View of Congress Plaza from Michigan Ave

Our Historic Chicago Hotel

Learn About Congress Plaza’s Rich Past

As the 19th century came to a close, the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center opened in 1893 as the Auditorium Annex, built by famous hotel developer R.H. Southgate.
With its unique façade as the centerpiece, the elaborately designed hotel soon became a favorite among Chicago’s captains of industry, society, politics and culture. Today, following nearly 125 years of refinements and refurbishments, the Congress Plaza stands among the most historic hotels in Chicago with a story as rich and fascinating as that of Windy City Itself.