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The Congress Plaza Hotel
-By Erika Butler
It has played host to Presidents,
Hollywood Stars, and Rock Legends, but the Congress Plaza Hotel
also caters to all visitors to Chicago.
"I'm a regular at the Congress
Plaza Hotel. I have a lot of business meetings here. The hotel
is close to the theaters, restaurants, and the nightlife." Said
Peter Hill, 52, a Trainman Instructor for Union Pacific.
The location of the Congress Plaza
Hotel is key for the visitors to get a look at what Chicago has
to offer. Located 520 S. Michigan Avenue, it's just across from
Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain, with a view overlooking Chicago's
lakefront.
Visitors have easy access to the
sounds and the sights of Chicago. The Alder Planetarium, the Field
Museum, and the Art Institute are within walking distance. Navy
Pier and the Magnificent Mile are both within one mile of the
hotel. Shops and restaurants are also within walking distance
of the hotel.
The lobby of the hotel has dome
ceilings and stone statues. There are 850 rooms and 14 floors.
The hotel has been newly renovated. The spacious Jacuzzi suites
have marble bathroom floors with a view of the lake. The rooms
are larger then your normal hotel rooms, giving the customer more
room.
The Congress Plaza Hotel was built
in 1893. The architecture is similar to the Auditorium Theater.
At one time the two were connected. Its European vintage style
is one of a kind. The north tower was built by architect Clinton
J. Warren, and Holabird. Roche designed the South tower in 1907.
Many famous people have stayed
at the Congress Plaza Hotel. Presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt
and Grover Cleveland have been catered at this hotel. Other well
known guest have stayed at the hotel such as Thomas Edison, Bruce
Springsteen Chuck Norris, and Dennis Franz.
The Magnificent Congress Hotel
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The Democratic Convention in 1968
hosted many Democrats at the Congress Plaza Hotel. This convention
was a disaster for the hotel. Americans begin to shift their opinions
on the Vietnam War, tending to the anit-war protests. The Democrats
met in Chicago to nominate their presidential candidates. Groups
of protesters assembled near the Congress Plaza Hotel on Michigan
Avenue. The late Mayor Richard J. Daley was afraid of the uprising
so he cracked down hard. Heads were cracked, tear gas billowed,
and police lines advanced through demonstrators in attempts to
end the protests and the chaos. Television cameras captured some
graphic scenes outside of the hotel.
"The Congress Plaza has a beautiful
lakeview, with large rooms and high ceilings. The location is
key for our guests. The hotel is within walking distance of the
sights and sounds of Chicago." said Manager Marian O'Donnell.
Rates:
Standard 1-2 persons - $93.00
Standard Triple $128.00
Standard Quad $175.00
Address:
520 South Michigan Ave. Chicago,
IL 60605
Phone: 312-427-3800
Points of Interest:
Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium,
Field Museum, Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier.
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