One of America’s most famous and historic hotels, the Palmer House Chicago has been a fixture in the Windy City since opening its doors back in 1871. The hotel was originally built as a wedding present by a local businessman, Potter Palmer, although unfortunately, the building was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire, almost as soon as it had opened. Undaunted, Potter immediately took out a huge loan and rebuilt the hotel, largely from brick and iron, promoting it as the world’s only fireproof hotel. The luxurious hotel attracted the rich and famous and early visitors to the Palmer Hotel Chicago included Sarah Bernhardt, Mark Twain and Ulysses S Grant. By the 1920s, business was so good that it was decided to replace the building with a much larger 25-story structure and the transformation was done in stages over two years, ensuring that guests were affected as little as possible. Conrad Hilton purchased the property in 1945 and it became part of the Hilton group; from 2007 to 2009, it underwent a comprehensive restoration at an estimated cost of around $170 million.
From its beginnings, the Palmer House Hotel Chicago provided luxury and the latest amenities, features that are still true today. There is a choice of accommodation, ranging from regular rooms to suites and Executive level rooms. All rooms are comfortably furnished and they feature such touches as high-speed Internet access, heat and air conditioning, European style linens and the comfort of a Serenity Dream bed. Executive rooms offer the ultimate in privacy and luxury, including a private elevator, check in and concierge service, as well as a complimentary breakfast and snacks. All guests can take advantage of the many other amenities that the hotel offers, including a health club, business center and currency exchange desk. The hotel also offers excellent facilities for meetings of various sizes and prides itself on being one of the best places in the city to host a wedding reception. Room rates at the Palmer House in Chicago begin at around $150 a night, depending on the type of room and the time of year.
If you are looking for an alternative to the anonymity offered by other Chicago hotels, the Palmer House Hilton Hotel makes a great choice. Although the property is owned by Hilton, the building has managed to retain its unique style and sense of history. Today it combines the best in amenities and luxurious accommodations with a nostalgic feel and makes a great choice for anybody visiting Chicago on business or pleasure. It also enjoys a convenient location right in the heart of downtown, a few minutes’ walk from the ‘Magnificent Mile’ and within easy reach of everything that Chicago has to offer.