Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Only stayed one night and it was a relatively nice stay. Was in town for the Chicago Marathon and the location was fantastic from both a runner and spectator standpoint as it was close to the start/finish line and the hotel is right on the course where spectators can walk right out the door and see the racers. The hotel is very historic and really neat to experience due to the history of the hotel. I had book two of the same types of room but would say there is a very large variance in room layouts. The hotel is extremely large as well and easy to get lost in with many hallways which also add to the cool historic factor. Bed were comfortable and the rooms were relatively clean but I would say that they are very dated and could use a bit of updating. The biggest highlight is definitely the lobby downstairs and the golden peacock door at the entrance to the building.

3 days ago

Yes the lobby is beautiful and the location near the Bean is great. That’s where it ends. Rooms are normal for a Hilton, but dilapidated and easily fixable. Housekeeping had to be asked twice for shampoo and lotion to be refilled. Peeling wallpaper, crumbling paint. Easy fixes - they just don’t care. We had an issue with none of our electrical outlets working. Very helpful and kind electrician was amazing. But we also asked him what was up with the very old TV that wasn’t WiFi enabled and we could t cast to. He said yeah, they’re fake smart TVs. Lower end chains in Hilton like Hampton Inns at least have clean, well appointed rooms and modern TVs. No coffee maker in room. ||Spa was one of the weirdest I’ve ever experienced - everything feels temporary and basic. It’s spacious but there are no amenities. Just a locker room and shower. Sit on a chair in the hallway waiting for your massage- no relaxation area, which I thought was pretty standard. The treatment room had a metal massage table on wheels, not covered up, or anything nice placed on the floor under the face cradle. Just a metal bar like you’re in a hospital bed. It all just felt weird and unfinished or rushed when put together. I can quite put my finger on it. Skip the spa. ||Plan on a 10-20 minute wait for an elevator. ||On the plus side, the gym and pool are outstanding. Lobby bar and bartenders are excellent. ||Bottom line: This hotel is resting on its laurels and needs management who aren’t so willing to settle for mediocrity and just good enough.

a week ago

This hotel is visually very beautiful, but there were so many difficulties. I do not enjoy giving mediocre reviews, but it would be fairly easy for the hotel to fix some of these things. The location is great. The room was pretty and comfortable. It was full when I was there, however. I’m not sure I ever had to wait 20 minutes to check in at another hotel. This was in the Hilton Honors line. Upon checking in, I was surprised by a mandatory fee that included a $25 spa “credit,” but the spa was only open during business hours. I did manage to go and try to redeem my credit, but it was only good for certain items that appeared to be worth much, much less than $25 (e.g. small bath bombs, plastic hairbrushes, CBD samples, etc.). It could not be used toward other products, so it really wasn’t a “credit.” I was charged tax that seemed to be more than the worth of the products offered. A staff member didn’t even know where the spa was. The most difficult part of the stay was the extraordinarily long waits for the elevators. Each only served limited floors and were jammed packed with people riding whatever direction it was going just so they could squeeze on. The beautiful lobby bar was also usually packed, and the chairs and tables are all configured in groups of four, so most were taken with groups of only two, leaving half the chairs empty but unusable. I think with minor changes the hotel could return to what appears to be a formerly glorious place.

a week ago

This is a historic property that's conveniently located and pretty reasonably priced. It has some amenities, but it's definitely better for solo travelers who keep in mind the limitations, given its age. I wish it would embrace the historical vibe and not play awful modern music in the lobby and elevators. Also, be warned, it's a frigging maze. But gosh is it gorgeous. The bad: Definitely smaller rooms, and outright cramped bathrooms (as in, you can't close the door if you're sitting on the toilet). Shower pressure is awful and there's no exhaust fan for the bathroom. Only obnoxiously squishy pillows, and no coffee/tea in the rooms. The good: Comfy beds, surprisingly quiet rooms. The staff are helpful and friendly. The little historic details are so fun, like old doorknobs and the photos in the halls... the location was great for me. I was also pleasantly surprised at the effectiveness of the room thermostat. I had a great time staying here and absolutely would enjoy coming back.

2 weeks ago

The rooms are comfortable and well decorated. There's a concierge tablet to guide your visit. The service was very helpful in sorting out any issues. This hotel is in a fantastic centralized spot, making many of the main attractions walkable. The only snag we ran into was where to park. Don't go to the parking lot beneath the hotel if you don't want to pay extra. There are cheaper garages nearby that cost less.

3 days ago

The hotel was nice and clean. For the most part, it has kept its old school charm without feeling ridiculously old. The indoor pool area looked recently renovated and was a great escape, especially with the lounge chairs. I didn’t have a chance to use the fitness center but it looked decently sized. The brownie that was invented at that hotel was also really good, albeit pricy. The best part was the convenience with it being just a few short blocks away from The Bean and the Art Institute and having subway and bus stations nearby to get to other attractions. Highly recommend

a month ago

I’ll be back! Perfect hotel for groups. We spent a lot of time in their gorgeous lobby drinking the best Old Fashioned I’ve ever had! Service at the bar was quick as we were in and out a lot. The staff was very attentive and they had thee best brownies!! The pool and sauna were definitely utilized, super relaxing. No need to leave for breakfast as the restaurant had plenty to choose from, we ate there every morning!

2 weeks ago

★★★★★ My stay at the Palmer House Hotel was absolutely incredible! From start to finish, everything exceeded my expectations. The customer service was top-notch—every staff member was friendly, professional, and truly went above and beyond to make my stay special. I felt welcomed and well taken care of the entire time. The live music in the evening created such a wonderful atmosphere. It added a touch of elegance and made for the perfect way to unwind after a long day. The drinks were fantastic, especially the Brownie Old Fashioned—rich, smooth, and expertly crafted. Definitely a must-try! Breakfast at Lockwood was delicious, with fresh and flavorful options that started my day off right. The quality and presentation were impressive, and the service was excellent. The spa and sauna were pristine, with thoughtful details like cold towels and plenty of water available after a workout. It was such a relaxing experience! And the beds—so comfortable! I slept like a rock and woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. The Palmer House Hotel is a true gem. Between the amazing staff, incredible amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, I can’t wait to return!

3 weeks ago