The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center's convenient downtown location commands a spectacular view of Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain. It also provides easy access to The Art Institute of Chicago, Symphony Center, and the Sears Tower; all within walking distance. The city business districts, shopping and restaurants, as well as downtown theaters and universities are also just minutes away. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (15 miles) and Midway Airport (11 miles) are easily accessible.

History of the Congress Plaza Hotel

The Congress Hotel was built in 1893 for the Columbian World's Exposition. Its architecture was designed to blend with that of the Auditorium Theatre, and the hotel itself at one time was connected to the theatre, prior to the construction of the Congress Parkway. Architecture students from all over the world today come to Chicago to study the architecture of the Congress Plaza Hotel. Clinton J. Warren was the architect of our north tower, with Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler serving as consultants. Our south tower, constructed in 1902 and 1907, was designed by the renowned architectural firm Holabird and Roche (now Holabird and Root).

Many famous people have stayed at the Congress Plaza Hotel, including U.S. Presidents Grover Cleveland and Theodore Roosevelt. The world famous Gold Room has hosted many historical events. Other well-known guests of the Congress Plaza Hotel include Jean Harlow, Thomas Edison, Benny Goodman, Ruby Davis, Ossie Davis, Bruce Springsteen and Frank Lloyd Wright. Also actor Dennis Franz of "NYPD Blue" and "Hill Street Blues" fame was once a Congress Plaza Hotel employee.

The Congress Plaza Hotel became part of the Albert Pick hotel family in 1950, and was known as the Pick Congress. Later, the hotel adopted the Americana Hotel franchise, and was known as the Americana Congress. In 1994, the Congress Plaza Hotel became part of the Ramada franchise, was known as the Ramada Congress Hotel. Recently renovated in 1998, the Congress Plaza Hotel, independently owned, changed the name to The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center a popular place to stay for convention, business, and leisure travelers.

The Congress Plaza Hotel is located across from Grant Park and the world famous Buckingham Fountain. At the corner of Congress Parkway and Michigan Avenue, the hotel is just a short stroll from The Art Institute of Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, as well as Chicago's Magnificent Mile. State Street (That Great Street) shopping, with the landmark Marshall Field's, is just a few blocks away. Chicago's beautiful lakefront can be seen from many of the hotel's guest rooms.

We have catered to our nation's Presidents and political leaders, foreign dignitaries, opera, stage, and movie celebrities, a multitude of conventions, business travelers, and folks like you who love coming to Chicago with your families and friends for the absolute delight of it all!

Hotel amenities: 

The Congress Plaza Hotel also has luxurious Jacuzzi suites with full marble bathrooms, fabulous view of Lake Michigan, overlooking the famous Buckingham Fountain. Enjoy luxury and comfort at an affordable price at the Congress Plaza Hotel.

The Catering Department - Our rich heritage of award winning cuisine sets the standard for all of our culinary services.

Our professional staff of catering executives will customize all of your specialty menus for any corporate, convention, or social gathering.

We have many affordable packages already developed and would be pleased to discuss tailoring some of your particular needs.

The Congress Plaza Hotel has made thousands of weddings special. Our Gold Room is a popular choice amongst bridal couples. The elegance of the room is ideal for formal events and is often selected for wedding receptions and banquets.

Gazebo Restaurant - Serving a variety of American Cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

The Tavern Tap Pub - Serving imported and domestic beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. Complimentary popcorn. Open Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Standard Double

Lakeview King

Standard King

It is also nicely situated for business and meeting travelers! Sears Tower, LaSalle Street, the Chicago Board of Trade, and city, county, federal and state government offices are just three to eight blocks from our perfect corner.

It is just a short stroll from our door to the Loop with Marshall Fields and Carson Pirie Scott, among the many stores you will want to include in your shopping plans. And, it is also a very short walk to The Art Institute of Chicago, the Harold Washington Library, Symphony Center, and the Auditorium Theatre.

From the hotel's corner in the heart of Chicago's Culture Coast, you can hop a cab up the avenue to the Magnificent Mile of world-class stores, shops, restaurants, and the excitement of Navy Pier with its 17-story Ferris Wheel, the Children's Museum, shops, live music stages, and great restaurants.