Congress Plaza Hotel

The location and view from our room on the 11th floor was spectacular and worth the price. However, the safe in the room didn’t work, the fridge had instructions to turn on in the back of the unit but I couldn’t find the switch, and the restaurant was mediocre at best for breakfast.

It was a horrible experience. When I booked the hotel, the listing stated that they had parking, but when I arrived, I was told they didn't. The woman who assisted us treated us terribly; we were simply pointing out that the app said they had parking and asking if she could help us with that, but she was very rude. The staff at the hotel entrance, however, were incredibly kind—I don't actually know their names, but they treated us wonderfully. Overall, it was a bad experience at that hotel, and I wouldn't book there again for anything.

Love the old classic hotels like the Congress, and its one of the best. Great location near a couple of el stops, cafes, and coffee shops. Nice people. Steve in the lobby was especially helpful. Recommended.

Iconic hotel located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Friendly staff and fast check in experience. Clean rooms. Loved it for our Soldier Field event.

We are a family of four (2 adults and 2 boys ages 15 and 13) and we stayed 3 nights in the Congress Plaza Hotel in mid July 2026. This was our third stay in the hotel within the past 7 years, so we knew what to expect. The location is awesome, staff is ok, and lobby is amazing. Our room was fine: it was comfortable, clean, and cool (good AC). Wifi was fine, bathroom stuff was fine. Our toilet would run if you didn't jiggle the handle, but it was not a big problem. The overall vibe is that the place is a little dingy and run-down in very insignificant ways, but felt very comfortable and safe for our family. We would gladly stay at the Congress again during a future trip to Chicago. Our visit coincided with some terrible air quality thanks to wildfire smoke blowing down into the city, but our room remained comfortable.

It was nice to be able to stay in a hotel that was closer to a 24-hour time than any have ever been in before. Checkin at 3:00 and check out at noon worked great for us to make the most of one night stay there. Expedia fail regarding parking options and pricing. However, I called the hotel directly to find out that I should download the Spothero app which I did to find parking close and convenient and at a far lesser price than Expedia was noting. The area felt safe and we easily walked to numerous places including the riverfront which was most enjoyable. There's lots of places to eat and drink in the area. The hotel does provide options but they're a bit pricey. We did enjoy a nightcap though there. The bar area is nice. Staff helpful and friendly.

The location is great, but the hotel is old, and a bit beat up. The shower looks like it hasn't been updated since 1989 and the furniture int he room had a lot of dings and delamination. There was a very old air conditioner that just had 'lo, Medium, and High." The Fitness Center had 'one of each' treadmill, elliptical, and bike, and a few weights, and oddly a sink? instead of a water cooler. For almost $300/night I would expect a bit more, as I travel 2x a month all over the country. Also it is loud at night depending on what side of the building you are on.

Great location. Beautiful Lobby. Rooms have some upgrades but minimal need work low water pressure

Great hotel - would stay again. Only downside was noise from the street late at night but nothing they could do anything about

Ok

It's haunted. Very haunted.

This hotel is in a prime area but is in need serious remodle

The hallways are extremely dreary, dirty, and poorly maintained. The furniture in the rooms is dated and threadbare. The bed did not come with a proper comforter - just a tired, thin, and inadequate quilt. The towels were old, coarse, and barely absorbent. I have stayed at hotels for work travel more than 400 nights in total and this was the worst property I’ve ever stayed at. I cannot stress enough that you do not want to stay at this property if you have any other remotely viable options.

Muy bueno

No parking on or

great price for a big room with a view!

The initial rooms they put us into were outdated and gross. Stained purple carpets, battered furniture uncleaned bathroom- toothpaste spit in the sink from the prior guest. We asked to be moved to a renovated room and the front desk said only 10-20% of the rooms have been renovated but they would try. We ended up getting moved and were happier in the new rooms. I will give kudos to the staff for moving us. The shower in my kids room only had cool water and our shower drain was plugged. We asked for both to be fixed but the problems persisted. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone.

It's an old hotel and it shows its age. My room was clean and actually sterile looking but for a room it was clean. When I checked in and went to my room the two complimentary water bottles were empty like someone had drank them and left them in the gift bin on the desk. The window ac unit felt good in a hot day. The bathroom was lit by two weak bulbs and looked dinghy. The checkout counter staff was short and somewhat rude and lacked professionalism. It was like I was dealing with annoyed teenage cashiers at McDonalds. The location is ideal and right in the heart of downtown Chicago and on Michigan Avenue. But it is what it is--an aging hotel that shows it's tired. I'll probably not stay there again because the staff put me off and Im not looking for VIP treatment but don't treat me like I'm inconveniencing you by you doing your job.

The furniture in my room is was cheap IKEA looking pieces, all of which were heavily damaged by normal use, making drawers no close and missing parts. The rooms mini fridge was filthy, it had not been cleaned in a very long time with dried up rotten fruit left in the fridge and some kind of dried-up liquid that was moldy. I had to ask for the refrigerator to be cleaned. Cleaning is done every 2 days, which wasn't explained to me when I checked in. When the room was cleaned, they failed to restock towels, coffee and vanity supplies. I also got stuck in an elevator for about 20 mins, one afternoon on my way to dinner. When I tried the call emergency call button, it went to an automated message and no person ever picked up the call. Luckily the issue resolved somehow and I was able to exit the eklevator car. I will say the food and beverage selections and quality were good. The bar tenders and wait staff at the bar and restaurant were the bright spot of this stay. They were personable and gave great customer service. I had to book this stay last minute for a work project and this was my only option nearby my clients office. In future, I'll stay anywhere BUT this hotel.

Good Hotel, but they put me into the South Tower facign the L. I did not like that as it was loud everytime a train passed. I ran my AC to generate white noise for that matter. Get a room in the north tower or a room facing their courtyard if you want quiet.