The Palmer House Hilton, Chicago
About the Hotel
The Palmer House Hilton, established in 1873, is a historic landmark in Chicago, known for its rich history and unique offerings such as the creation of the brownie. This iconic hotel blends luxury with modern trends, featuring innovative amenities while preserving its storied legacy. Located in the bustling Loop, it provides easy access to a myriad of attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park. Notably, it is recognized as North America's longest-operating hotel.
Location
Situated in the Chicago Loop, the Palmer House Hilton is steps from major attractions like State Street, the Chicago Theatre District, and Millennium Park. The hotel is well-connected to public transportation, with accessible routes from both O’Hare and Midway airports. Valet and self-parking options are available nearby, accommodating guests traveling by car.
Rooms
The Palmer House Hilton offers 1,641 guest rooms equipped with modern comforts and conveniences. Each room features contemporary decor while reflecting the hotel's historic charm. Guests can choose from standard accommodations to spacious suites, all designed for comfort and functionality. Accessible room options are also available to accommodate diverse needs.
Eat & Drink
The hotel boasts several dining venues, including the upscale Lockwood Restaurant and the casual Potter's Bar. Lockwood features an array of American classics, like the famous Bertha’s Brownie Pancakes, served in an elegant atmosphere adorned with mythical frescos. Potter's Bar offers a relaxed setting with artisan sandwiches, local craft beers, and signature cocktails, appealing to diverse tastes.
Leisure & Business
Guests have access to a fully equipped fitness center, featuring state-of-the-art cardio machines and weights, along with a heated indoor pool for relaxation. The Spa at Palmer House, located on the 5th floor, provides a myriad of wellness services. For business needs, the hotel offers over 12077.5 m² of event space, including customizable meeting rooms and banquet facilities.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Lift
- ATM/Cash machine
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness centre
Services
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Dry cleaning
- Welcome drink
- Happy hour
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
Business
- Business centre
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
- Indoor swimming pool
- Live entertainment
- Spa & wellness centre
- Sauna
- Massage
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Bathtub
- Free toiletries
Media
- Direct dial telephone
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Curtains
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel's location is excellent, making it easy to reach business meetings and restaurants. While it offers a historic and beautiful experience in The Palmer House, the dining options could be more accommodating. Chicago is an underrated gem with plenty to explore, especially when staying in the heart of the city's business Downtown Loop.
Upon arrival, I noticed some peeling wallpaper and markings in the room, but unfortunately, the long line at reception made it challenging to switch rooms quickly. Despite the lack of soundproofing, the room was adequately clean and provided many amenities. However, maintaining a consistent temperature was a bit of a struggle during my stay.
My stay at the hotel was overall pleasant. The rooms, while on the small side, were clean and the bed was comfortable, making it suitable for a business visit or a couple. However, the room had old garbage under the bed, which was a bit off-putting.
The hotel offers spacious rooms with two queen beds and two closets that are a bit old-fashioned but nice, featuring very comfortable beds. Although some areas like the bathroom and sleeping areas could use restoration due to wear and tear, any missed housekeeping was promptly addressed by the late afternoon. A minor disturbance could be heard from outside the bedroom into the early morning hours.
The hotel boasts a lovely and clean room with a fully stocked minibar and wonderfully comfortable bed. While some minor renovations could enhance the overall look, the spacious room with two small bathrooms, closet, refrigerator, and safe offers great value for money.
The hotel rooms were much nicer, very clean, and had modern amenities like a coffee/tea maker and a water station with refillable bottles for chilled or room temp water all complimentary. Although the view overlooked the water treatment facility, it didn't impact our stay much as we weren't in the room often. The rooms were cozy and well appointed, and the warmth made for a comfortable sleep.
I had a pleasant stay at the Palmer House Hilton. The rooms, though not spotless, were small but nice and clean. The service was tremendous, guiding us to great dining and activities. The location was ideal for our family trip, and the dining experience was good, especially with the free 'cold' breakfast token for Gold members. The hotel facilities were well-maintained.
The hotel's rooms are worth the extra expense, despite some maintenance issues like peeling wallpaper and rusted metal. The service is extremely helpful and friendly. The location is great for sightseeing but lacking in charm. The dining experience goes beyond expectations, especially for those in executive rooms.
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