The Hotel Congress

The staff were very kind and the food was great, but the noise was unbearable. They warn you that it's a loud hotel, though that really understates it: every room is affected, not just the so-called “club rooms.” Music and yelling continued past 2 a.m., and traffic noise was awful. My window wouldn't close all the way, which made it worse. The bathroom water also stopped working intermittently. I found it hilarious that they checked my ID before letting me upstairs, since clubgoers could still wander around up there. Two friends ended up booking elsewhere because it was so loud, even though they couldn't get their money back. Most reviews seem to be for the restaurants, bars, and clubs on site. Maybe I would've stayed here at 21 after partying, but not in my 40s. Absolutely don't stay here.

It's a lovely old place with plenty of charm and antiquity, if that's what you're after. Elma at the desk was lovely and helpful. There's free parking in a garage around the corner, and the tram is a block away. It's a walk-up with no elevators, and not somewhere to spend time hanging out in the room. The old-time bar is lovely, and the whole place is about atmosphere.

The place has a lot of history and character, and there are plenty of spots to get a drink. I especially loved dinner at the Cup Cafe restaurant. The Century Room had amazing jazz, and there was flamenco at the Club Congress. Tigers Tap Room has a dive-bar feel, while the Plaza and Lobby bars open on weekends. Such a fun, distinctive hotel.

We liked the simple, antique feel. It was nice not having a TV and all that stuff competing for attention, so we could focus on who we were sharing the room with. There’s a great club and bar downstairs, I think it was the Tap Room. At Bar Duo, Barb and Billy were wonderful. The drink was delicious, and the guy was really helpful. Great drinks and service!