Congress Plaza Hotel

Wonderful stay for my wife and I who travel frequently and Chicago was on our list before our first child. No complaints, considering it is an older, historic hotel - it is not the Hilton down the street. Nice clean room on 11th of 12 floors, much bigger than expected, lots of closet space. Bar/lounge and adjoining restaurant were fine for what we needed […] when we weren't exploring the city. Location was excellent, across the street from their world class Millenium and Grant parks. 2-3 blocks from the Red and Blue L lines. Staff was good and even engaging when we gave them their due respect. We'd stay again. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel overall was ok. The bed were old and not very comfortable. The price and location was right where we needed to be. Not sure that I would stay again. The front desk staff was just ok however the vallet personal was amazing!!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel was OK but the room got very very hot at night. The room next to us had a woman on a conference call talking loudly at 7am and that was not the best way to wake up. Upon walking in the room a big bug was on the wall which the staff removed quickly. Room service was OK as well as the staff. The front doorman Steve was excellent with directions […] and friendliness. The flat screen TV was rather small; not sure we will stay there again. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Hotel is old i know but it dosent have to look old, poor job paint on doors poor condition of rooms. Lobby was nice, but for the price; the rooms are not worth it. It is great location but because of it they should be better condition. There is no fride or microwave in the rooms. Its just not worth it.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Overall I was very satisfied. The only problem was noise coming from the room next door that was easily audible and not blocked out.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This has to be the worse kept hotel I have stayed in in the past 10 years! Beds were horrible, pillows like rocks, could get hot water for my shower, and decor has not be improved in years!!!! Will never go back!!!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My girlfriend and I enjoyed this hotel a lot. Front desk service and housekeeping was great. Didn't order room service due to the pricing. You don't see hotels like this anymore. I think a lot of the poor reviews are geniuses thinking this is the Trump tower or something. It's old and has minor flaws but with these flaws comes character. Tall ceilings […] and beautiful crown and moldings. The price in the area is the best for what you'll get. The location is perfect too! It's next to everything. Read more

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel location is great and our room had a great view out over the lake. The outside of the hotel is really not too bad looking and the lobby area was actually pretty nice but the parking at the hotel was difficult to get into and made us feel a little skeptical about the entire place. There was a sign that stated that for an overnight stay at the […] congress parking fee was $35.00 which we found ridiculous in the first place since it does not say anything about parking fees when booking the room. You also are not allowed to go back to your car after it has been parked. Check in time is 3 PM our room was not ready right away but they did offer to hold on to our stuff until the room was ready. The elevators were tiny and once we stepped out of the elevator it was like we were in an entirely different building. There were stains on the wall in many areas. Once we found our room we walked in and immediately noticed a burn in the carpet where the iron had obviously been dropped previously. The room was TINY. The bed sat very low to the ground and was not comfortable at all. The bathroom was also extremely small and the shower was tiny even for a small adult. Another big complaint was that it was SO hot in the room. So, we tried to open the window to cool it off in there but as soon as we tried that it popped out of place. We wanted to use the wifi in but when we attempted to connect to it we found out that it cost $10.00 per device per day to use the internet. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room was tolerable...the hotel is old and not very well maintained, in my opinion. I appreciate the charm of older buildings, and the high celings and vintage fixtures were fun, but the building is showing its age. The room was sufficient for an overnight stay, but if I had to spend more time there, I would be very disappointed. I was surprised […] by the strong water pressure in the shower, but disappointed by the poor drainage, causing water to pool at my feet. I did not utilize any hotel services. The location can't be beat! Read more

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Loved it

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Our bed was very uncomfortable and it was very loud in the halls. You could hear drunk people screaming at 3:30 in the morning. I don't like that their is a 4inch gap under the door. I just felt like we had no privacy at all check out time was at 12:00 and we had such a bad nights sleep we got up and left at 8:00. The only thing I liked about the hotel […] was the location and the lake view. We prolly will not be back!! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I came to Chicago from Florida to stay with my boyfriend. We chose to stay at the Congress hotel, due to location and previously read reviews. It was a good choice. The hotel was nice, antiquated but very pleasant. There wasn't really a need for room service, but check-in and check-out were fast, and the two women were polite. Our room was nice, again […] antiquated. There appeared to be discoloration on the carpet due to age, however the room itself was very clean. There was a nice sized bathroom, very large closet. The room had a lovely view over Millennium Park, I could also see the planetarium. The only complaint we really had was that the water didn't work very well- there were only two settings, strong or medium. The temperature difference between the two settings was huge, on the weaker setting the water was cold, but on the stronger setting the water was scalding. We had difficulty finding a middle ground. The shower was slightly small, but fit us both comfortably enough. There is a hotel restaurant, as well as a lounge area though we didn't visit it. There are plenty of other restaurants around the area, including a subway, which is where we ended up eating. The bathroom had bar soap, as well as shampoo and a body lotion. I recommend bringing your own soap, as well as toothpaste and toothbrush. The room was also warm, but pleasantly so, as we were out later at night when it was very cold and blustery outside. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I thought my stay at the hotel was average. The hotel does have the olden day charm, but I thought the carpets need to be cleaned in the hallway. It looked like some of the ceiling fell onto the carpet and was never cleaned up. The room was a little warm and you can't change the temp of the room. There are setting where you can change the heat to low, […] off, high, but even when you turn off the heat it still feels warm. We just opened up the window. Another thing with the room was the safe didn't work. I have heard stories where the staff would try to steal your stuff, but nothing happened! Me and my boyfriend heard the hotel was suppose to be haunted. At times it felt a little creepy, but I never experienced anything. My boyfriend did hear noises. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Congress is in a perfect convenient location for the Museums and Downtown. The hotel is old but beautiful. We love staying at the Congress.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

There are multiple shops and attractions within walking distance of the hotel. It isn't a very long walk to Water Tower Place on North Michigan Ave either. Definitely recommend this hotel!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The decor was a little more "nostalgic" than I would have liked. But the rooms were spacious and the location was ideal

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This 5 star in this prime location was more like 1 1/2 star. 1.Trash in the halls, 2. the front desk was rude and out of order 3. for the price of the stay, the towels were very ruff and dingy, and the soap (which seems to come from the dallor store) was not even enough for one shower. 4 the room was nothing like the one avertized, it was very small,...no […] microwave or refrigerator and the ice machine was 3 floors down. 5. we stayed on the 6th floor but with the noise from the street, we may as well have been in the lobby. 7.the garage was a nightmare...the lady at the desk yelling at employee as if they were nothing, loosing cars...WE WILL NEVER STAY HERE AGAIN!!!!!! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The rug was slighty dirty and lumpy. What I really didnt like was that They stated they had no microwave ovens in the entire hotel and no way of heating my food, but yet they supposedly had a restuarant. I wonder did they just serve cold food even though the menu states they sold hot food.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Had a great time and loved the preserved beauty of the Congres. The artwork of the lobby was really cool and told a story in itself of the history of the Congress as well as Chicago. My girlfriend said the marble floors and winding staircases reminded her of the Titanic era; it played with her imagination of life in the early 1900s. The room was roomy […] and the bed seemed larger than the standard size King or Queen. If you want to enjoy your stay in Chicago & yet save yourself from the overcrowding scene just a few blocks away then this is the hotel for you. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My Sweetie and I wanted to be downtown and Congress motel was a really nice spot. We were able to enjoy the city and the staff was Awesome. They told us where to go to have some fun and helped to make our stay Pleasant. We were all :)'s.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I researched so many hotels online before I booked. This one looked beautiful. I loved the pictures that I saw online. When I got there, the room was an entirely different one than I had seen in the photos. The toilet was clogged when I got there. Not happy!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The parking is actually fair, didn't think I'd say that LOL but look around and you'll agree... Its vallet and you have unlimited in and outs. The hotel could use some renovations ie; the heating system has no cool or hot setting, its either on or off, it is an aged building but I kept using the character or patina aspect... The staff were really nice, […] nothing pushy from the bell men but they are there with plenty of free info and will help if asked... Wish they had complimentary breakfast, but there are restaurants right on site... Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Everything was OK.Except the manager.Not nice!!!!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We enjoyed it very much. Very nice hotel. Very helpful staff. Would select this hotel again for future visits.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Never could get wireless , even after following directions....and have to wait for bill to see if I was charger.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel is a little dated, but reasonably priced and strategically located. We were satisfied with the value.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Congress Hotel is in an AMAZING location! My wife and I parked our car and walked everywhere we wanted to go in downtown Chicago for 3 days. We stayed in the "Lakeview King" room with one king size bed and a view of Lake Michigan. The downside is that you pay for such great location, and that's about it. The Congress is nice, but it's apparent to […] tell that it's "Historic" and a bit dated (it took 15 minutes to get hot water from the shower). The amenities are a TV and a 4 cup coffee pot, and if you stretch your imagination you could also count the painting above the bed. In summation, I would get this hotel again (for a special occasion) in a heartbeat but I feel it could have been priced a bit more realistically. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Location was very convenient. Close to the subway, restaurants, sightseeing spots (museums/parks/lake). But hotel needs a major updates to common area, rooms and gym. In-room-refrigerator would be nice. Hotel staffs seemed preoccupied.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This place is garbage. The door between ours and adjacent room was paper thin and we could clearly hear them when they were just talking! The mattress felt like a box spring with no padding and the bathroom was the size of a small closet. Although you're right on Michigan ave you're better off either paying more for a nicer hotel or staying a little […] further away for the same money. This place is in need of serious renovation and I will be sure no one I know ever stays here until that happens! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Went to Chicago for a nice getaway. We had a very nice time. The room was a little run down, paint peeling in the bathroom, slow running drains. But with the discount, we couldn't do better for the location. We were within walking distance of the museums. It was a very nice area, and we will probably use that hotel again for a future trip to Chicag […] o. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

the hotel was very nice. the floors in the room for a little bit dirty. the bed was very comfortable. the shower could have been a bit hotter. the location was fantastic. overall it was nice.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I loved the Congress Plaza Hotel. We stayed in the King suite that over looked Lake Michigan, Soldier Field, Grant Park, Navy Pier and the Museum Campus. It was very close to all the things that you would like to visit and see. The hotel staff was very helpful and friendly. The hotel is an older hotel and they haven't really updated the rooms (door […] knobs, trim and such) There was some sub-par repair work done to the drywall and trim but the positives far out weigh the negative. I loved it and will book there again if I ever go down that way. We just had the most amazing stay at the Congress Plaza. I cant rave enough about the customer service it was so amazing! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I hated the room it was small and smelled musty!! The bathroom was awful and the shower fixtures were about to fall off! The hotel itself was beautiful and in a great location – but for the price I paid for the room – sorry I won’t stay there again!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

and did I mention location. If your visiting the downtown area of Chicago there is perhaps not a better locaiton than the Congress Plaza hotel. While not the poshest of hotels, its old and definetly has signs of age, or character, depending on your perspective. Me and my wife spent 3 nights at the Congress Plaza and loved every night. We were literally […] withng walking distance of everything we wanted to do. Located right on Michigan Avenue we found ourselves less than a mile from the river, the Musuem Campus, Art Insttue, Sears Tower and less than 2 miles from pretty much everything else. The building was also incredibly quiet. One of the beauties of the locaiton is that you get to see the everyday Chicago as well. Our room was literally right outside the main rallying point of the Chicago Teachers Strike and we had a perfect view but simply close a window and it was quiet as a mouse. If you are looking for good value, convience, and a little bit of character this is a great hotel. The water could be a little warmer but that comes with age. If your looking for something shiny pampered service and want to spend most your time in Chicago at your hotel, there are probably better options in the area. But if you want to spend your trip in the city this place appears the best bang for the buck. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We stayed here for 3 nights while exploring Chicago. We loved the location, close to park, lot of sight seeing spots, restaurants, etc. Room was really nice and clean, and we would definitely consider to stay here again. Just one minor thing - if you have a room on back side you will most likely hear nearby metro that goes above the ground behind the […] hotel. We didn't mind but people with sensitive sleeping could be unhappy. However if you get room at front (Lakeview) you should be all good! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

It was nice and comfortable me and my girl loved it. We will definitely come back again. The room was clean and neat the service was great and the location was very convient for us.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great value at the Congress! Friendly staff and comfortable rooms. We could not get our in-room safe to work and the shower curtains and curtain rod need to be updated to allow for more room in the shower. We had an excellent view and the bed was great!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

It was nice. Only there to sleep. The hotel was old but in great condition. It was very quiet. Didn't have time to do anything at the hotel.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review