My husband and I stayed here one night and that was too long. We picked this hotel because of its location and reasonable price for downtown Chicago. First of all, the picketers out front were severely annoying. They don't move at all for guests trying to check in. They seriously need to give it up after protesting for years from what I heard, learn how to speak English, and look for housekeeping jobs elsewhere. The Lakeview King smoking room we reserved reeked of chemical air freshener the entire time, even after opening both sets of windows. Granted, it was a smoking room, and my husband smokes, but hell, I'd much rather smell cigarettes than overpowering chemical air freshener fumes. Come to find out, the chemical air freshener was immersed within the room's heating unit, so there was no way to eliminate it. That smell made both of us physically ill. I suppose we could've requested a different room, but I'm sure they have that stench in all the smoking rooms. The final straw was when my husband woke up at 6:00am, gagging, then vomiting due to that hideous smell. We couldn't take any more of it, so we checked out around 6:30am. Never again will we stay here, even if offered a free stay.

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!!!