Find the perfect Chicago event hotel near Grant Park with tips on location, transportation, comfortable rooms, views, group rates and nearby attractions.
Traveling to Chicago for an event in Grant Park?
Choosing the right hotel can make your entire trip more enjoyable, with less time traveling to your event and more time enjoying all the music, food and attractions Grant Park has to offer.
But location isn’t the only thing you should consider when booking a hotel. Comfortable rooms, easy access to events and proximity to other Chicago attractions also matters.
Here’s what to look for before you book.
What is Grant Park?
Nicknamed “Chicago’s front yard,” Grant Park is a 313-acre public park located in central downtown Chicago’s Loop neighborhood. Stretching along the lakefront, Grant Park gives you beautiful views of Lake Michigan, all while putting you just steps away from some of Chicago’s top experiences.
Visit the iconic Buckingham Fountain, walk along miles of lakefront trails or explore acres of open green space. And if you’re visiting during the summer, there’s always something going on in Grant Park. It’s home to some of Chicago’s biggest, most iconic events, including:
- Chicago Blues Festival: Held every June, the world’s largest free blues festival has a lineup of incredible artists. You’ll hear music from emerging talent and blues legends.
- Taste of Chicago: For over 40 years, this free food festival has given visitors the chance to try the best of Chicago’s culinary scene while enjoying live music. Taste of Chicago is typically held in early July.
- Lollapalooza: Held in late July or early August, Lollapalooza is a four-day lakefront music festival that draws in fans from all over the country to see over 100 musical acts.
- Chicago SummerDance: Held throughout July and August, this annual festival offers dance instruction and a fun evening of live music and dancing.
- Grant Park Music Festival: This free 10-week classical music concert series is held all summer long. You’ll enjoy iconic music performances by the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus.
- Chicago Jazz Festival: A Chicago Labor Day tradition, this free festival is the place to enjoy all styles of jazz music.
- Chicago Marathon: Grant Park is home to the start and finish lines of this 26.2-mile race, held every October. Watch the race or cheer on family and friends who are racing.
Throughout the year, you’ll find other outdoor concerts, art fairs, cultural celebrations and many other activities taking place in the park. One thing’s for sure: you’ll never be bored when visiting Grant Park.
How to Choose a Chicago Event Hotel Near Grant Park
Planning to attend an event in Grant Park? You’ll need to find a place to stay. Choosing the right hotel in downtown Chicago can help make your entire trip as smooth as possible.
### Book Your Hotel Early
Our number one tip is to book your hotel as soon as possible.
Many of Grant Park’s biggest festivals and events take place during the summer, which is already one of the busiest times for tourism in Chicago. Major events like Lollapalooza and the Chicago Marathon can bring thousands of visitors into the city, and hotel rooms can fill up fast.
If you already know your travel dates, don’t wait until the last minute to reserve a room. Booking early can give you more choices when it comes to room types, views and other preferences.
### Look for Easy Access to Grant Park and Transportation
If you’re coming to Chicago specifically for an event in Grant Park, prioritize choosing a hotel nearby.
Don’t waste valuable time dealing with traffic and parking if you don’t have to. Events in Grant Park draw in tens or even hundreds of thousands of visitors. Streets can become clogged with traffic, and parking garages can fill up quickly.
Fortunately, Chicago is a very walkable city with great public transit. Staying at a hotel in the Loop neighborhood puts you minutes away from Grant Park, as well as many of downtown Chicago’s other top attractions and restaurants.
A hotel near Grant Park also gives you the added flexibility of being able to easily return to your room whenever you need a break or want to freshen up.
### Look for Comfortable Rooms
After spending hours on your feet at a festival or exploring Chicago, there’s nothing like coming back to a comfortable, relaxing hotel room.
Look for a hotel that offers spacious guest rooms equipped with everything you need, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a TV with cable and satellite channels, comfortable bedding and enough space for everyone in your group to unwind.
### Consider a Room With a View
Wake up to a scenic lake view or wind down for the night while watching the city lights from your window. Choosing a room with a great view can make your visit to Chicago even more special.
Located near the lakefront, Congress Plaza Hotel’s Lakeview Rooms and Lakefront Suites offer panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain.
Prefer a stunning view of downtown Chicago? Our Cityview Suites overlook the city, giving you unbeatable views of the Willis Tower.
### Booking for a Group
If you’re planning to travel with a group of family, friends or coworkers, look for a hotel that can accommodate everyone comfortably.
Before booking, consider how many rooms you’ll need and whether your group would benefit from rooms near one another. Also consider what amenities are important to everyone, like complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site dining options and meeting spaces.
If you’re traveling with a large group and plan to book together, ask about group rates. You may get a good deal.
Congress Plaza Hotel offers group rates when you book a block of 10 rooms or more. Contact us to learn more.
### Map Out Other “Must-See” Attractions
If an event in Grant Park is just one stop during a longer trip to Chicago, take some time to map out the other attractions you want to visit.
Choosing a hotel in the Loop puts you within easy reach of many of Chicago’s most popular destinations, making it easy to fit some sightseeing in between your busy event schedule.
There’s plenty to do in the city other than Grant Park. The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit for art lovers.
Families will love Museum Campus, home to the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.
Or, if you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, walk up northern Michigan Avenue and shop the Magnificent Mile.
With so much to see within and around the Loop, your event in Grant Park can be just one part of a longer trip to Chicago.
Make the Most of Your Event in Grant Park
Choosing the right hotel can make a huge difference when you’re visiting Chicago for an event in Grant Park. Comfortable rooms, plenty of amenities and easy access to Grant Park and other attractions can make your stay one to remember.
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Congress Plaza Hotel offers all of that and more. With over 125 years of history, our lakefront hotel is the ideal place to stay during your upcoming trip to Chicago.
Explore our rooms and suites and book your stay now.
