2/5
Anthony
02/01/2024
Super old place, thought it would be a cool place to stay with the history but renovations have not been kept up with. Funny smell in room. No water able to be bought had to go to a store to buy water. Bell man was a super nice guy that direct traffic in front of main entrance. Breakfast restaurant inside super run down and dirty came In For breakfast was sat and took over thirty minutes for a waiter to come and take order waited another 30 minutes for an order of eggs and left as I wasn’t waiting any longer for breakfast. More or less checked out a day early and moved to another hotel…. Stay away
5/5
Excellent
Mary
01/31/2024
I love this hotel
5/5
Excellent
Gilberto
01/31/2024
Location was great
5/5
Excellent
Roberto
01/31/2024
Bad
3/5
Kriston
01/31/2024
It was just warm in the room with no way to adjust the setting. Other than that, they stay was great.
3/5
Troy
01/30/2024
No thermostat just high, medium, low. Toilet kept running at times, light was out, and sink backed up. Nice people though.
5/5
Excellent
Christian Thomaz
01/30/2024
Perfect
5/5
Excellent
XIOMARYS
01/30/2024
The place was great location , the door man Steven was very friend and helpful in regards to everything you need to know about Chicago! Check in and out was very quick
1/5
Clarence
01/29/2024
When i arrived i was assigned a dirty room, there was dust all over the room and curtains were flithy. I immediately went back to the front desk and was assigned a new room. The 2nd room was cleaner but when i went into the bathroom, the bath tub was dirty and rusted out and the tub faucet was rusted out along with the tub handles for support and turning on the water and bar for assisting entry into the tub. I immediately tried to call back down to the front desk but the room phone had no dail tone and was not working! I go back down to the front desk to checkout and am told i cannot have a full refund because i booked my room through Expedia! Currently working with Expedia to get a full refund. Hotel staff was polite and courteous but they seem to know that these rooms have several issues and problems.
5/5
Excellent
Elias
01/29/2024
The Congress is very well managed and clean, the rooms are quite beautiful and feel vintage. We had a minor issue with seeing a cockroach in our bathroom and brought this to the hotel staff’s attention. They gave us an upgrade and immediately allowed us to change rooms. A reason I love and favor staying here is that this hotel is very close to the red line subway, various buses and union station, meaning that staying at this hotel gives you the ability to be within walking distance to many things without having to worry about parking.
5/5
Excellent
Michael
01/29/2024
The smoking rooms
4/5
Good
Lance
01/28/2024
Historic, spacious, could use updates
Quirky old building. Historic features, spacious hallways and rooms. Good elevators and stairs. Finishes in common areas and rooms were run down but serviceable. Like many Chicago buildings during my trip, the bottom level smelled like smoke because smokers congregate by the entrances, where cold, smoky air gets sucked in. I reported some issues in my bathroom, and they were resolved same-day.
1/5
Eric
01/27/2024
dirty and smell so bad
never go back
1/5
Eric
01/26/2024
dirty and smell bad
never go back
1/5
Eric
01/26/2024
OLD AND DIRTY SMELL BAD
5/5
Excellent
Rakesh
01/25/2024
Great location, limited food options at the facility. However lot of options in neighborhood.
1/5
Jonathan
01/25/2024
Nothing
2/5
rick
01/24/2024
When i got to my room the heat was on full and the room was over 80 degrees i would guess. I turned the heater off eventually and the controls were so dirty that i could not tell what was hot or cool. I had the heater off for the two day stay and it still was a little too warm at night for sleeping.
The desk was super small and had no lamp nor a pug at it.
2/5
James
01/24/2024
Needs updating. Lobby is in disrepair. Hallways are in disrepair. TV in the room was tiny. Room was hot. HVAC system didn't even have a thermostat, just a Los/Med/High fan speed knob. The breakfast cafe was always a 45-minute wait (we walked across the street every day). Bar was OK. The historic value is lost due to condition. I would not recommend.
3/5
Jody
01/24/2024
Don't Stay Here Alone
The positives are it's location and reasonable price. The main floor features an elegant lobby, vintage elevators and decor. The negatives are it's haunted history which I researched AFTER I checked in by myself. I picked up on a creepy vibe as soon as I got off the elevator. Bathroom sink was broken and the toilet ran. The beds were comfortable, but I honestly didn't get much sleep.
4/5
Good
Joseph
01/24/2024
Stately and comfortable
Stately hotel in an older building, rooms and service are great. Unfortunately, walls are thin and my neighbor was watching TV loudly and late at night
1/5
James
01/24/2024
Old and dirty
1/5
james
01/24/2024
Would not honor cancellation even though request met their requirements
4/5
Good
Jorge
01/24/2024
Good property for price. Good location.
Little noise at night.
Good rooms.
General area of hotel run down, but for the price, its good.
1/5
Fatbardh
01/23/2024
Hotel is completely rundown and the staff are completely irresponsible
5/5
Excellent
Lori
01/23/2024
Was probably a top of the line hotel when it opened. Beautiful architecture but has seen better days
4/5
Good
Derrick
01/21/2024
Everything was good except they need to have a way to cast from your phone to TV- tvs are old asked front desk staff can I cast from phone to TV and she asked what's casting me and Significant other laugh at the lady, but other than that it ok.
5/5
Excellent
Rodrigo
01/20/2024
The staff was very friendly and informative.
5/5
Excellent
SONJA
01/17/2024
Old building but the rooms are nice
4/5
Good
Gerardo
01/17/2024
Was a good experience hotel elevator and stairs was a mess. I do not recommended the in house breakfast restaurant
4/5
Good
Kimberly
01/17/2024
Really cool old hotel. The only complaint is the hot water was nonexistent. I had to leave the shower on for 20 minutes before it got even a little bit warm
4/5
Good
Steven
01/15/2024
Love it
Very friendly staff, the room wasn’t spotless but it wasn’t bad. Very comfortable beds and could sleep past the busy streets of Chicago.
3/5
Stephanie
01/15/2024
Very noisy at night, carpets smell, cabinets are loose. Fridge doesn’t get very cold. Heat could be better. Staff is very friendly and helpful.
3/5
Armando
01/15/2024
Podría ser mejor
La ubicación de hotel está accesible a todos los puntos de interés en Chicago, el precio es justo, lo malo es que la calefacción es dirigida por el hotel , tuvimos que dormir con las ventanas abiertas para no morir de calor😁, eso no fue muy cómodo☹️
3/5
Eunan
01/14/2024
Won’t be back
Hotel rooms are very dated, plastic curtain on shower, bed old and uncomfortable. No hot water from shower, like warm.
4/5
Good
David
01/12/2024
Bar wasn’t open
3/5
Juan
01/08/2024
A little run down but ok. I went to turn on a lamp and it shocked myself and my wife.
3/5
Jeremy
01/08/2024
We were in the corner of North tower, right by the stairs in the elevator section. There’s maybe 6 rooms between the two doors…and those doors opened and slammed closed all night!
5/5
Excellent
Amanda
01/07/2024
Love the hotel. I go every year for a week! I definitely will try to get the same room had a great relaxing time !
2/5
Dawn
01/07/2024
The restaurant had hardly any food that was on the menu. The beds linens had crumbs on them, One pillow on each of the double beds, the temperature of the room was hot and not adjustable
5/5
Excellent
Carmen
01/06/2024
I love it
4/5
Good
Kelly
01/04/2024
Staff were very accommodating. Hated the smell of weed in the elevators.
3/5
Deanna
01/04/2024
It was really old and one floor looked as if it was condemned.
5/5
Excellent
Lori
01/03/2024
The only place we stay when we go to Chicago. Steve is the absolute best
4/5
Good
Ann
01/03/2024
This property is a diamond in the rough. Great location, beautiful views, large 2 bedroom suite, reasonable prices, historical beauty. The details have been overlooked, like scuffs on the corridors, dated corridor decor, ice machine not working, chipped door knob, chipped tile. I would stay there again, accepting the little flaws in exchange for all the amazing attributes.
3/5
Robert
01/03/2024
Property itself was great and enjoyable if you’re looking for an old-school Chicago experience. The property is very old but it’s well maintained for the aging of the property. The staff were excellent for check-in, cleaning and room service, calls are answered almost immediately and service requests are responded to quickly. The only serious concern I had that soured the experience was the experience of encountering hotel security multiple times through my weeklong stay. The hotel has no labeling for what is a normal hallway and what is “off limits to guests”, so navigation of the hotel is confusing and they do nothing to help with their rudeness and condescending attitude. They’ll treat you as though you’re disrespecting them somehow when there’s nothing indicating you’re in the wrong area if you happen to find yourself in one of the “off limits” areas that look almost identical to the rest of the hotel. Everyone walks around a little bit when staying at a hotel, just to look at the property, so if something is off limits or being renovated that should be either blocked off to guests or indicated somehow with signs or postings or some form of communication. If I’m going to pay $1000 nearly to stay for a week in a hotel I don’t deserve to be talked down to the way I was during my stay when even in the handbooks and rules and guidelines for my stay, nothing indicates I’ve done anything clearly stated as a rule violation. Do better, you can afford it.
2/5
Todd
01/02/2024
Checked in to the room and there were two dead bugs in the bathroom. One was crushed, so someone had just left it there. The air conditioning was also broken. The room also had a slight sewage smell. Talked to the front desk and they upgraded us to a different room. The other room was better, but the walls are very thin and you can hear the neighbors. A woman also tried to fight security in the lobby.
4/5
Good
Chani
01/02/2024
OK, so I lied
My last review here had a stink in it. I was not going to stay another night. After thinking about it more, I realize one bad apple is not going to keep me from the rest of the good when coming to the Congress hotel. I absolutely enjoy the customer service and how I’m being treated, when I am staying here. This time I did not deal with JOHN the one I’m trying to avoid I believe with the H. Every person from housekeeping, front desk, Bellman security, and possibly a maintenance guy that walked past me, and said afternoon has been remarkable.
I did downsize to the smaller room, king size single, with a city view, absolutely worth the money. Side note, changing from a suite to a single room, it didn’t have the superb cleanliness experience. Maybe a quick clean up from after NYE. I noticed film in the sink. Not where you can see dirt but can feel it. I also noticed there wasn’t any washcloths, but honestly like I said, I stayed another night and called off work just because I’d like the way the staff treats me here. Still worth the money for the room. I also don’t see an alarm clock. Which I did in the suite. I will be doing business here again, did not get a chance to play on the pool table, but will be back to try it out. Thank you Congress Hotel for offering the business and customer service that brings people coming back. I would do this again.
2/5
Alejandro
01/02/2024
The hotel was dilapidated, stairs to the second floor in the Buckingham tower were filthy. The corridor and area around the room smelled of Marihuana. Very disappointed overall.
4/5
Good
Calvin
01/02/2024
First of all, we like staying on the South Side. The hotel is good value for the money; the lobby is gorgeous. Bus transportation is both abundant and readily available across the street. The main downside: the restaurant is way below par and sometimes not even open. Cleaning services are every other day; you need to ask for better service and/or extra coffee packages.
5/5
Excellent
Amy
01/02/2024
A great location for a short walk to soldier Field. We were able to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks from our lake view room. The property is beautiful and the rooms are nice, the only downfall is the TV is small. I would definitely stay here again.
4/5
Good
MARIA D PORTES
01/02/2024
The no smoking policy wasn't followed by the guest next to us. The smell of marijuana was really strong every time we pass by their door. I was in room 1006
3/5
Jonathan
01/02/2024
Staff was excellent. Room was small and very antiquated. But for New Year's Eve, it was perfect for my wife and I.
3/5
Kathleen
01/02/2024
Very thin walls, would have liked staff to enforce quiet time.
5/5
Excellent
susan
01/02/2024
great deal and lovely hotel. excellent staff
3/5
Lori
01/01/2024
It's obvious that The Congress was wonderful in it's heyday, however, that was a long time ago. The property needs updating carpet, wall paper, pillows and HVAC. Also do NOT stay there over New Year's.
2/5
Jalani
01/01/2024
Every employee seemed to have a bad attitude I don’t know if it was because of the amount of people that was there for new year but it was terrible customer service. I also found a dead roach in the curtains in my room I went down to tell the lady at the front desk and all she asked me is do I want to file a report didn’t even offer to send someone to get it out. the rooms are also very outdated
2/5
Erin
01/01/2024
We loved the location the view was amazing of the fountain. We watched the fireworks at navy pier better than if we were there. The only downfall was our shower did not work we were there 4 nights we told them every day and nothing was done. So we washed in the sink not fun. Our tv did not work not a big deal we dont watch tv. But we wanted to watch the weather. Our neighbors were up past 3 am blasting loud music and Marijuana smell came through to our room.
5/5
Excellent
Jay
01/01/2024
Good to go!
Nice, comfortable room within walking distance of many points of interest!
5/5
Excellent
carlos
01/01/2024
New Year Eve
Excellent!!!!
3/5
Kaitlyn
01/01/2024
Well our chain lock was non-usable as half of it was missing. We stayed for new years Eve and let me tell you, there were several parties on our floor alone.. The halls were thick with green smoke and noisy as there were many people coming and going and partying! We had Dealt with mostly friendly staff until we went to checkout! We own our own business and asked for a copy of our reciept upon checkout and Dealt with a very rude front desk agent whom told us because we booked through Expedia that we'd have to deal with them for anything like that!?!?.. Also we had a TV but no way to watch it because the remote was missing... Called to the front desk they had brought one.
3/5
Faith
01/01/2024
Very old/dingy
3/5
Chani Pearl
01/01/2024
Amazing to down the toilet
The moment that I pulled up, the service I received at the hotel was amazing. From Security at the front door to the Bellman even when I spoke to two different people at the desk. Miss Nichole and AJ Have superb customer service. I was planning on staying another night, but came across a security guy who treated me with such disrespect that I will not be staying another night. He tried to claim that I disregard information that was given to me about my service dog, what happened I was told to put a leash on my dog because it was so busy at that time. This was about an hour before the ball drops for NYE. Now the hotel is cleared out. I’m in the bar area which is closed, blocked off, but they allowed me into the pool table area. Maybe 8 people in the lobby 30+ feet away. But before I could even get my pool cue together and put quarters in the guy came over talking to me, and honestly I believe he had been drinking. Not my business, but when I made the comment to him that he had been, he didn’t really deny it either. So, I’m hoping it was just because of his tip that he said to come at me the way he did. But I cannot believe it , everything was over the top and stars for scores until I met. JOHN asked him his name wouldn’t give it to me three times today so I started walking away and I said that’s OK. I remember everybody else’s name that took care of me Steve, AJ, Miss Nichole. Just ruined the overall experience.
1/5
darien
01/01/2024
Terrible
Such a terrible stay room is terrible only positive is you can smoke . Security guards are criminals unprofessional especially the head captain short Caucasian
5/5
Excellent
Edoardo
01/01/2024
Very friedly staff at the entrance to help you and answer any questions
4/5
Good
Dawnte
01/01/2024
The location was convenient. The hotel needs a major makeover. I had a room with a double bed so i thought but ended up with a room connected with two full size beds not a queen. The room had a tv looked about an 19 inch maybe 24 but it was so small from the bed i used my tablet.
5/5
Excellent
Bruce
12/31/2023
everything was fine
1/5
Verified traveler
12/31/2023
No hot water , heater so noisy in the point you can’t even sleep it’s dusty .
5/5
Excellent
Douglas
12/31/2023
It was very easy to communicate our request and needs everyone has been extremely helpful.
5/5
Excellent
Christopher
12/30/2023
I loved the experience. It was a getaway for sure💪
4/5
Good
Verified traveler
12/29/2023
The room was very HOT
4/5
Good
Bryce
12/28/2023
comfy
wish there was water on the 11th floor. we were thirsty and the machine only took cash so that sucked
1/5
Baha
12/27/2023
Not worth the money
1/5
Nhu
12/27/2023
Upon checking in no one was at the front desk for about 15 minutes.
Toilet was not working and hotel refuse to provide me with another room. Instead sent me a plumber to fix the problem and toilet continued to not work for entire stay.
No A/C.
Room service only provided once during six night stay.
Carpet in room extremely soiled. Painting around common areas on walls and trimming completely peeled off.
Thankfully, I only used the room to sleep.
Do not stay here!!!
4/5
Good
Verified traveler
12/27/2023
Charming old hotel
We have stayed here multiple times, the service is very good, the hotel was very grand at one time and still worth the price of addmission. The bar staff were very good and the food quite good as well. Only real complaint was hard time finding enogh quarters for pool
5/5
Excellent
Michelle
12/26/2023
We love The Congress! Its history is amazing, beautiful architecture, and walking distance to all our favorite things. Convenient for Uber and room service is great!
5/5
Excellent
robert
12/25/2023
Always a solid, affordable option
Needed a last-minute room on Christmas Eve, and this price could not be beat. This is not the newest hotel in the area, but the staff is always helpful, and the rooms are awfully large. It's a reliable standby.
2/5
Lucas
12/25/2023
I know the hotel is really old but they should clean all the hall way carpet cause it is smell!!!!
4/5
Good
Ciera
12/24/2023
This hotel is very old and has awesome history. Some of the decor and amenities are outdated, there are no thermostats in the room to control the temperature, but otherwise the hotel is beautiful and is located on Michigan Ave, within walking distance to everything. The staff was very sweet and accommodating with the exception of one older lady at the front desk, but otherwise the bellhops were so sweet and had the best stories. Overall I would stay here again.
3/5
Verified traveler
12/23/2023
No hot water. Was on 9th floor and let it run for over half an hour and only got luke warm otherwise it was ok. Room terribly hot and no way to adjust thermostat.
4/5
Good
Ryan
12/23/2023
The most Chicagoan thing in all of Chicago
The Congress Plaza Hotel is a curious thing. Part relic, part museum, part mausoleum, stepping into the Plaza is like stepping back in time. There's something of The Overlook (from Stephen King's "The Shining") about the place, though only in the era it evokes—nothing creepy for me whatsoever, despite what others have written. Yes, there are some dated elements, yes, there are some quirks, and, yes, if you forget your toothpaste they don't have little packets at the front desk, but my enormous room was quite updated and spotless and had a wonderful view of Lake Michigan. In some ways, The Congress feels like the most Chicagoan thing in all of Chicago. Given its location and price point, I dare say you won't do better.
4/5
Good
Tara
12/23/2023
Grand Old Dame still a great value/location
I loved coming to this Landmark Hotel for 8 years, 5-8 times a year (2012-2020). The service staff is still fantastic, still a great location and value. I was saddened that they feel they have to "remodel" to not so elegant furnishes, but I guess times are tough and/or the public is tough on the grand old furnishes that made this place grand.
5/5
Excellent
Basel
12/22/2023
I don’t like it
1/5
Emily
12/22/2023
Air conditioning didn’t work, room smelled like weed and smoke, room was size of card board box and bathroom was even smaller.
5/5
Excellent
LORI
12/22/2023
Great Service
We had 2 rooms for one night and wanted adjoining. The front desk was very helpful in accomodating us even though it was through a phone call and normally it is first come first serve at check-in, in person.
5/5
Excellent
Kim
12/22/2023
The room is very comfortable. The check-in was easy and they were so kind to let me have a late check out at 1 PM. I would definitely stay here again. Very convenient and located to all the things I needed. Parking across the street was 30 a night, which was the cheapest I found anywhere, great hotel! Staff was amazing!
3/5
Verified traveler
12/20/2023
Stale room
The view from the room was incredible! However when we got in it was about 80 degrees, and we had no option to turn the heat down. So we had to resort to opening the hotel windows. The bathroom smelled as if someone had smoked cigarettes in it for 5 hours straight before we arrived.
1/5
Linda
12/20/2023
Lumpy pillows are an actual thing!
For starters, they shoehorned us into probably the smallest room they had and the place was virtually empty. There was no need for that. They had an opportunity to give us a great experience and didn't. The beds were hard as rocks and the pillows were actually lumpy. We've stayed here several times in the past but we will never go back. There are hotels near by that are less expensive and a heck of a lot more comfortable.
1/5
Samuel
12/19/2023
This place was a joke. The room I was given was old and smelled like mold. The bathtub was stained and the room just felt dirty.
I lasted for 5 minutes in that room when I went right back down to check out. I did not even stay.
When asked by the front desk why I was checking out so fast, I informed her that the room was subpar and unacceptable. Her response was “I understand” as she agreed with me.
Just was a horrible experience
3/5
Gloria
12/18/2023
Could do better
The doorman and bell hops were friendly and helpful - check in clerks and housekeeping were not! I had to ask 4 times before any clean towels were brought up. Property is in a state of disrepair- bathroom sink plugged, it took 15 minutes to warm the shower (what a waste of water!), broken doors. Way too hot in the room and no way to adjust it, other than turning it completely off.
1/5
Bobby
12/18/2023
This hotel is very outdated and the staff was not helpful at all. I asked for extra towels and got none. Asked for directions to my room and was not give clear instructions. Smell is bad. They don’t tell you that they don’t clean the room. This was a great location but I would rather pay the additional cost to stay elsewhere in the area
5/5
Excellent
Jasmin
12/18/2023
Love
4/5
Good
Cynthia
12/17/2023
Although an old facility, they have remodeled the rooms. Everything was clean, but not really a luxury hotel. More of an economy hotel. location was great for us.
1/5
Monica
12/17/2023
Expedia lied about it been a pool😡😡 and the room smelled terrible even after I asked them to come spray clean or whatever . The bathroom was dirty especially the tub, nobody came to clean and parking was overly expensive
2/5
Elizabeth
12/17/2023
Property location is ideal for grant prk and soldier field events. There’s a lot of potential in this hotel but needs revamp of staff (more welcoming and helpful) and a complete change to classic furniture and decor to match the antique architecture. All the pleather needs to go! A light touch of music in the lobby would be nice.
New moldings and doors would be amazing in the safety aspect. The tub looked like it was re-caulked by a 5yr old.
2/5
Richell
12/17/2023
The whole is super warm and we can’t sleep at all
5/5
Excellent
Keith
12/17/2023
The Congress hotel is always welcoming
I’ve stayed at the Converse Hotel several times and I continue to enjoy it. It can’t be beat for location and the staff is always friendly and accommodating.
4/5
Good
Holly
12/17/2023
Loved it
Street view nice large room comfortable bed.
2/5
Arshaun
12/17/2023
It was things from the last people that was staying there and I also didn’t receive my deposit back
2/5
Antonio
12/17/2023
Vending machines
There should be vending machines that take $20 bills. Getting water it’s a mess. The vending machines didn’t take my card.