The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago

Are you looking for a budget friendly hotel that's close to the downtown area in Chicago? There's only one place to go and that is the Congress Plaza Hotel. The hotel was originally built in 1893 for house visitors of the World's Columbian Exposition. It is across the street from Grant Park and about 2 miles from Navy Pier.

The lobby has two restaurants and a lounge. American cuisine is served in Gazebo Restaurant while Midwestern cuisine is served (dinner only) at Rafael Steak House. The hotel has 23 conference rooms that are great for any event or celebration. The Gold Room is decorated with gold leaf trim and chandeliers and used for formal events.

The guest rooms have their own well kept bathrooms with bath tub and shower. All are provided with complimentary toiletries and a hair dryer. All rooms have Internet access, pay per view cable, and premium channels. There are also special amenities like safes built in the room and coffee makers. Rooms are provided with air conditioning and climate control. Rooms have telephone and a clock radio which can be used as an alarm clock for guests. But if this alarm won't be able to wake you up because you are a heavy sleeper, then you can give instructions to the front desk and ask them to give you a wake up call at a specific time. Their telephone service is equipped with voice mail.

If you have a baby with you, cribs can also be requested or an infant bed perhaps. You can also request for a roll away bed for older kids or for extra persons. Each room is equipped with magnetic keys. Housekeeping is always prompt when the tenant is out. You can also request for an iron and an ironing board if you don't want to look like you are living out of a suitcase. You can also smoke as long as you are in your own room. And each room has a window that opens outside.

Other services and amenities offered are an arcade or game room, automatic teller machines, as well as regular banks, breakfast, fitness gyms, hair salon, Wi-Fi access, a multi-lingual staff, room service (but hours are limited), a safe deposit box at the front desk, shoe shine, etc. The front desk is also available anytime, 24/7. There are banquet facilities and catering for wedding receptions, and other event celebrations. Conference rooms are also available for conventions and seminars. They also offer services like dry cleaning or laundry. There are also areas for exhibits and an area for small group get together.