Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

The rooms have a traditional style, but the hotel’s history and architecture make a stay feel special. Palmer House is right in downtown, making it easy to explore on foot. Its ornate ceiling and grand, old-school lobby décor make an immediate impression. It feels like stepping into Chicago’s past. I like it. Thank.

Miss Rose and Gorge at Lockhart restaurant for breakfast, along with Shaq at the front desk, were phenomenal. The common areas have a real wow factor, keeping the old luxury feel while bringing in modern style and amenities. Palmer House is a historic Chicago gem. The room was another story. We upgraded to a deluxe king on the Executive floor, which has express elevator access to limited floors, though anyone with a key can reach the Executive floor. It wasn’t worth it. Executive perks have been discontinued, so there was no executive breakfast, snacks, happy hour, or exclusive lounge. The meal credit didn’t cover a breakfast sandwich, even though it was delicious. Compared with other luxury hotels, the room was basic, small, and had an even tinier bathroom, like a public handicap stall squeezed around a tub and sink. It lacked a relaxing feel, smart design, robes, slippers, vanity amenities, and replacement water, which you have to get from the front desk. The bed was comfortable, but the room felt uninspiring and earned the low score. We’ve stayed in smaller European rooms with more luxury and amenities than Palmer House.

Exchequer Restaurant is just around the corner, and we loved having dinner there. Getting to the hotel by train from ORD is easy too: get off at Monroe and walk a few blocks. The staff and guest services were committed to great service, and the lobby and hallways are stunning. The basic rooms are fairly small but have what you need. As Chicago’s oldest hotel, it has a lot of charm.

The hallways and lobby were gorgeous, and the staff were super nice. The bellhop was friendly and helpful. The remodel looked cheaply done, though, and the toilet paper in my boyfriend’s and my bathroom was in a weird spot over my left shoulder. One thing to know: you need your own room key to use the elevator to get to your room or a friend’s.