In the thick of it: Palmer House in Chicago- 418

The Palmer House Hilton, 17 East Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois, United States 60603
Tel: 1-312-726-7500   Fax: 1-312-917-1707

I visit Chicago fairly frequently and have seen my share of hotels in the suburbs, near conference centers and smack dab in the middle of the city. So far, one of my favorites is The Palmer House. But before I get to the glamorous part, let me explain some of my criteria for when I review a hotel. I love having free wi-fi, but a a piano player in the lobby will win me over every time. I appreciate a flat screen TV in the room, but twinkling chandaliers and black and white photography, along with attentive doormen will capture my heart. In short, I appreciate drama, glamour and old world charm more than efficiency, fancy-shmancy electronics and creature comforts.

The Marilyn Monroe: 50s glamour throughout the rooms, hallways and elevators, gorgeous linens, awe inspiring lobby and killer light fixtures. The center of the loop location didn’t hurt one bit. Plus, they had my fave hotel feature —marble floors— crucial when making an entrance. Service overall was impeccable and the hotel recently celebrated 140 years (gotta love a place with history). I do have to say that the lighting in the lobby was so freaking flattering, someone carded me. The end. PLUS, the BROWNIE was invented at the Palmer House!

The Joan Crawford: WIRE HANGERS! Just kidding, there were no wire hangers, but here is the scary side of glamour. Bathroom was tight and cramped, there was no place to put my cosmetics. Wifi was nonexistent, although wired access was complimentary. The shape of the rooms was so (not uncommon in older hotels and this is the OLDEST continuously operating hotel in North America) odd that I couldn’t see the TV from my bed. It must be said, in fairness, that I DO need glass, but I DON’T wear them. The Palmer House gets points all of the above (save the doorman who was just a BIT surly for my taste). But something about the experience fell a little flat. The lobby was opulent and had some fantastic nooks for talking, canoodling or business discussions but the bar closed at 9. The hallways were lengthy and glamorous, but I tripped over no less than three cords at all hours of the day and night from cleaning crews. The room had a huge closet, complete with uber old school swinging light bulb but I left my shirt in there (okay that last bit may not have been their fault).

The Thora Hird (see, the joke is, no one really knows who that is….): The food was serviceable, the location right in the “thick of things” during the day, quieter at night. There was a Starbucks in the lobby and the drinks ordered before 8:59 pm were strong and well-made.

It might seem like the bad outweighed the good, but not in actuality. I loved being at the center of the action (I was), I enjoy asthetically pleaseing surroundings (they were) and I appreciate the fact that when I was ready to go to bed, there wasn’t some crazy rager happening in the next room (I’m old).

Palmer House Hilton is also a steal at our Expedia Unpublished rate of $89 a night. When you factor in the kickin’ location and the easy trek in from the airport, it was an even better deal. So, a place to rest your head, gorgeous surroundings and all I have to put up with is not being able to read the subtitles on Jersey Shore? Works for me!

Maren