Menu

Congress Plaza Hotel

eef - (888) 420-1641
Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL -(888) 420-1641
Area: Chicago Loop - Millennium Park
(Map)
3.65
HOTEL RATING: 
GOOD
3.65 out of 5 (2310 Ratings)
2.2 miles from Chicago centre
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - (888) 420-1641
Show Prices
The Spotlight on Congress Plaza Hotel

Historic Elegance in the Heart of Chicago

Modern comfort meets old-school charm at the Congress Plaza Hotel, a historic gem located right on Michigan Avenue, directly across from Millennium Park. With sweeping views of the city and Lake Michigan, this downtown Chicago hotel is a stylish base for music lovers wanting to stay close to the action. Expect spacious rooms with high ceilings, flat-screen TVs, and a blend of vintage details with updated amenities.

Why Concert-goers love it

The location is hard to beat—just a short walk or quick ride away from Chicago’s major concert venues and theaters. After a late-night show, the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center, room service, and on-site lounge offer relaxing options for winding down. Guests love the mix of buzzing city energy outside and quiet, comfortable rooms inside. Plus, with a noon check-out, there’s no need to rush the morning after.

Who this Hotel is great for

- Groups of friends heading to a festival or arena show
- Solo travelers ticking off a must-see tour
- Couples on a music-filled weekend getaway
- Fans wanting a quieter, classic Chicago space to recharge
- Budget-conscious music lovers who still want location and comfort

Food and Drink Options

Choose from two on-site dining spots: Rafael’s, for American classics and seasonal specials at lunch and dinner, and Gazebo, perfect for a hearty breakfast after a late night. The Congress Lounge serves drinks with a view and cozy leather seating—great for a low-key nightcap. While 24-hour room service isn’t available, there are plenty of eateries and late-night bites just steps away along Michigan Avenue.

Nightlife Options

You’re in the middle of it all—walk to bars, pubs, and lounges along the Loop and South Loop, or enjoy a relaxing drink in the hotel’s own lounge. While there’s no live music on-site, Chicago’s nightlife scene is right outside the door, making it easy to turn your concert night into a full evening of fun.

What People Say

Guests frequently praise the unbeatable location, especially for accessing downtown venues, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Reviews highlight the classic architecture, surprisingly large rooms, and good value for the area. Many appreciate the historical charm and vintage touches throughout the property.

Areas for Improvement

Some travelers note that certain rooms could use a refresh, and that the hotel’s age shows in places like the elevators or hallways. Still, most agree that the historic feel adds character more than it detracts from comfort.

The Bottom Line

For concert-goers looking for location, charm, and comfort in downtown Chicago, the Congress Plaza Hotel hits all the right notes.
Enter Your Dates
4
4
CHECK IN
 
CHECK OUT
 
7
1 room
7
2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
w
Non Smoking
q
Accessible
x
Free Breakfast
j
Free Parking
u
Swimming Pool
B
Airport Shuttle
r
Pets Allowed
Other Amenities
` Golf Course
` Meeting/Banquet Facilities
` Room Service
` Safety Deposit Box
` Air Conditioning
` Bar
` 24-Hour Front Desk
` Express Check-In/Check-Out
` Elevator
` Coffee shop
` Hair dryer
` Bathtub
` Coffee/tea maker
` Refrigerator
` Heating
` Wheelchair accessible
` vending machine
` telephone
` alarm clock
` kitchenware
` blackout curtains
` 24-hour security
` Concierge services
` Designated Smoking Area
` Doorman
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Game Room
` Hair/Beauty Salon
` Radio
` Restaurant(s)
` Daily Housekeeping
` English
` Arabic
` Hindi
` Portuguese
` Spanish
` Convenience Store
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Parking Available
` gift/souvenir shop
` taxi service
` Shops on site
` Linens
` Private Entrance
` Carpeting
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
` First aid kit available
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Invoices
` Access to health care professionals
` Sterilizing equipment
` Staff trained in safety protocol
` Temperature check for guests and staff
` Free face masks
` Chinese [Mandarin]
` Grocery delivery
` Food delivery
` ATM or cash withdraw on site
` Body thermometer available
` CCTV security in common areas
` Daily disinfection
` Facilities for disabled guests available
` Fitness center
` Ironing amenities
` Laundry services
` Luggage storage & lockers
` Non-smoking property
` Room towels provided
` Safety chain and/or latch on doors available
` Separate shower/bathtub
` Toiletries provided
` TV & Movies/Shows
` Wake up call
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Air conditioning in public area
` Heating in public area
` Trash cans
` Socket near the bed
` Window
` Dining table
` Desk/workspace available
` Professional cleaning services
` Allergy-free rooms available
` Cleaning products available
` Room service available
` Parking available (charges may apply)
` Valet parking (charges may apply)
` Xerox/fax in business center

Congress Plaza Hotel Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Good (3.65 out of 5)

Write a review

1

Poor - 1.0 out of 5

Molleen, Wausau, visiting Auditorium Theatre Thu, 9 June 2022

This hotel needs an upgrade. It is very creepy. The location is convenient, but next time I will spend the extra money to stay at a nicer place.

Disliked: The rooms were very run down. Many things did not work.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Robert, Watertown Sun, 13 August 2017

Fast elevators, perfect location. Had an absolute blast!

Disliked: No microwave or fridge; $70 breakfast room service.

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Nikki, Chaska, visiting Concord Music Hall Sun, 3 January 2016

Old building; peeling paint; no light could reach the shower so it was dark; bed very uncomfortable with springs sticking up; no mini fridge.

Liked: Cozy.
Disliked: Paint was peeling; elevators dirty; parking not directly connected so had to carry luggage in the cold.

1

Poor - 1.0 out of 5

Diane, Yankton Wed, 5 June 2013

Disliked: We left the hotel due to the condition of the rooms. It was very disappointing. We asked for our money back but was denied. It would be appropriate for these charges to be adjusted from our account.

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Maria, Chicago Mon, 8 April 2013

I live in Chicago already and this by far was the worst hotel room I've been in. Really wish there was a mini fridge in the room too. Very crowding; very disappointed.

Liked: Don't know.
Disliked: Room was very small; horrible view.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Missy, Indianapolis, IN Mon, 25 March 2013

Pretty good shape for it's age - nice and clean. Best location for the Auditorium Theater. Very reasonably priced restaurants within a few blocks (walking distance).

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Carmen C, Cleveland Mon, 18 March 2013

We stayed at the Congress Hotel and everything was great. The staff was very nice and the room was very comfortable. We will stay again - we are thinking of coming back in the summer.

Liked: Very nice hotel.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Richard & Hazel Z, Elgin Mon, 28 January 2013

Bed felt like it was a 100 years old. Room was very clean and the price was very good.

Liked: Breakfast was very good.
Disliked: Restaurant was closed.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Patricia P, Sterling Mon, 10 December 2012

We will definitely be back. Very happy with price, convenience - everything!

Liked: Fantastic view; great location; perfectly happy with our accommodation.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Danielle R, Hillside Fri, 20 January 2012

My boyfriend and I stayed here on New Years Eve, we had a ball! I loved the vintage feel of the hotel. The room was clean and comfortable, the location was perfect.

Liked: Great experience!

Write a Review of Congress Plaza Hotel
Trip Id (Required)
Your Name (Required)
Your City
Your Email Address (Required)
Your overall rating of the hotel
What was good?
What was bad?
Your review
Congress Plaza Hotel 520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL