Congress Hotel

Azerbaijan , Baku
Bakı, Gülarə Qədirbəyova, 12
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100 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

08 Jun 2026

Kirsten

Good

2/10

Poor

08 Jun 2026

Kimberly

This place needs some serious updates. Hot humid and muggy in the rooms.

Partner

4/10

Poor

08 Jun 2026

Craig

Beautiful hotel with a fascinating and storied history. The lobby looks nothing like the photograph online because there is very little lighting. The hotel bar felt more like a dive bar than a proud part of Chi-town history. The rooms were nice, albeit a throwback to the last century (we liked it) and the view was fantastic. The staffing was another thing entirely...nobody covering the front desk on 3 occasions; nobody manning the concierge desk; local directions to a pharmacy that doesn't exist anymore...the little things matter at this price point, and this beautiful old hotel on Michigan Ave really needed better staffing and lighting.

Partner

2/10

Poor

08 Jun 2026

Jacob

The only redeeming quality of this hotel is the location. For the price it is NOT worth it. The bed is a rock that doesn't even have a fitted sheet on it and did not come with adequate blankets. The AC works well, but with the thin blankets it was almost unbearable. And oh man, the bathroom! Severely outdated. Shower didn't drain and took 5+ minutes for the hot water to kick in, and when it finally got hot it was accompanied with a high pitch squeel coming from the shower head. The towel rack is in the shower?? And the overhead fan vent is almost as loud as the shower head.

The hallways, stairs, etc are covered with peeling white paint, which is a huge shame because you can tell the wood work was beautiful before they painted everything.

Oh and the no parking requires you to spend $250 (4 nights) to park around back in a public lot.

Overall, the room appeared clean so that's a plus but won't be returning unless the price comes way down. I'd rather stay in a much cheaper hotel out by the airport and ride the train into town.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jun 2026

Brooke

Wasn’t a big fan. The rooms were outdated and kind of crusty in my opinion. The hot water also was hit or miss. The worst part was the bed. It was HORRIBLE, like sleeping on hay bales. The location was good, but I’d find somewhere else next time.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Dylan

Cool hotel, good history

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Nicholas Anthony Van

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jun 2026

jeanette

Outside traffic very loud, with revving engines and concert-level throbbing bass both from private vehicles and advertising. Not the fault of hotel, obviously.
Blood on bedsheet, housekeeping immediately addressed. Bathroom shelf wet and slimy. Housekeeping tried entering room and broke security chain.
Room was never cleaned as staff was attempting to enter room very early and never returned.
Caulking in bathroom very sloppy with large gaps and mismatched tile
Building smells super clean and fresh.
Property is an excellent location.
Staff very professional.

Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Jun 2026

Bradley

Great location. Walkable to the museum and aquarium. Stately hotel that is showing its age somewhat gracefully.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Heather

We love this hotel with its old-world charm. Perfect location for going to the Chicago Blues Festival.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Jun 2026

Erica

Hotel showed its age but was nice to stay in a hotel with so much history. Bathroom was our only complaint with weak plumbing, no fan, lack of storage and moisture problems. Staff was great and helpful with luggage and getting transportation to and from hotel. View from our family suite was limited but nice. We could see both the city and grant park. Location is ideal as we only had a short walk to millennium park, art institute, Buckingham fountain, food & coffee options. I recommend parking in the lower Grant Park parking deck as it is less expensive and give the option to re-enter in their extended parking offering.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Liliana

Parking was around the corner but very pricey $60 until midnight or $$65 for 24 hours per day. Distance was not too far but you have to drag your luggage on sidewalk to get there. Bar was excellent. Facilities were excellent. Would recommend this hotel. I would return again as it is in a perfect location with excellent views and walking distance to everything.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Colton

My stay was excellent, as long as you acknowledge the age of the building and the limitations that has on the room and facilities and have reasonable expectations you won't be disappointed. The location downtown and to Grant Park/Museum Park is excellent and the primary reason I stayed here. The staff were excellent and the room was clean. If you want a fully modern and updated luxury room go somewhere else but expect to pay 3x+. If you want a nice experience in a historic building you won't be disappointed.

Friends

2/10

Poor

08 Jun 2026

Selena

Had to change rooms idk how many times. Crappy water pressure wasn’t even able to take a shower or bath my stay completely disgusted with this hotel and how they handled things. I was so stressed out I ended up having a miscarriage from being so stressed out and not finally getting to sleep at 12 am from the complete lack of adequate customer service.

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jun 2026

Brian

AC kept leaking all over the floor and the staff couldn’t get a handle on it

Self

8/10

Excellent

07 Jun 2026

Dakota

Just didn’t feel nice enough for the price

Self

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jun 2026

Bernadette

The room was nice and quiet, great location. I did feel it was overpriced.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Amanda

Very pretty, updated amenities

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jun 2026

Kimberly

Chose this hotel because of its proximity to Grant Park (location was biggest plus). Check in was easy. Interactions with staff were not great. One example: Attempted to order room service following the directions on in room tablet. They took my order initially; however, an hour later hadn’t received food. Called down and was told that room service was not occurring anymore and was hung up on. Called again and was told they were under staffed.

All that said, if you get city view, the view was amazing and I got to see Navy Pier fireworks from room. However, I would not stay again.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jun 2026

Sarah

I will say this hotel was ok to stay in for a 4 day event. However, the air conditioning in the room barely worked and our room felt muggy and warm. It was the same case with the refrigerator, barely worked to keep things cold. The walls were paper thin and we could hear every conversation the room next door was having. The lobby was lovely and very kept up with, however the upper levels where our room was located were not in the best of shape (peeling paint, chips in walls/floors). No space on sink to place things in the bathroom, only a small glass shelf to keep bathroom items. We may have just gotten a room in an older wing of the hotel, but based on what we saw most of the hotel was the same. Only place to park near the hotel was a garage - no free parking came with the hotel stay. But if you get lucky there’s a small spot to pull your car up to the hotel.

Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Jun 2026

Lenore

Convenient to many interesting and beautiful places in Chicago. The hotel was well maintained and the staff was attentive and efficient.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jun 2026

Erin

The location is great for what we were in Chicago for. The property seemed a little dated and bathroom could have been cleaned better. Overall we had a good 2 night stay and for the price and location I would recommend.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jun 2026

For the cost, this hotel wasn't that great. I was really disappointed. The rooms and space were clean, but the room was small (not that it has to be huge), the TV tiny, no way to control the temperature of the room, and really there wasn't anything too special about the space for the cost. The only thing I this hotel has going for it is location. It is clean, and the historical look to it is nice, but for the amount of money you pay, I wouldn't seek to stay here again, sadly.

Self

8/10

Excellent

07 Jun 2026

Justin

Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Felipa

Great stay thanks

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

06 Jun 2026

merlyn

The hotel was clean for the most part. Corridors smells like soap because I truly believe the housekeeping works hard to keep them that way. Unfortunately the hotel was just old and needs much needed upgrade. The bathroom was looking noticeably old too and the water in the bath area needs to be at certain angle to release enough pressure and hot water. Still doable and workable with but maybe not for $600 a night... Our room ended being family suite which we didn't realize upon booking much and the front desk didnt debrief it until we reclarify it after. The first receptionist almost said the main room was not part of our room until another lady came to correct her (thankfully). I do wish that the picture of the property on expedia is more reflective to the current hotel situation though. Because it looks similar but the actual looks way older than it actually is....

Partner

4/10

Poor

06 Jun 2026

Yanet

Al momento de realizar la reserva se nos informó que el desayuno tipo buffet estaba incluido. Sin embargo, cuando bajamos al restaurante del hotel nos indicaron que no estaba incluido y que debíamos pagarlo aparte, lo cual fue una sorpresa desagradable.

Además, las instalaciones del hotel se encuentran bastante antiguas y necesitan mantenimiento. También tuvimos inconvenientes con la primera habitación asignada, ya que el aire acondicionado no funcionaba y tuvieron que cambiarnos de habitación.

Aunque el personal intentó solucionar algunos de los inconvenientes, la experiencia en general no cumplió con nuestras expectativas. Espero que mejoren la comunicación sobre los servicios incluidos y realicen renovaciones en las instalaciones.

Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

06 Jun 2026

William

I am not a negative or difficult guest and it takes a lot for me to leave a negative review, but somehow this place had good reviews when I booked, and how awful it was affected my stay in downtown Chicago, so I feel compelled to warn others.

Carpets were literally sticky. Disgusting. Shaved facial hair from previous guest(s) on the bathroom counter. Cold disgusting coffee in the common area. Rude, disinterested staff when I asked for something simple. Business center did not work, at all.

Room windows are ineffective. Complete light and sound transmission. You must bring an eye mask and ear plugs if you want any sleep.

I will never stay here again. I would be disappointed if I had paid $50 per night, and I paid way, way more than that.

Self

2/10

Poor

06 Jun 2026

Justin

The room was so old, dirty and musty. I would never stay here again. Holes in the walls and stained carpets. So nasty.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

06 Jun 2026

harshee

Location was good to train station and grand park but biggest issue we had is no water pressure and it was at best lukewarm. This makes me now want to always check first before booking anything how their water service is. It was terrible and when I checked previous reviews it was one of biggest complaints. For this reason alone we won’t me back since after checking out downtown and traveling on the L to games and different places from south side to north side Chicago, you want to be able to have a decent shower and unwind.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Jun 2026

Brooke

We had a clean room, the staff was attentive. It was a great experience!

Partner

4/10

Poor

05 Jun 2026

Ivica

Overpriced, they did not even clean the room.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jun 2026

steven

Rooms are very small.
No temperature controls in room
Breakfast was $30. I went elsewhere.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2026

Jason

Good spot. Nice staff. Great location.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jun 2026

James

Well located yet aged facility. Bathrooms are small and frankly nasty. It served our purpose as a base for a 3-day stay in Chicago with errands to run in the nearby area.

Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Jun 2026

Erica

Apparently it's haunted and I had the room across the hall from the haunted room. I didn't know this until my third night there, but it was quiet and calm.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

Barbara

The location was excellent. Close to all the museums, shopping district and river walk.

Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Jun 2026

Renee

Hotel was clean, staff friendly. Old hotel that is being improved. Our room was small but otherwise good for our purposes. Good spot that launch our adventure!

Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Jun 2026

Misti

Older hotel but well maintained. Rooms took a bit to cool off during the summer but the view was great!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2026

Ivana

Always wanted to stay here bc mom speaks so highly of this place (she only stays here when in Chicago) & the stay did not disappoint! Booked the room with the lakeside view and the view + natural lighting was great! The hotel/property has historical yet modern charm to it. Everything was clean & mostly up to date!

All the hotel staff were friendly, helpful & overall hospitable. Enjoyed some drinks at the bar downstairs, which was a great start to the evening. Loved the location of this hotel as well- it is central to everything and being close to the park/water was nice!!! Will definitely be returning.

Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Jun 2026

The location is very good. The room is clean and quiet although the whole building is old. We did not have chance to use the air conditioner because the temperature is not high. It seems there is no heater in this room, so it was a bit cold in midnight.

Family

2/10

Poor

01 Jun 2026

Sarah

Booked through Expedia. Arrived and was told my booking was cancelled. I had no indication of this by Expedia. Ended up frantically looking for a room in Chicago in the middle of the night. Very bad experience

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jun 2026

YeJin

Wouldn't stay again unless it's free

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2026

Ryan

So if you have a lake view room close to the elevator apparently the sun overheats the ac units in these rooms and they wont work. They offered to move rooms or a fan which actually worked very well but it seemed like it was a known issue so why not find some kind of fix? Other then that not a bad place. Heads up they dont have parking the best lot i found was like 45 bucks for 24 hours so yea go with extra parking money.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

01 Jun 2026

Terri

My experience at this hotel was incredibly unpleasant, starting right from the moment I arrived. The front desk staff was down right rude at check in. When I simply asked if the hotel had a pool, the receptionist sarcastically replied, Yes, across the street in Lake Michigan. The property itself is older and poor maintained. The room had no heat and there only solution was to send up a small space heater. The bathroom was just bad. There was absolutely no ventilation, mold and mildew in the corners of the shower. To top it off the customer service during the stay was non existent. The front desk simply doesn't answer the phone. Anytime I needed assistance I had to physically walk to the lobby to speak with someone. I will never stay at this hotel again, and I highly recommend you spending your money elsewhere.

Friends_and_family Friends

2/10

Poor

01 Jun 2026

Joseph

Place is a hell hole

Self

2/10

Poor

31 May 2026

Tia

No heat, toilet was broken, no hot water. I left. Front staff was very rude. The staff who came to fix the toilet and bring me more blankets and a portable heater were very nice.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

31 May 2026

Theresa

Room could’ve been cleaner specifically the floor, conditioner was out. The property is old.

Partner

4/10

Poor

31 May 2026

Elenore

I feel the hotel as presented online differed greatly from the reality. It was shabby and depressing. We stayed one night of our booked three night stay and moved to another hotel the next day. This is a budget traveler lodging.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Darrin

Great staff!

Self

4/10

Poor

31 May 2026

Shayna

Bath tub didn’t drain, elevator/s didn’t work, we could hear the people next door like there weren’t even walls in between us.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

30 May 2026

Angelia

The room was small and was missing modern convinces-microwave-better seating space. The staff were friendly and the restaurant was great! I only wished we had gotten a better room! Special shout out to Steve P. the doorman for his service and friendly demeanor!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Paula

Great stay, wish there were more amenities to enjoy. Some doors were closed or heavy to open.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2026

Tina

Great location and clean

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2026

Joseph

The Congress is old but it never fails!!!
Great location!!! I have stayed there many of times …

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

27 May 2026

Manuel Alejandro

Hotel is pretty \"okay\" if you are going for business, but our experience was not nice. The Air Conditioner wasn't working on a 65-80 degree outside, I told the front desk if they can help or make a room change but the solution was to give me a floor fan, not the type of help I was hoping and did not do anything to the A/C, it felt like \"this is the best we can do, handle it\". I've been in the hotel industry for 9 years and that's not how we handle thing. Bellmen and housekeepers were great and very committed to the service.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 May 2026

Lisa

Room floor was filthy
Air conditioning didn’t work in the room.
The only good thing was the pillows and the view of Grant Park.

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

Eugene

Very good location right in the heart of Downtown Chicago.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

26 May 2026

Matthew

Our hvac unit in the room was one of the loudest I’ve ever had the displeasure of sleeping near. Had to turn it off to get sleep. Great views but definitely some historic wear that needs new paint in halls, elevator entries, etc. front doors were partially defunct our entire stay.

No onsite parking available for length of stay - must use 7th st garage nearby for affordable parking

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Sandra

Everything was perfect. Great customer service.

Friends

4/10

Poor

25 May 2026

Rylie

tiniest room i’ve ever stayed in and shower leaked all over the floor and

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Caitlyn

Good

Partner

4/10

Poor

24 May 2026

Fredric

No Valet parking.
Could not come and go from offsite parking without repaying $67.00
Very short on staff.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2026

Tanya

Great location. Walkable to all the downtown attractions. Historical hotel with updated rooms.
Highly recommend.

Partner

2/10

Poor

23 May 2026

Lorlain Mae

400 dollars not worth it period

Friends

8/10

Excellent

22 May 2026

Donna

Did not have hot water when we returned to room after concert. Next morning called and maintenance came to fix. Good location to walk to South Shore train station and Grant Park

Family

8/10

Excellent

22 May 2026

L. Kay

As one of my first solo trips, I was glad to feel very safe and comfortable during my stay. I had requested and paid extra for a lake front room. On the fourth floor I could barely see the lake, but did face the park. Good news and bad news because the street noise was very loud at times. I ate in the dining room both evenings and the service was very good. The second evening my order was incorrect, but was quickly corrected. I couldn't get the shower to work and the showerhead was so high I didn't have any chance of reaching. The next day maintenance did fix, so water could be diverted to the shower. I couldn't find any information about the nearby attractions or restaurants. Good think there is Google. Check in was easy. Had a challenge finding the correct elevator. All-in-all, I would stay there again because it is very convenient to the Art Institute of Chicago. I read the South Tower is supposed to be haunted, but I received no visitations.

Self

8/10

Excellent

22 May 2026

Penny

Could have used a microwave somewhere on property for guests to use. I realized it is an old hotel and the electric probably won't hold up to all room having one. But like one in with the drink machines would be great.

6/10

Pleasant

22 May 2026

Joshua

Bring earplugs, people love driving down Michigan avenue blasting music loudly

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2026

Jennifer

Excellent stay

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2026

Richard

Nice clean hotel downtown.

6/10

Pleasant

20 May 2026

Wade

Good for a sleep and go. Not horrible, certainly not the best hotel i've ever stayed at.

Business

4/10

Poor

20 May 2026

Daniel

This is one of those grand old hotels that used to be amazing, but has now fallen on very hard times. There's a reason it is one of the cheapest (though still expensive) hotels in the Chicago Loop. The staff seemed absent or disinterested, the facility has peeling paint everywhere, and the vibe is just ....sad.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

19 May 2026

Sagiv

I had an amazing view of Lake Michigan and the area but unfortunately Michigan Ave is very noisy at all times of the day and night. In addition, there were no black out shades and due to the rooms facing East, the sunrise was bright and early. I had to buy a sleeping mask just to sleep to 7am. The hotel is located in a great area so if you can overlook those issues, then you’d be fine.

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2026

Alice

The cool thing about the location is that it's close to a park for scenery, the museum, the art institute and baseball field. The older side of the hotel needs updating in their rooms, and needs a bigger or faster elevator. A.C/heater panel was stuck, so needed someone to get it opened. The floor rug in the hall needs to go, and probably a bigger front desk area for their workers it looked cramp in there. Staff were cool.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2026

Nicholas

Really good place just weird door security people

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

19 May 2026

John

A old, classic hotel and a low room rate, I was not expecting 'up to date modern'. Plusses: Room was large and clean, no noise from other guests, bag storage free, price compared to other hotels very low. Minuses: Unable to turn heater on _only a thin quilt blanket for bed, noise from toilet filling continously - sometimes had to wait an hour to flush again, hot water from shower took long time to come through. Being alone and not too fussy I was ok with this for the week. Built in 20s ? once must have been quite glamorous but investment needed to renovate a bit.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Sungho

It’s old but clean

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Joshua

The classic style leads to smaller rooms, but its all part of the charm in tgis historic beauty.

Family

4/10

Poor

18 May 2026

Nyle

Classic bait and switch. No on gave a damn.

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2026

constance

Pros: The room was extremely clean as were the sheets, surfaces and fixtures in the bedroom and bathroom.
Cons: The shower is not well designed, because to turn it on, you’re forced to stand in the way of the oncoming water — before you get a chance to regulate it. The curtains in the room didn’t close entirely, meaning outside lights were always visible during the night. The sign on the door said to use the door chain for extra security but there was no chain. My check-in time was 3:00 pm but was delayed almost two hours because they were behind schedule with room cleaning.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

18 May 2026

Brandy

Parking was a full lot when we arrived. Lot attendant was rude when I said we were with the hotel and asked if this is where we should park. 62$ is a bit crazy to be unable to leave amd return for the 24hrs time frame.
Overall hotel was nice and very convenient location. AC in rooms definitely need updated.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

18 May 2026

Sabbir

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

18 May 2026

Margo

Very old hotel but location is great for Grant Park and Soldier Field. Toilet was extremely low and many chipped tiles in bathroom. Wallpaper peeling in hallways. Service was very slow in restaurant. We left and didn’t eat onsite.

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

18 May 2026

Isabella

AC didn’t fully work

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Marissa

Always stay here when I’m trying to save money great location and price

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Cory

Wish the Congress had a pool and on site parking

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

17 May 2026

Yalcin

Really need upgrade ,there was so much noise in the room ,isolation is so bad

Self

8/10

Excellent

17 May 2026

Ann

: )

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

17 May 2026

Aarohi

Hallway with old carpet - triggered allergies
Room bathroom not upgraded
Tv is the size of computer screen
Overall the feel of the hotel was very ghostly and creepy instead of vintage and authentic

Friends

8/10

Excellent

17 May 2026

John

older and in a bit worn condition,, but in a great location the staff is fantastic.

4/10

Poor

17 May 2026

christopher

The building is old and needs updates. The bathtub wouldn’t drain and maintenance tried twice to fix it. They did respond quickly, so that is a plus.

6/10

Pleasant

17 May 2026

marissa

Hotel is centrally located and it would be the only reason I would consider staying here again. The room itself was clean and has the essentials. However, this hotel is older and is in desperate need of a facelift. Staff was friendly.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

17 May 2026

Randy

We stayed here because we were going to an event at soldier Field. The hotel was in a great location on Michigan Avenue, but it has seemed it’s glory days in the past while they do the best to maintain it. It is a clean hotel but it is nothing fancy at all.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

17 May 2026

Marquita

Did not look like the pictures shown online old hotel not update

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2026

Patricia

The bar was very welcoming and the historic ambience and location was exceptional

Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2026

Liam

The only place I stay in Chicago perfect place right on Michigan ave with a lot of good history

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2026

Michael

Faded glory. But fine

Business

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2026

Joshua

Great location of the hotel on Michigan Ave. Close to multiple “L” stations. Felt walking around the hotel. Got back from a baseball game around 10pm on a weekday and had no issues. Room was clean. Cool historic hotel

Self

6/10

Pleasant

16 May 2026

Amy

Hotel and room were clean. Bed was a little hard for my liking. Over not a bad hotel. Would stay here again

Family_with_children