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Congress Plaza Hotel

This is a 3 star hotel in Chicago
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
Photo 1 - Congress Plaza Hotel
Across from Grant Park, great service, mixed room reviews, Wi-Fi & parking extra
Pros 
  • The hotel's location was praised for its proximity to attractions and restaurants
  • Many lodgers were pleased with the level of customer service they received
  • Several reviewers enjoyed their clean and spacious rooms
Cons 
  • Some guests reported worn rooms and musty odours
  • The added Wi-Fi and parking fees were deemed expensive by some reviewers
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Editor's Analysis

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Updated on Oct 28, 2013
Overview
Located about a 5-minute walk from Harrison Metro Station, across the street from Grant Park and a 4-minute drive from Chicago's city centre, the Congress Plaza Hotel is suitable for business or vacation travellers who prefer a centrally located hotel with meeting/banquet space, on-site dining and easy access to public transit.

Each of this hotel's air-conditioned guest rooms and suites offers cable TV, a coffeemaker, a laptop safe, a desk, an iron and ironing board and a hair dryer. Rooms with a separate bedroom, a dining area and a jetted tub are also available, as are wheelchair-accessible rooms. Smoking and non-smoking rooms are offered and in-room Wi-Fi is $9.95 per day.

Hotel amenities include fitness facilities, over 50,000 square feet of meeting/banquet space, a bar, a business centre, a barber shop, a gift shop and valet dry cleaning. Self-parking is an additional $39 per day and pets are not permitted.

On-site dining is offered at Gazebo Restaurant (serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily) and Rafael Steak House, which serves lunch and dinner daily.

The Navy Pier is about a 7-minute drive from the hotel, while the Chicago Symphony Orchestra can be found 5 minutes away on foot. Atrium Mall is roughly 13 minutes away via public transit and O'Hare International Airport, Chicago (ORD) is a 25-minute drive away. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)

Verified with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi $9.95/day, self-parking $39/day, pets not permitted, wheelchair accessible. (Call Date: October 28, 2013)
The Good
The majority of the reviews sourced for this analysis were positive, with praise going to the hotel's location, staff and rooms.

Numerous reviewers praised the hotel's location. They found it close to Grant Park, Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, public transit, restaurants, bars, The Art Institute, shopping, the airport and museums.

The hotel's staff were the source of many compliments, and were characterized as helpful, friendly, efficient and knowledgeable about the area. One patron noted, "The concierge and front desk staff and security folks were extremely kind and accommodating. They even took the time to grant our request to see the "haunted" ballrooms which were absolutely magnificent".

Several lodgers enjoyed their accommodations at the hotel. They described their rooms as clean, spacious and quiet, with great views of Lake Michigan. It should be noted, however, that some guests were disappointed with their lodgings (see below).

The Bad
While the majority of reviews consulted for this analysis were positive, there were a few common complaints about the hotel's rooms and value.

Although several lodgers were pleased with their clean and spacious rooms, some guests were disappointed with their accommodations. They reported dated decor, worn furniture, musty odours, poor water pressure and no in-room fridges.

A few reviewers complained about the hotel's value. They found the added Wi-Fi and parking charges to be expensive, and felt a free breakfast should have been included in the daily rates.
Expedia.ca guest reviews rated the hotel 3.4 out of 5 with a 78% recommendation rate from 4,117 reviews.

Booking.com guest reviews rated the hotel 7.3 out of 10 from 1,741 reviews.

TripAdvisor.com guest reviews ranked the hotel #121 of 166 Chicago hotels with an average rating of 3 out of 5 from 1,022 reviews.

The author called the hotel on October 28, 2013 to verify some information.

Guest Reviews

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93.35 USD - 0.00 USD Congress Plaza Hotel
Rating:
6.3
Fair
Ranking:
#57
Out of 178 hotels
Guest Rating Explained
Rating: 6.3 / 10

No. of guest ratings: 8
No. of guest comments: 8
Guest Recommended: Yes
Popularity Ranking Explained

Rating: #57 out of 178 hotels in Chicago ranked by guests.
Guest Recommendations
Yu-li from Urbana, IL US rated Congress Plaza Hotel 10 out of 10 on September 04, 2011
"There are other hotels that cost so much more and this hotel was well worth the money. I was deffinely go back again. Great job on there part!"
Sean from Hoffman Estates, IL US rated Congress Plaza Hotel 10 out of 10 on July 04, 2005
David from Osceola, IN US rated Congress Plaza Hotel 7 out of 10 on June 26, 2004
"The bathtub was not draining. Bathroom too small and no shower cap. The TV was very old and the reception bad. There was not sugar or cream for the coffee. The worst part of this hotel is the parking garage that it does not accept credit card and it only accepts cash. These people park the car themselves and the next day my CD player was playing a different CD (CD number 5) than that one I had left on the day before (CD number 2). It was clear that somebody had been using my car overnight for listening to music at least."
Verified Guest from Urbana, IL US rated Congress Plaza Hotel 4 out of 10 on February 14, 2004
"This hotel is historic and truely unique, it was built over 100 years ago. The rooms were clean, it is in a great location, and it is affordable. The magnificant mile, the sears tower and Shedd Aquarium are all just a short walk away!"
Verified Guest from Belleville, MI UZ rated Congress Plaza Hotel 8 out of 10 on December 07, 2003
"I was very surprised at how old and run down this hotel was. We actually had paint peeling off the walls in our room - Room 820. The price of the hotel was the same as what we could of received at the Palmer House Hilton if we would of reserved earlier. I would definitely NOT RECOMMEND this hotel to anyone staying in the area. Also paint was chipping off the walls in the hallways, very dungy looking with not updated accommodations."
Karen from Stow, OH US rated Congress Plaza Hotel 2 out of 10 on December 07, 2003
Verified Guest from Bloomington, IN US rated Congress Plaza Hotel 7 out of 10 on November 02, 2003
"Hotel workers were on strike while we were there so service may not have been quite up to snuff. It was still fairly attentive and friendly. The place could use a bit of a tune-up but it's a great deal."
Charles from Bellingham, WA US rated Congress Plaza Hotel 9 out of 10 on October 26, 2003

Amenities

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Congress Plaza Hotel

  • Business Center
  • Room Service
  • High-speed Internet
  • Fitness Room/Gym
  • Restaurant
  • Parking
  • Valet Parking
  • Elevator / Lift
  • 24 Hour Reception
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Air Conditioned
  • Golf Course
  • Conference Room(s)
  • Multilingual Staff
  • Safe-Deposit Box
  • Cable / Satellite TV
  • In Room Movies
  • Bath / Hot Tub
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Hair Dryer
  • TV
  • Laundry service
  • Shops
  • Lake
  • Photocopier
  • Salon
  • En suite
  • Private Bathroom
  • Private Toilet
  • Games Available
  • Luggage Storage
  • Shops in Hotel
  • Souvenirs/Gift Shop
  • Express Check-In/Check-Out
  • Shoe Shine

User Contributed Info

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Step inside and experience an extraordinary piece of living history during your next visit to downtown Chicago at the Congress Plaza Hotel. This “Landmark of Chicago Hospitality” has delighted business and leisure travelers for over a century, and taken its place as a Midwestern point of interest that has stood the test of time.

A fascinating and storied past combined with stunning architecture, gorgeous lakefront views, superior customer service and modern amenities make the Congress Plaza Hotel your best choice for a unique and memorable stay in the Windy City.

Category Accommodation and Food Services
Fax 312-427-2919
Friday Closing Time 24:00
Friday Opening Time 0:00
General Amenities Safe-deposit box (front desk) | Shoe Shine Service | Gift Shop / News Stand | Hair Salon | Fitness Room | Laundry Service | Concierge
General Property Info 24 hr Service
Listing Type Place
Monday Closing Time 24:00
Monday Opening Time 0:00
Neighbourhood Central
Place Activities Sleeping / Lodging (hotel, chalet, B&B, cabin...)
Place Email reservations@congressplazahotel.com
Place Status Open at this location
Postal Code 60605
Public Access Open to the General Public
Room Amenities Direct-dial phone
Room Details Non-smoking rooms
Room Entertainment Cable Television
Saturday Closing Time 24:00
Saturday Opening Time 0:00
Sunday Closing Time 24:00
Sunday Opening Time 0:00
Telephone (312) 427-3800
Thursday Closing Time 24:00
Thursday Opening Time 0:00
Tuesday Closing Time 24:00
Tuesday Opening Time 0:00
Wednesday Closing Time 24:00
Wednesday Opening Time 0:00


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Published 09.01.2015
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