The Congress Plaza

Location was absolutely perfect for what we needed for our vacation! The family suite was clean and gave us the perfect amount of space! Very well priced for the location. No, we didn’t have any paranormal experiences. I loved the character of the hotel. My only complaint was after a day out, we returned and I noticed my phone charger was missing. After searching the entire room knowing exactly where I had left it, a member of housekeeping knocked on our door to return it. To take something that isn’t yours out of a room, whether it’s returned or not, is absolutely abhorrent. So, make sure you take anything of importance with you if you leave your room! This place would’ve earned five stars if it weren’t for that.

For small-town Southerners like me, this hotel was a thrill: "wow, I'm really in the Big City today." It's the small details that make it: the regal concierge room with the mosaic ceiling and pool table, the moldings around the wall and ceiling, the semi-oriental carpeting in the hallway. Staff was very helpful, room was clean and comfortable, fitness room was small but well-equipped. We didn't partake of the lobby-level restaurant or the bar; but they looked good. The hotel's location is excellent: 3 blocks' walk along Michigan Avenue to Millennium Park, Cloud Gate (popularly known as The Bean), and the Art Institute of Chicago museum. You have to understand, you will pay top dollar for this hotel; it isn't budget accommodation. On the other hand, you're getting a Downtown experience that rivals Manhattan and doesn't cost nearly as much. So: a bargain despite the price.

Just wrapped up a four-night stay at the Congress Plaza Hotel and, suffice it to say, I am completely disappointed with my stay here and will not be returning. First, they canceled my reservation without any notice two months prior and failed to serve me with any notice. Next were the rooms. Now this is a “historic” hotel; however, the building is woefully outdated. The rooms only have a small AC unit which is from the 20th century, and you cannot adjust the temperature. In the summer months, I don't see how this is even close to sufficient for guests; the rooms were unbelievably humid. The hotel’s WiFi was spotty and not strong in the least bit, so if you're planning on coming to Chicago for school or work, I would definitely find another hotel. Shower was filthy upon entering, lamps and lights were breaking / non-functional, and the wallpaper was barely hanging on in the hallways. I'm not a big “hotel reviewer” and am usually fine as long as I have a roof over my head; however, for the money spent on a downtown hotel in Chicago, this was a complete disappointment and the accommodations were unacceptable.