was cold, temperature in room was about 63 degrees, front desk sent up maintenance engineer, temperature never got any warmer, had to sleep in our clothes with coats.

6/10

Pleasant

01 Mar 2026

Ashton

The staff was friendly, the rooms are dated but the lobby and history of the building is beautiful

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2026

Mary

Yes love the old fashioned look and the way the whole room was thanks

Business Family

6/10

Pleasant

01 Mar 2026

veronica

Location is perfect and rooms are average. I didn’t like that housekeeping stopped late at night once in my 3 day stay to only pick up trash and we had to ask for towels.

Family

8/10

Excellent

01 Mar 2026

Catherine

The amazing view of the water and park!

8/10

Excellent

27 Feb 2026

We mainly go to Chicago for medical appointments and it is *so awesome* that you can actually open the windows here.That is the main reason we chose it. Because Dad has cancer we aired it out and then ran our own air purifier. No bad smells or anything, we're just being cautious because of his health.

The staff are helpful and our room was very clean but the infrastructure *is* 133 years old and remodeled several times, so there are quirks like gaps in the room door itself where the wood panels have been reattached to the door. This is NBD for us, but I can believe the reviews that say you could hear hallway noise on busy nights. It was slow on a weeknight in Feb, we slept in.

For wheelchair users: make sure you confirm details with the front desk. We got an accessible room which did have grab bars and extra space with a wide bathroom door, but with a standard tub. The listing shows a roll-in shower, which we didn't need, but fyi for others. There was a small bump from the room to the bathroom. Also, the towel rack and soap ledge above the sink were very high, I think a wheelchair user would have had trouble. The elevator should work but it's a close fit, and our floor had a deep carpet.

PS we realized after we got settled that *this* is Chicago's most haunted hotel. Total ripoff. We slept on the 4th floor and not one single apparition or ghostly wail. ;) Not to worry, we'll be back.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2026

Harry

Staff was great. Clean rooms ,great location

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2026

Octavia

Kind staff and a nice view of the city, close to a ton of things in the area!

Friends

2/10

Poor

25 Feb 2026

Anita

Shortly after our check in when noticed our room did not have heat called the operator only to be told the hotels boiler was out, had to call a 2nd time because the toilet wouldn't flush finally when the maintenance guy came to fix the toilet he said he could get us a space heater we was so excited to get the heater because we was literally jogging in place to warm up when we got the heater we turned it up to 90 degrees unfortunately the room was so cold the heater didn't help we slept in our clothes we had to spend extra money for delivery fees because the hotel restaurants were closed due to the boiler issues I wish the hotel would have informed us/guests during check in allowing us to decide if we wanted to still stay or make other plans we didn't stay any longer the day of check out we slept fully clothed because the room was like a freezer horrible experience for what it cost, I would hope your hotel can make this right.....

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Feb 2026

John

The lobby and bar were beautiful. My room was spacious. Comfortable bed. Great view. Rm572
My only complaint is that it took forever for the hot water. At first I thought I was going to have to take a cold shower. It made it up eventually.
Great location. Close to CTA & museums.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2026

Noelia

Clean

8/10

Excellent

25 Feb 2026

Gina

The room was spotless, security was a great help with everything.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

25 Feb 2026

Scott

No heat in my room

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2026

daniel

Overall we enjoy this hotel, some fixtures in the bathroom were missing. But on an important note, we were woken up by the front desk and by security at 3 AM regarding a noise and an assault above our room.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2026

James

Wonderful hotel close to a lot.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Laurel

Staff- location!

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2026

Brian

great value for cost

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2026

Rodolfo

Great place

Family

6/10

Pleasant

21 Feb 2026

J Guadalupe

Room was very cold, key didn’t work for the side door

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2026

Jennifer

It was a large nice hotel but the wing I stayed in was under renovation and looked spooky and abandoned. The room was really nice but the bathtub drain was stuck closed.

Self

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2026

joseph

Clean room

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2026

Rickey

2/10

Poor

20 Feb 2026

Baris

very old, not maintained well, train passing next to the hotel every 5 mins, warm water problematic

6/10

Pleasant

20 Feb 2026

jamie

When you check in they still have plexiglass between you and the front desk clerk - not very welcoming. The hallways and rooms are very dated. But, most important the room was clean and the bed/pillows were comfortable. Probably wouldn't stay here again.

Partner

2/10

Poor

19 Feb 2026

Meredith

Roaches in the rooms and have tried to handle this matter with the hotel manager but she doesn't answer emails or call back when I leave a message. I've attempted to reach out several times.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Erika

Everything was clean and neat.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Feb 2026

Kelly

The hotel was a beautiful historic property but many parts of it were run down. The room was nice and clean, but we saw several dead bugs and mouse traps throughout the hotel. It was also unfortunate that there was only one microwave for the entire huge hotel. The hotel staff weren't rude, but they weren't very friendly or helpful either. It was ok for our stay but I would definitely not recommend to anyone or stay again.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

18 Feb 2026

asia

The room was very hot the hallways were sketchy. It was so hot in our room we had to wake up to take cold showers. However the room was very pretty and the hotel itself was in a nice place. Easy checking in and out

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

John Benjamin

The room and hotel is a bit run down as most places over a century old

8/10

Excellent

17 Feb 2026

Zachary

No room temperature controls is weird

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

Quintina

Room was great

6/10

Pleasant

17 Feb 2026

Ana

The room was very clean in good condition and well maintained, the staff was very courteous and willing to help, the amenities were as expected the only thing that I would suggest is to update the corridors and aisles of the hotel because they seemed extremely rundown until you get into the room that was good and the restaurant part was closed so we had to sit down at the bar and we didn’t like that because we were with kids.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Feb 2026

Catherine

The family suite was spacious!

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2026

Ashlee

Nice room and amazing view of lake Michigan. Very clean and staff was friendly. Only down side was our room was extremely hot.

Leisure

2/10

Poor

16 Feb 2026

Jerry

Bad room

8/10

Excellent

16 Feb 2026

Howard

Room clean. A bit dated, bathroom a bit tight. But great location and value for funds expended.

Partner

2/10

Poor

16 Feb 2026

Kseniia

The room was extremely small and felt cramped. There were almost no windows, and the ones that existed were tiny and provided little light or fresh air. It was also very hot and stuffy inside, making it uncomfortable to stay in the room for long.
In the middle of the night, the toilet burst and water started pouring out uncontrollably, forcing us to deal with the situation ourselves. The sink stopper was broken as well, which added to the inconvenience. The staff eventually responded, but far too slowly for an emergency situation.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

16 Feb 2026

Olise

Elevator broke, ice machine didn’t work, I paid for two rooms to be connected and they weren’t. Door greeter was very friendly but check in lady was rude . I gave it 3 stars just because the location is downtown and convenient.

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

15 Feb 2026

Helen

Enjoyed our stay for the most part. Room was clean and location was convenient. The only problem was there was no way to control the thermostat and it was EXTREMELY hot. They did provide a fan to us and offered to crack the window for us, they dropped one fan off but did not open the window so it was still very hot.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

15 Feb 2026

Samantha

Overall, experience was great! Hotel is in a great area and close to tourist attractions. There is a parking lot located behind the hotel for your car that unfortunately cost $62 a night. Room was a little outdated and muggy. Staff was accommodating. Would stay here again.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

15 Feb 2026

Amelia

The room was very small compared to pictures and the heater was extremely loud. The walls were so thin our neighbor was screaming on the phone all day for our entire stay. The location was great and the staff seemed nice enough. This was our second time staying here but we much preferred the first. Don’t know if we will return after this experience :(

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

15 Feb 2026

angela

no tv power in the room no outlets where working even didnt turn one i couldn’t charge my phone the shower was super small no hot water i couldn’t even shower the shower felt like it was gonna fall to the next room no microwave i ask for a lake view didnt get that either tv in living room channels where frozen need smart tvs

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

15 Feb 2026

Ekua

Rooms are full of rust and the overall cleanliness of the rooms/hallways is questionable. Nice staff though

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

15 Feb 2026

Maria

The parking is $63 overnight. You cannot leave the hotel after you’ve paid your parking or you have to pay again. The faucet water barely runs out. No trash can any where in the room. Breakfast is not free

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

15 Feb 2026

Alexander

Tv wasn’t working right blanket had spots on it and toilet was working right had to flush 2 to 3 time to get to go down the room next to me was loud music every morning i didn’t want to spend any time in the room

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

15 Feb 2026

Ulices

Room view was incredible (10th floor), clean. Staff was accommodating and friendly. The only issues were no ice on 10th floor and no hot water for 2 days. Cold showers in the winter is just unacceptable.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Feb 2026

Pedro - Nicole

Very clean rooms , some sides have great views on upper floors.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Feb 2026

Kaden

Overall pretty great other than no microwave

8/10

Excellent

13 Feb 2026

Kevin

Room was nice and clean. Hotel had a fantastic classic look and feel. Perfect place to stay for shows at the Auditorium theater across the street.

It's a very old building so the heating and hot water situation is a little off compared to newer hotels but nothing that would deter me from staying there again for a show.

It has a nice bar on the 1st floor that could use more than one bartender when there are shows scheduled at the Auditorium. Bartender was great, but needed some help with a bar full of patrons.

Partner

4/10

Poor

13 Feb 2026

Andre

The first room I had had an issue with the door unable to shut properly. The lock was unable to operationally lock the door and I felt unsafe. The other room I got it replaced with had a separate issue where the door doesn't close properly requiring force to close it securely. I would appreciate if there was at least a sign saying so and that these issues get fixed immediately.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

13 Feb 2026

Xenia

The room was clean but really hot in the night.
The staff was friendly and helpful.
The free breakfast was poor and the options on the card to expensive compared to when you eat outside.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

11 Feb 2026

Jose

Renovation

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2026

Jennifer

Great location, beautiful historic hotel with clean, updated rooms.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2026

Danielle

Great time I had sex 8 times in 24 hrs best Chicago experience ever

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2026

Heather

Staff was great, room service was quick and affordable. Room was spotless.

8/10

Excellent

09 Feb 2026

Timothy Eric

Establish was great, Steve the doorman was awesome!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2026

Sara

So much character in the rooms.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Feb 2026

Gabriel

Decent staff, the room was very clean and modern the tv could of been a little bigger tho other than that 10/10

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Feb 2026

Jill

It’s an okay hotel. Steve, the front door attendant was very kind and helpful!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Feb 2026

Ray

Good location for many activities. Room was good but less than great.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2026

Andrea

Great location, clean room, but the walls between rooms are paper thin - could hear the tv and conversations next door.

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2026

George

The bed was very comfortable. I enjoyed the spacious lobby and the history of the building. My room was practical and comfortable

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

06 Feb 2026

Aldina

Room old. Need update , hair everywhere need good cleaning

Business Family

2/10

Poor

06 Feb 2026

Francesca

I never got told that there was no parking. Also, the walk from the back to the front was terrible with me having hardware in my ankle. It’s not an ideal place for someone with physical disabilities. The weight room was not open 24 hours as mentioned. There was no breakfast as mentioned as well. The room temperature was outrageous. The bed was hard.

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

04 Feb 2026

Dave

Friendly staff. Clean room.

6/10

Pleasant

04 Feb 2026

Laurence

This is an old hotel that is in need of upgrades to get it to a solid three star rating. Everything was functional. The view of Grant Park is amazing. The room was clean. It’s just very rough around the edges.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2026

Devin

Wonderful hotel

8/10

Excellent

02 Feb 2026

Scott

Clean room. Historic charm

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

02 Feb 2026

Muharem

Absolutely terrible.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2026

Geraldine

fantastic place to stay

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2026

SERGIO

Great a+++

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

30 Jan 2026

michael

Everything involving good, drinks, coffee in the building was closed in the evenings at reasonable hours.
No shuttle service to/from airport…surprising for a conference hotel.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2026

Ted

Awesome location

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2026

Jennifer

I liked the hotel. It

10/10