| Hotel Rating: |      | | Satisfaction: |      | | Reviews: 11 | Photos: 5 | | 520 S Michigan Ave |
 | Chicago Congress Plaza Hotel Reviews | 1 - 10 of 11 |  |  | |  |  | Congress Plaza Hotel: VERY faded glory
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I was booked here for a convention in Chicago. The literature and website stress that it is a historic hotel, built in 1893, which has "catered to our nation's presidents and political leaders, foreign dignitaries, opera, stage, and movie celebrities..." Well, I'm not sure who was the last president to stay here (FDR I think), but today they would probably find better value for their money at one of the other lower-end hotels in the area (e.g. Travelodge, Essex Inn). The immediate impression upon entering the lobby (after crossing the picket line out front - apparently the staff has been on strike for the past 4 years because of low wages!) was dingy, a little too run down. The contrast between the hifalutin names on the conference rooms (Oxford, Buckingham) and the down-market appearance of the halls. There is a sad little workout room languishing in the basement. The accommodations were adequate: hot water with good water pressure, working A/C. There were numerous small details missing (no condiments with the complimentary in-room coffeemaker, no "Do Not Disturb" card). The adjective the room shouts from every corner is "run-down": wallpaper is peeling at the floor where baseboard is missing. Bathroom tile is a little grimy. Paint is peeling in spots. Maybe the place would look better if they paid their staff better?
Good location right at Grant Park, walking distance from Millennium Park, the Art Institute and Symphony Hall. Convenient to the "L." High-speed internet access in the room (but no WiFi) and nice flat-screen TV. Theme: HotelPrice: US$180 and up » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averagePhone: 800-635-1666Directions: South Loop on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Congress ParkwayWebsite: www.congressplazahotel.com
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$100-$350
Almost Lakefront. Cool view. Moderate price. Leave a Comment Theme: HotelComparison: less expensive than average
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 | |  |  | Congress Plaza Hotel: Faded Glory, Controversial Accommodation
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We stayed at the Congress Plaza hotel for one night on Saturday 6th December 2008, during a longer visit to Chicago's suburbs. We chose the Congress Plaza because we wanted something reasonably priced, after all it was just for one night and we wouldn't spend much time in the hotel. We made the booking through www.expedia.com, we pre-paid and everything went smoothly with that. The hotel is located in the southern part of downtown, next to Grant Park and overlooking the lake. It is not the most central hotel, but it is in a safe area and a quick walk to all the local attractions and life. By foot it took us about 15minutes from Ogilvie station. When we arrived at the hotel we found a picket line of protestors with plaquards marching outside the main entrance. The picketers were polite and unagressive, they did not cause any trouble and only served to highlight their plight, which is also detailed here http://www.congresshotelstrike.info/about.asp. The picketers appear to be protesting about low wages and benefit cuts. Check-in at the hotel was fast and friendly. The lobby seemed oddly positioned but was pleasantly decorated. We were given a room on the 7th floor. The room did not have a pleasant view, overlooking the roof of the lobby and a corridor on the other side of the atrium, but it was pleasantly decorated and clean, if a little old-fashioned. All in all the stay was fine, good for the price.
Longest strike in US history. Leave a Comment
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