The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center

The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center is a hotel in Chicago, IL. Positioned in the heart of downtown, the property welcomes business travelers, leisure guests, wedding parties and conference attendees. It offers more than 800 spacious rooms and suites, including Lakeview accommodations with panoramic Lake Michigan vistas and Jacuzzi tubs. Amenities feature complimentary Wi‑Fi, ultra‑plush pillow‑top beds and flat‑screen TVs with cable and satellite. The hotel also provides dedicated event spaces such as the Gold Ballroom and Florentine Room, as well as dining venues like the Gazebo, Rafael’s and the Congress Lounge. It holds a 3.70 rating from guest reviews.

Rooted in a legacy that began in 1893 when the building was erected for the World’s Columbian Exhibition, the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center has evolved into a Chicago icon. Originally named the Auditorium Annex, the structure was developed by R.H. Southgate with a north tower designed by Clinton Warren, and later expanded with a south tower between 1902 and 1907 that introduced America’s first air‑conditioned ballroom. Over the decades the hotel has hosted international celebrities, presidents and world leaders, and has continuously modernized its facilities. Today guests can enjoy a range of packages, from romantic Sweetheart’s stays to comprehensive wedding specials that include custom menus, open bars and décor. Four distinct meeting spaces accommodate conferences and trade shows, while the historic Gold Ballroom remains a celebrated venue for large events. The hotel’s location on Michigan Avenue places it adjacent to Grant Park, the Magnificent Mile and the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering easy access to the city’s premier attractions.

With more than a century of hospitality heritage and a prime downtown setting, the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center stands as a historic landmark destination for visitors to Chicago.