Lived out its time
The Congress Plaza, ideally situated in downtown Chicago, is a hotel with a long history. It is even rumoured that the place was regularly visited by Al Capone. The hotel breathes some 'old chic', but it seems to have outlived its time and needs urgent refurbishment.
If you want a good bed, clean bed linen and a hot bath in a quiet room, well that is what you can get. At least it is what I got. But do not look at the worn-out carpets, the paint that is falling of the walls, the below average plumbing, plastering and tiling, and so on. And internet at $9,99 ex taxes per 24 hrs for each device you have is way over the top nowadays.That should be complimentary in my opinion.
The in house restaurants are also average. Breakfast is relatively expensive at the Gazebo. Prices in Rafael's Restaurant are better fitting the quality of the meals served.
All in all this hotel seems to be over its top and needs urgent updating. The asset of the hotel being that it is located near university campuses and shops.
By the way, there is a strike going on for over 10 years now. The only thing you will notice is that once a while there is a picket line at the main entrance. But that is all, services are not interrupted. In fact, its more a folklore then a real strike.