Chicago, IllinoisChicago Loop
The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
Gilded Age survivor
Chicago Loop Chicago, Illinois
Renovated
1907
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Classic DesignOutside the door
Gilded Age survivor
Operating continuously since the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, this monumental landmark offers an authentic brush with Chicago's Gilded Age history.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Built for the 1893 World's Fair, with a storied legacy hosting American presidents.
Remarkable
A South Michigan Avenue fixture since 1893, hosting civic galas in grand ballrooms.
Notable
Renaissance-style vaulted ceilings and gilded plasterwork define the historic 1902 Gold Room.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set directly on the South Michigan Avenue streetwall, Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain sit just across the avenue in the Loop.
The rooms
Interiors keep to unfussy, traditional furnishings, while eastern-facing rooms frame clear views across Grant Park toward Buckingham Fountain and the lake.
The gym
- Gym
- On-site fitness center.
Bar
Congress Lounge
Dark wood paneling and tufted leather armchairs surround the wraparound bar, which pours evening cocktails and cold beers.
Rafael's Restaurant
New American comfort dishes are served under coffered ceilings, with windows looking out toward South Michigan Avenue.
How it began
Originally constructed as the Auditorium Annex, an underground marble passageway once linked the hotel directly to Louis Sullivan's Auditorium Building across Michigan Avenue.
Good to know
Stay here
The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.com ExpediaWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com or Expedia. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Chicago
More like this
The Drake Hotel
“Lakeside grand dame”
Chicago Athletic Association
“Gilded-Age athletic playground”
Palmer House Hilton
“Gilded Beaux-Arts dowager”
Staypineapple, an Iconic Hotel, The Loop Chicago
“Landmark skyscraper showcase”
Kimpton Gray Hotel
“Landmark skyscraper clubhouse”
The Blackstone Autograph Collection
“Presidential Beaux-Arts showpiece”
Hilton Chicago
“Beaux-Arts convention flagship”
The Willows Hotel
“Prohibition-era residential hideaway”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.