Have stayed at this large historic hotel several times and my thoughts are always the same. The location can't be beat if you are there for business in The Loop, theater, The Art Institute, or Millennium Park. Or if you're fine with walking, cabs, or public transportation. This property has been updated and modernized. The public spaces are large and evoke another era. The company is paying for the renovations by price gouging for drinks, tea, etc. in the beautiful lobby, access to the fantastic fitness center, wireless internet, and the absence of coffee makers in guest rooms. (Fitness center and wireless internet access are complimentary for some or all levels of Hilton Honors.)
As to the rooms, they are adequate. While the furnishings are new, modern, and comfortable, the rooms are still fairly small and bathrooms are awful. I will never understand why high end properties can't provide 2-ply toilet paper that doesn't shred. And Kleenex brand tissues. Particularly in cold winter weather. Or extra towels. The bathroom door in our most recent room wouldn't stay open. This is a problem due to the small size and lack of exhaust fan. It is virtually impossible to have 2 people in the bathroom at the same time. And then there's the absence of a mini-fridge or coffee maker in the rooms. Really? In today's world I don't understand why at least the coffee makers weren't added in the renovations. We aren't going to pay $10 for a pot of coffee or throw on clothes to go up to the Executive Lounge to get that first cup.
We are Diamond Honors members and this room was supposedly an upgrade. If the property's best customers get rooms directly over the "L" tracks, and can still hear the train from their 20th floor room, imagine how loud it is on lower floors. Speaking of upgrades, there is the issue of the Executive Lounge. Due to low occupancy during the holidays, we were told that they upgraded as many guests as possible to the Executive Level with access to the lounge. This would be fine if the lounge were large enough to accommodate the increased number of guests. And if food and beverage were also adjusted accordingly. There were numerous families with young children up there. Wonderful. But not enough food or seats. While I was fine without any evening snacks, I want my breakfast. They ran out of food and coffee and we had to go around the corner and purchase our breakfast. That is unacceptable at any price point. Yes, they were practically giving away the rooms (about $100/night AAA rate) but that is a business choice. Compromising on service and amenities should not be a factor. But it was.
Will I stay here again? Probably. Due to the location and convenience to my husband's office. Will I be happy about it? Probably not.
- Also Known As:
- The Palmer House Hilton Hotel
- The Palmer House Hilton Hotel Chicago
- Hilton Hotel Chicago
- Hilton Hotel Palmer
- Palmer House Chicago
- Palmer House Hilton
- Chicago Palmer House Hilton
- Palmer House Hilton Chicago
- Palmer Hilton House
- Hilton Chicago
Phone Number:
Region:
United States >
Illinois >
Chicago
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge
Business Center
Fitness Center
Kids Activities
Pets Allowed
Restaurant
Room Service
Suites
Swimming Pool
Wheelchair access
#12 Romantic Hotels in Chicago
#35 Luxury Hotels in Chicago
#45 Family Hotels in Chicago
#62 Business Hotels in Chicago
Price Range:
$$
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
-
The Palmer House Hilton welcomes you from the moment you enter our remarkable lobby. It’s ceiling of 21 panels featuring Greek mythological scenes rich in paint and architecture could rival that of the Sistine Chapel. A perfect spot to immerse yourself in the culturally rich history of Chicago and lively buzz of passer bys while relaxing with a hand prepared cocktail or sipping from a selection of blended teas during our Afternoon Tea. Located adjacent to our Lobby, you’ll enjoy dining at Lockwood Restaurant, AAA 4 Diamond restaurant and cocktailing at Potter’s Lounge, our modern twist on a prohibition speakeasy. Our Contemporary guestrooms blend decor of warm textures and jewel tone accents synonymous with the traditional Palmer House grandeur while integrating modern media capabilities include a 37 inch flat screen television, wireless and wired internet connections and alarm clock with auxiliary port. Enjoy the Hilton Serenity Dream bed featuring a plush top mattress and crisp linens,and Peter Thomas Roth bath amenities. The hotel is walking distance to the Blue Line and the Orange Line “L” stations for quick transport to O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport, respectively. The Palmer House Hilton is steps to all the action along State Street including Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, American Apparel, H&M, Block 37 Mall and the Chicago Theatre. The hotel is also a short walk to The Art Institute, Joffrey Ballet, Cadillac Theatre, Jeweler’s Row, Millennium Park, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium.
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