Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

This historic hotel offers a truly grand experience, with its magnificent lobby serving as a signature feature that transports guests to a bygone era of elegance and architectural splendor. Its prime central location in the heart of downtown makes it an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore nearby attractions and for business travelers attending conferences. History enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the building's rich past and unique character. While the hotel generally receives praise for its attentive staff, some guests note inconsistencies in room condition and express frustration with additional fees. To enhance your stay, be prepared for the possibility of older room decor and consider the costs associated with parking, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable visit.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences can vary. The fitness center consistently receives high praise, described as huge, well-equipped, and featuring modern amenities like Peloton bikes, making it a significant highlight for many. The indoor pool is also generally well-regarded, often noted as beautiful and recently renovated, providing a pleasant space for relaxation. However, some guests have reported the pool being closed during their stay or finding it too small and crowded. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests experienced issues with connectivity in their rooms. The elevators are a frequent point of concern, with many guests reporting long waits, slow service, and occasional noise from elevator shafts, especially for rooms located nearby.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is quite mixed. Many guests describe the rooms as dated, tired, or in need of a renovation, often citing peeling wallpaper or paint and worn furniture. The bathrooms are frequently mentioned as small, tiny, or very small, sometimes lacking counter space and showing signs of wear like mold, stains, or broken fixtures. Despite these observations, many guests find the beds comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep. Noise levels are a recurring issue for some, with reports of street noise, elevator noise, and thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms. Housekeeping service receives varied comments; while some praise its attentiveness, others report rooms not being thoroughly cleaned, with trash not emptied or amenities not refilled.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied feedback, with one item standing out universally: the brownies. These are consistently praised as famous, delicious, and a must-try, often highlighted for their original recipe. The lobby bar is a popular spot, described as lively and offering good cocktails and live music, creating an enjoyable atmosphere. Breakfast experiences are mixed; while the food itself is often rated as good or delicious, guests frequently mention the small breakfast area, leading to long waits and slow service. A common complaint across reviews is the absence of a coffee maker or tea station in the rooms, requiring guests to visit the on-site Starbucks or other hotel outlets for hot beverages.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as a major advantage, placing guests directly in the heart of downtown. It offers excellent accessibility to numerous popular attractions, including Millennium Park, the Art Institute, various theaters, and extensive shopping and dining options, all within easy walking distance. Proximity to public transportation is also a significant benefit, with convenient access to L lines and the train station, facilitating travel to the airport and other parts of the city. However, parking is a consistent point of dissatisfaction. Guests frequently describe it as expensive, often ranging from $55 to $85 per day, and note that it can be a hassle to find, with self-parking options sometimes located a block away and not always clearly explained upon arrival.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their friendly, helpful, and attentive demeanor, contributing to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight the professionalism and welcoming attitude of various team members, from bellhops to bar staff. However, the check-in process is a frequent source of frustration for many guests, often characterized by long lines and slow service due to understaffing at the front desk. While some guests report quick and efficient problem resolution, others describe unhelpful interactions when attempting to address issues such as room problems or billing discrepancies. Despite these inconsistencies, the overall sentiment towards the staff's willingness to assist and provide a customer-centered experience remains largely positive.

Additional Information
A recurring theme in guest feedback is the mandatory $25 daily resort fee, which many perceive as a hidden cost or a rip-off. While this fee is said to cover amenities like Wi-Fi, a spa credit, or food credit, guests often find the spa credit difficult to utilize or the overall value questionable, leading to feelings of being overcharged for services not fully used. The hotel's rich history and architectural charm are highly appreciated by many, adding a unique character to the stay. However, some guests express dissatisfaction with staff attempting to sell vacation packages or timeshares in the lobby, feeling pressured. A common complaint is the absence of a coffee maker or microwave in guest rooms, which is unexpected for a hotel of this caliber.