The hype
Everyone agrees the lobby is magical and the location is perfect, but the rooms feel like a time capsule in the wrong way.
The Palmer House Hilton
$150-300/ night
Book this if You want to sleep inside a piece of living history and care more about a jaw-dropping lobby than a modern bathroom.
Why People Love It
- The lobby is arguably the most beautiful room in Chicago
- Location is unbeatable—steps from Millennium Park and the Art Institute
- The brownie was literally invented here (and you can still get the original recipe)
Quick Take: A stunning museum piece of a lobby attached to 1,600 rooms that desperately need a gut renovation.
Reviewed by @theboutiqueadventurer: I felt like I stepped into the roaring twenties the moment I walked in. The lobby ceiling is absolutely breathtaking—photos don't do it justice. My room was cozy and classic, but honestly, I spent half my time just admiring the architecture downstairs. A true Chicago icon.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'historic' charm often translates to peeling paint, erratic HVAC, and paper-thin walls where you can hear your neighbor sneeze.
- You are a history buff who forgives old plumbing
- You plan to spend all day exploring and just need a crash pad
- You have Hilton Honors status to bypass the check-in lines
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Many reports of missed dust bunnies and 'light' cleaning.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major pain point. Grout often looks dingy, and old plumbing means drains can be slow.
- Maintenance: Struggling. Peeling paint, scuffed furniture, and broken ice machines are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean but can feel worn/thin due to high turnover.
- Odors & scents: Old building smell—musty in hallways, sometimes masking agents used heavily.
Sleepability™
5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thin walls between rooms
- Hallway noise due to large gaps under doors
- Ambulance/city sirens for street-facing rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The pool was renovated in 2023 but still faces occasional maintenance closures—call ahead.
- Valet parking is an eye-watering ~$85/night; self-park at 55 E Monroe for ~$57.
- The 'Urban Destination Charge' includes a $10 daily food credit—use it at Lockwood Express for coffee.
What to pack
- Slippers (carpets can feel worn/grimy)
- Earplugs (essential for thin walls)
- Patience (for the elevators)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Executive Level rooms (access to express elevators is a lifesaver)
- Corner rooms (usually larger layout)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard 'Hip & Historic' rooms (often tiny, dated, and dark)
- Rooms near the elevator banks (noise central)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on the Executive Level if available to utilize the express elevators. If not, please assign a room away from the elevator bank, preferably with an external view to avoid the 'brick wall' outlook.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool actually open?
Yes, usually 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM, but it has a history of maintenance closures. Always verify before booking if this is a dealbreaker.
Does the hotel have bed bugs?
There are sporadic reports (including a detailed claim in late 2024), but no evidence of a full infestation. Inspect your mattress seams upon arrival as a precaution.
Is the destination fee mandatory?
Yes, the ~$25 daily 'Urban Destination Charge' is added to all bookings and covers WiFi and small credits.
How bad are the elevators really?
Bad. In a 1,600-room hotel, waiting 10-15 minutes during checkout time is a common reality.
Can I walk to attractions?
Absolutely. You are 2 blocks from the Art Institute and Millennium Park. The location is a 10/10.
Is breakfast included?
No, unless you are a Hilton Honors Gold/Diamond member or book a specific rate. A la carte breakfast is pricey (~$19 for an omelet).
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 2 mins to 'Goddess and the Baker' for better coffee and food.
- ✨
The 'Magic Parlour' show inside the hotel is actually world-class and worth the ticket price.
- ✨
Use the $10 daily credit at Lockwood Express for a 'Palmer House Brownie' to go—it's the original recipe from 1893.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Hip & Historic' room category is marketing speak for 'Small & Old'.
💡You can grab a drink at the lobby bar without staying there—often the best way to experience the hotel.
💡The gym is surprisingly excellent—10,000 sq ft and spread over three floors.
💡There is a hidden 'Oasis Cafe' in the back of a jewelry mall nearby for cheap, amazing falafel.
💡The water temperature in the showers can fluctuate wildly during peak morning hours.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Palmer House Hilton is located and what's nearby.