The Congress Plaza Hotel on Michigan Avenue, seen from Congress Plaza

Chicago Travel Blog: The Congress Journal

Stories from Michigan Avenue

Neighborhood guides, hotel history, and ideas for your stay, from the people who work across the street from Grant Park.

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From the Journal

The Art Institute of Chicago's entrance with its bronze lion
Chicago GuidesSeptember 22, 20261 min read

Four Great Chicago Museums You Can Walk To

The Art Institute is about 10 minutes away on foot, and the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium wait at the end of a lakefront walk.

A boardroom table with red leather chairs set for a meeting
Weddings & EventsSeptember 14, 20264 min read

How to Choose the Right Conference Hotel in Chicago

Planning a Chicago conference? Learn what to look for in a conference hotel, including location, meeting spaces, amenities, accessibility and cost.

Grant Park and Lake Michigan seen from the hotel
Chicago GuidesJuly 10, 20264 min read

The Benefits of Staying near the Chicago Lakefront

Planning a Chicago trip? See why staying near the lakefront gives you easy access to scenic trails, parks, museums, beaches, dining and iconic city views.

The Congress Plaza Hotel beyond Buckingham Fountain, under a rainbow
Plan Your StayMay 4, 20264 min read

A Guide to Walkable Hotels in Downtown Chicago

Looking for a walkable hotel in Chicago? This guide gives you tips to stay steps from Chicago’s top sights, shopping and dining experiences.

See It for Yourself

Stay Across from Grant Park

Pick your dates and reserve a large room on Michigan Avenue.