Congress Plaza Hotel - Chicago, USA     

Ok, you've read all the not-so-good reviews. Here's my take: is the hotel old, yes? Is the paper coming off the walls and you wonder will you wonder why the lamps don't work, yes? But, if you're ok with that - then stay. People like me booked this hotel for the location and because it's cheaper than most in Chicago. As long as you're not looking for luxury, and you just want a clean bed to sleep in, you will be fine. For longer stays, I recommend the Hard Rock down the street.

I booked this hotel because of its proximity to Grant Park and was very apprehensive having read the negative reviews but actually, it's not too bad. It IS being refurbished in a piecemeal way. Instead of completely finishing a set of rooms, different bits are done. The wallpaper and furniture is old fashioned but the windows are modern, the original woodwork is being restored and our bathroom had been refurbished........although the plug holes were incomplete and the cistern lid didn't fit!!! The service is good, it's very clean, rooms and public areas, with plenty of linen changed as often as you wish and a few toiletries. it's true there aren't many amenities. Perhaps my expectations are not as high as some as I am aware that the Congress is a classical old building and Chicago hotel rooms are very expensive at busy times. But we came for the Blues festival and not the hotel amenities and it was fine for that!