Amenities At Congress Plaza Hotel
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Chicagos Most Haunted Hotel: The Congress Plaza
Zombies, werewolves and vampires might be filling the movie lots and soundstages of Hollywood. But guess just what type of “guests” are checking inand not checking outof one of Chicago’s most prestigious places?
Boo. Ghosts, that’s who.
The 871 guest rooms and suites of The Congress Plaza Hotel are notable for providing posh accommodationsand incredible viewsfor visitors to Chicago. But, over the years, it has also become known as the most haunted hotel on Michigan Avenue, and maybe even the most haunted space in all of the Windy City.
It wasn’t always that way. This “Landmark of Chicago Hospitality” was originally built over a hundred years ago to accommodate visitors coming for The Chicago World’s Fair. The hotel didn’t actually become The Congress Plaza until 1908. That was about twenty years before one of its most notable residents, gangster Al Capone, was said to have lived here some reports are that he owned the hotel for a while and used it for his headquarters. Truth is, Big Al never actually stayed here, at least not under his name. But residents still see him from time to time, walking these hallowed halls with the rat-ta-tat of his two-tone wingtips.
But it’s not all about ghosts at The Congress Plaza.
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago
- Air conditioning in public areas
- Luggage storage
- Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
- Pay in local currency at the property
Find a cancellation policy that works for you
From 6 April 2020, your chosen cancellation policy will apply, regardless of Coronavirus.
We recommend booking a free cancellation option in case your travel plans need to change.Read more
Please check your booking conditions
For bookings made on or after 6 April 2020, we advise you to consider the risk of Coronavirus and associated government measures. If you dont book a flexible rate, you may not be entitled to a refund. Your cancellation request will be handled by the property based on your chosen policy and mandatory consumer law, where applicable. During times of uncertainty, we recommend booking an option with free cancellation. If your plans change, you can cancel free of charge until free cancellation expires.
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Hospedaje De Presidentes Y Eventos Importantes
A lo largo de los años, el Congreso ha dado la bienvenida a muchos presidentes y ha sido sede de importantes eventos.
Los presidentes que se han alojado o visitado el Congreso incluyen a Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge y Franklin Roosevelt.
En junio de 1912, Theodore Roosevelt se hospedó en Congress Plaza cuando se celebró la Convención Nacional Republicana de 1912 en Chicago. Roosevelt, que en ese momento buscaba la nominación republicana a la presidencia, habló desde el balcón de su habitación en el hotel a una multitud reunida al otro lado de la calle en Grant Park.
En octubre de 1916, Woodrow Wilson, pasó por el hotel como parte de su visita a la ciudad. Más de un centenar de manifestantes del Partido Nacional de Mujeres se manifestaron a favor del sufragio femenino con una protesta silenciosa. Sosteniendo pancartas como “Wilson está en contra de las mujeres”, las manifestantes fueron atacadas por una turba y sus pancartas destruidas mientras la policía miraba y, en algunos casos, se reía, según informes de prensa.
Los eventos que se han llevado a cabo en el hotel incluyen la Convención Nacional del Partido de la Prohibición de 1963 el 23 de agosto de 1963.
Hosting Presidents And Major Events

Over the years the Congress has welcomed many presidents as well as hosted major events.
Presidents who have stayed at or visited the Congress include Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin Roosevelt.
In June, 1912, Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the Congress Plaza when the 1912 Republican National Convention was held in Chicago. Roosevelt, who at that time was seeking the Republican nomination for President, spoke from the balcony of his room at the hotel to a crowd assembled across the street in Grant Park.
In October 1916, US President Woodrow Wilson passed the hotel as part of his visit to the city. Over a hundred protestors from the National Women’s Party demonstrated in favor of women’s suffrage with a silent protest. Holding banners such as “Wilson is Against Women,” the demonstrators were attacked by a mob and their banners destroyed while police looked on and, in some cases, laughed, according to newspaper reports.
Events that have been held at the hotel include the 1963 Prohibition Party National Convention on August 23, 1963.
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Learn About Congress Plazas Rich Past
As the 19th century came to a close, the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center opened in 1893 as the Auditorium Annex, built by famous hotel developer R.H. Southgate.With its unique façade as the centerpiece, the elaborately designed hotel soon became a favorite among Chicagos captains of industry, society, politics and culture. Today, following nearly 125 years of refinements and refurbishments, the Congress Plaza stands among the most historic hotels in Chicago with a story as rich and fascinating as that of Windy City Itself.
Early History
Originally constructed in 1893, the Congress Plaza Hotel featured cobbled streets, gaslights, and horse drawn carriages. The hotel was originally called the Auditorium Annex when it opened to house the throngs of visitors to the Worlds Columbian Exposition celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus discovering America. The original conception was an annex with a façade designed to complement Louis Sullivans Auditorium Building across the street, at the time housing a remarkable hotel, theater and office complex.
The Auditorium Annex was built by famous hotel developer R.H. Southgate. The first section, or north tower, was designed by Clinton Warren, with Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler serving as consultants. Peacock Alley, a celebrated feature of the new hotel, was an underground marble passageway that connected the new annex with the Auditorium Hotel.
Over The Years
Home Of The Presidents
Vast Elegant Event Spaces Two Restaurants Lounge Bar 24
The hotel’s main draw are its historic meeting and event spaces, totaling over 50,000 square feet, including an elegant 8,300-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate 2,000 people. There are also a 24-hour business center and a 24-hour fitness center, though it’s equipped with old cardio machines. For dining, Gazebo is a casual American restaurant open daily for breakfast , while Rafaels takes over for lunch and dinner, serving American standards. The Congress Lounge has a pool table, beers, cocktails, and wine, along with a short menu of comfort food like chicken tenders and quesadillas. There’s also a sidewalk patio with outdoor seating. Valet and self-parking are available for a fee.
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Preguntas Frecuentes Sobre Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago
Puedes consultar aquí tus dudas respecto a las normativas de Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago ante la covid-19.
Así es, en Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago se cuenta con un control de la temperatura corporal, para prevenir contagios de cualquier tipo ante el coronavirus.
Efectivamente, la zona de restaurante de Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago cuenta con un aforo reducido, en la línea de políticas de prevención ante el coronavirus.
Sí, la desinfección de Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago se efectúa con un virucida, como norma de prevención ante la covid-19.
Sí, en Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago se desinfectan a diario los textiles, para asegurar la mayor salubridad a sus clientes.
Puedes alojarte en el Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago a partir de 51,40 la noche. El precio varía en función de la fecha y la demanda.
No, el Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago no cuenta con piscina.
Sí, el Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago está situado a solo 546 m del centro de Chicago. Mira en nuestro mapa para hacerte una mejor idea.
Sí, en Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago dispones de aparcamiento para estacionar tu coche.
En Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago podrás conectarte a internet de forma gratuita gracias a su servicio de wifi.
Sí, si buscas un alojamiento con instalaciones deportivas, en Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago dispondrás de un gimnasio en el que ejercitarte.
Sí, Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago es un alojamiento familiar, adecuado para ir acompañado de los tuyos.
Into Historic Settings With Modern Amenities
Constructed during an era when it was common for Chicagos elite to permanently reside in a hotel, the 871 rooms and suites at the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center offer a grand bridge between The Windy Citys legendary past and cosmopolitan present. Befitting their historic design and character, all accommodations are uniquely configured and feature spacious floor plans, high ceilings, expansive bathrooms, and modern technology including in-room internet access and cable for the utmost experience with select rooms and suites featuring spectacular views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan.
All accommodations are appointed with standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, pillowtop beds, refrigerators, room service, safes and flat-screen televisions with cable and satellite channels. Our Lakeview Rooms offer unparalleled views of Lake Michigan, and our Deluxe and Lakefront Suites are equipped with in-room Jacuzzi tubs and splendid views of the Chicago skyline.
Our 21 semi-accessible rooms feature a bathtub and toilet handrails and wider doors for wheelchair access. Service dogs are permitted with certification and the owners valid ID.
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Check Into Living History On Chicagos Michigan Ave
Enjoy unparalleled value and gracious hospitality at one of downtown Chicagos most legendary hotels. Located near Grant Park on Michigan Ave., with views of Lake Michigan, the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center has been a Windy City icon since 1893, playing host to U.S. presidents, international celebrities and performers, foreign dignitaries and elite travelers from around the world.
From the gilded lobby ornately designed with blind arches, marble and chandeliers to impeccable service and classically decorated rooms and suites, a stay at the Congress Plaza Hotel has long been a symbol of luxury and privilege among executives, families and leisure guests seeking to explore the best the city has to offer.
Guest rooms are appointed with everything todays traveler needs, from refrigerators and free Wi-Fi to room service, pillowtop beds and flat-screen televisions with cable and satellite channels. Our Lakeview Rooms offer Lake Michigan views that most downtown Chicago hotels can only dream of. If you are hosting a meeting, wedding or special event, our majestic Gold Room is one of the most beautiful venues in the Windy City.
Walking distance from the Buckingham Fountain, The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute and exclusive Magnificent Mile shopping, we offer a vibrant gateway to exactly the Chicago youve come to discover. Before you set out, be sure to treat yourself to our sumptuous breakfast in the Gazebo Restaurant.
Mix Of Old And Updated Rooms All With Coffeemakers
The hotel’s 851 rooms and suites were renovated in 2016, but many still have a dated old-world style, with wood bed frames, gold bed throws, and cream patterned wallpaper. Garish curtains, stained carpets, and thoroughly worn out furniture are the norm. Updated rooms ditch the old world look for a modern white palette, consisting of white vanities and tables for two with gray chairs, on top of purple carpets. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, small 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Mini-fridges are available for an extra fee and rooms lack individual climate controls. The bathrooms have average shower/tub combos, though some suites get jetted tubs . Most rooms have city views, but upgraded rooms and suites have views of the lakefront.
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Across The Street From Grant Park And Blocks From Six Subway Lines
The Congress Plaza is located in the South Loop, across the street from Grant Park and its famous Buckingham Fountain, which can be seen from most of the rooms. Museum Campus is just a short walk away, and there are six subway lines and one Metro line within two blocks of the hotel. Numerous cultural attractions like Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum Campus, home to the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History are within walking distance, but the vibrant Loop neighborhood and the Magnificent Mile are farther north . OHare International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away.
Is There Shuttle Service

Yes. Midway Airport – 11 milesO’Hare Airport – 18 miles**Taxi cabOne way to/from OHare$30.00-$35.00One way to/from Midway$22.00-$28.00**Airport Express One way from OHare $27.00 each way, $49.00 round trip One way from Midway $22.00 each way, $37.00 round trip Call Airport Express for group rates Shuttle service is ok. About half of guests thought the shuttle service was ok.
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How To Book
After room types and rates are returned to your screen, you will be able to choose the rate you desire by reading the room information in the center of the screen, then clicking on the “Book Now” button on the right side of the screen. After you have selected your desired room type, you will be taken to a “Complete your booking” form. Then you will need to review the “Details of your stay” and fill in the blanks on the “Guest Details” section. Be sure your name and email address are spelled correctly.
After you fill out all of the needed information, press the “Complete reservation” button. To ensure your security, we use a secure commerce server, which encrypts the credit card number and encodes it into a non-usable form.