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Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago, IL
StayHistory BuffLocal Gem

Congress Plaza Hotel

520 S Michigan Ave · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

The Congress Plaza Hotel opened as the Auditorium Annex in 1893 to house visitors to the World's Columbian Exposition. It has hosted a long line of presidents, and in 1912 Theodore Roosevelt spoke from a balcony here to crowds in Grant Park. Lakeview rooms look out over Lake Michigan, and the hotel has three places to eat and drink: The Gazebo, Rafael's and the Congress Lounge.

  • #historic hotel
  • #grant park
  • #michigan avenue
  • #lake view

Good to know

General stay guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Rates swing with the calendar

    Midweek nights and shoulder-season dates are usually the kindest on price.

  • Read what is included

    Parking, resort fees, and breakfast are the three extras that most often land on the final bill.

  • Ask at booking, not at the desk

    Early check-in, late checkout, and room preferences go further when you request them in advance.

  • On a short trip, location wins

    What you can reach on foot from the door matters more than the amenities list.

Maps and brochures

Congress Plaza Hotel: more

What's around here?

The closest stops to Congress Plaza Hotel, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Big Bus Tours Chicago

    $25–$50

    Open-top, hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tours looping past Chicago's downtown landmarks.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Quirky Fun

    Chicago Prime Tours

    $25–$50

    Narrated bus tours covering Chicago's true crime, gangster history, and general sightseeing highlights.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Tours

  • Theatre & Events
    History Buff

    The Auditorium

    $25–$50

    See concerts, dance and touring shows in Adler and Sullivan's 1889 theatre, a National Historic Landmark in the Loop.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Stay
    Local Gem

    Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

    $50+

    A South Loop economy hotel in the 1928 Harrison Hotel building, one block from Millennium Park, with two on-site eateries.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Stay
    Local Gem

    HI Chicago, The J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel

    $25–$50

    A large Loop hostel with dorms and private rooms, a guest kitchen and free tours, a short walk from Millennium Park.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Stay
    Local Gem

    La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown

    $50+

    A Loop hotel at One S. Franklin in Chicago's Financial District, close to Willis Tower and the Riverwalk.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this