The Congress Hotel, officially known as the Congress Plaza Hotel, is one of Chicago’s oldest and most well-known historic hotels. Originally opened in 1893 to help accommodate visitors attending the World’s Columbian Exposition, the hotel sits directly across from Grant Park along Michigan Avenue. Its location placed it near many of Chicago’s major attractions and helped establish it as an important part of the city’s early hospitality scene.
Over the years, the hotel has hosted countless guests ranging from celebrities and political figures to everyday travelers visiting the city. The building is known for its classic architecture, large historic interiors, and long connection to Chicago history. It has also become widely recognized for its reputation in local ghost stories and paranormal legends, adding another layer to the hotel’s long and interesting history.
