What a splendid way to experience Chicago for the first time! My mother and I recently stayed at the Congress Plaza Hotel on my first trip to Chicago and we fell in love with the hotel right away. The staff were friendly, helpful and professional at all times. The hotel decor and architecture hearken back to an age of polish and class. From the beautiful lobby to the gleaming marble floors and staircase, I was very pleased. We shared a room with 2 kingsize beds on the 12th floor. The view from our room was superb. The beds were comfy and clean, as was the entire room.
As for location, the Congress Plaza cannot be beat. Situated in The Loop on Michigan Avenue, you are literally within 1 or 2 blocks from: Lake Michigan, the El Train depot, the Art Institute of Chicago, CVS Pharmacy, Buddy Guy's Legends Blues Club and great food. (Hint: Go to the CVS on State St. to purchase a 3-day EL Train pass.)
I am definitely coming back to Chicago and my room will be at the Congress Plaza Hotel.

The Congress Hotel is a beautiful place to stay. We stayed in the Lakeview King room, which had a huge plush bed, a flat panel tv, and a marble bathroom. I was amazed with the room. The room wasn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. This place is amazing. The staff is quite friendly and even checked us in early!!

will never stay in this crap hole ever again!! wallpaper falling down, shower knob fell off in my hand, and hot as hell! no thermostats in room, when i call the front desk they told me to open my window, okay sure downtown like you can sleep with the sirens, and the trains! the staff is nice but the hotel is the crapiest place wouldnt recommend to my worst enemy!!!

I booked this hotel on a 4 day getaway with my best friend. Despite reading some negative reviews on this hotel, we found the stay quite pleasurable. We stayed on the 8th floor on the North Tower. The room was clean, linens were clean and although the bathroom was small - we found it pleasing.
There were no picketers to be found - except about a block away on Michigan Ave.
All in all, I found the hotel very charming because of its history and character. It's a bit of a shame that it's received such bad publicity and its maintenance has been neglected. If the necessary money and effort was put into renovating and restoring the hotel back to its original glory, this hotel would no doubt be a competitor for chain-brand hotels.
This hotel is in no way suitable for those who are 'high-maintenance' and desire 21st century amenities. But for those who possess some good historical appreciation, then perhaps this hotel would do the trick.