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 / noč
Rezerviraj to, če You want to sleep inside a piece of living history and care more about a jaw-dropping lobby than a modern bathroom.
Zakaj je to priljubljeno
- 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)
Hitri pregled: A stunning museum piece of a lobby attached to 1,600 rooms that desperately need a gut renovation.
Pregledano od @ScottsdaleTravelChick: Walking into this lobby took my breath away. I spent hours just sipping a martini and staring at the ceiling frescoes. It feels like stepping back into the Gilded Age, and you can't beat the location right in the Loop. Definitely order the original brownie!
Gost, ki je tu prebival, je dejal
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
Čistost in vzdrževanje
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™
5ZMERNO
0-4GLASNO
4-7.5ZMERNO
7.5-10TIHO
- Thin walls between rooms
- Hallway noise due to large gaps under doors
- Ambulance/city sirens for street-facing rooms
Pred rezervacijo
Dobro vedeti
- 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.
Kaj spakirati
- Slippers (carpets can feel worn/grimy)
- Earplugs (essential for thin walls)
- Patience (for the elevators)
Genij sob
Najboljši izbori
- Executive Level rooms (access to express elevators is a lifesaver)
- Corner rooms (usually larger layout)
Sobe za izogibanje
- Standard 'Hip & Historic' rooms (often tiny, dated, and dark)
- Rooms near the elevator banks (noise central)
Genij zahtev za sobe – kopiraj in prilepi
“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.”
Pogosta vprašanja in skriti nasveti
Vse, kar res želiš vedeti, preden rezerviraš.
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).
Notranji Nasveti
- ✨
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 stvari, ki jih morate vedeti, preden greste
💡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.
Lokalni vodnik
Karta
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