I used to live in Chicago and know the Michigan Ave area well, so I chose this hotel for its convenience to the train and the park. As a seasoned traveler I also realized that you pretty much get what you pay for when it comes to hotels. I knew this was an older property, and for the price, I expected it to have very few of the amenities you’d expect from a large chain hotel. The Congress is mostly used as an overflow hotel when the surrounding ones are booked for conventions. I wouldn’t say this place is awful, but here are some things to expect if you’re looking for a lower priced hotel on Michigan Ave: It smells very musty, the rooms do not have climate control or fans, so there is no air circulation. If you have allergies, this can be a problem, as mildew and dust can build up in the rooms. The floor in the bathroom was uneven, which caused the shower to leak–we used half our towels just sopping up the water. The bed had a much older, harder mattress, and there is a bare minimum of pillows. We didn’t sleep well as a result. If you’re just looking for a place to crash for a night, this is fine. But if you like a little more comfort, it’s better to spend the money and stay at something slightly more upscale.
Written by: Anonymous

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