The Palmer House Hilton
17 East Monroe Street, Chicago
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Good
901 reviews
7.4
Historic Downtown Hotel in Chicago's Theatre and Financial District
Luxurious Rooms and Amenities
Indulge in modern guest rooms at Palmer House Hilton, equipped with a flat-screen HDTV, desk, and cozy armchair. Enjoy the convenience of housekeeping services and unwind in style.
On-Site Dining and Wellness Options
Savor American cuisine at Lockwood Restaurant or opt for Lockwood Express for a quick bite. Keep fit at the fitness centre or pamper yourself at the on-site spa for a rejuvenating experience.
Convenient Location and Accessibility
With a prime location just a block away from Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago, explore the city with ease. The Monroe Red Line subway station nearby provides seamless access to Chicago's top attractions.
Book now for an unforgettable stay at Palmer House Hilton!
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Popular Amenities
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Air conditioning
Swimming pool
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1 Room, 2 Travellers
Guest Reviews
Overall
7.4(901)6/10 Oy. This is fixable, but no effort.
Yes the lobby is beautiful and the location near the Bean is great. That’s where it ends. Rooms are normal for a Hilton, but dilapidated and easily fixable. Housekeeping had to be asked twice for shampoo and lotion to be refilled. Peeling wallpaper, crumbling paint. Easy fixes - they just don’t care. We had an issue with none of our electrical outlets working. Very helpful and kind electrician was amazing. But we also asked him what was up with the very old TV that wasn’t WiFi enabled and we could t cast to. He said yeah, they’re fake smart TVs. Lower end chains in Hilton like Hampton Inns at least have clean, well appointed rooms and modern TVs. No coffee maker in room.
Spa was one of the weirdest I’ve ever experienced - everything feels temporary and basic. It’s spacious but there are no amenities. Just a locker room and shower. Sit on a chair in the hallway waiting for your massage- no relaxation area, which I thought was pretty standard. The treatment room had a metal massage table on wheels, not covered up, or anything nice placed on the floor under the face cradle. Just a metal bar like you’re in a hospital bed. It all just felt weird and unfinished or rushed when put together. I can quite put my finger on it. Skip the spa.
Plan on a 10-20 minute wait for an elevator.
On the plus side, the gym and pool are outstanding. Lobby bar and bartenders are excellent.
Bottom line: This hotel is resting on its laurels and needs management who aren’t so willing to settle for mediocrity and just good enough.
aty555Mar 10, 2025
6/10 Could be great
This hotel is visually very beautiful, but there were so many difficulties. I do not enjoy giving mediocre reviews, but it would be fairly easy for the hotel to fix some of these things. The location is great. The room was pretty and comfortable. It was full when I was there, however. I’m not sure I ever had to wait 20 minutes to check in at another hotel. This was in the Hilton Honors line. Upon checking in, I was surprised by a mandatory fee that included a $25 spa “credit,” but the spa was only open during business hours. I did manage to go and try to redeem my credit, but it was only good for certain items that appeared to be worth much, much less than $25 (e.g. small bath bombs, plastic hairbrushes, CBD samples, etc.). It could not be used toward other products, so it really wasn’t a “credit.” I was charged tax that seemed to be more than the worth of the products offered. A staff member didn’t even know where the spa was. The most difficult part of the stay was the extraordinarily long waits for the elevators. Each only served limited floors and were jammed packed with people riding whatever direction it was going just so they could squeeze on. The beautiful lobby bar was also usually packed, and the chairs and tables are all configured in groups of four, so most were taken with groups of only two, leaving half the chairs empty but unusable. I think with minor changes the hotel could return to what appears to be a formerly glorious place.
swimmy4Mar 8, 2025
8/10 Wonderful people.
Amazing staff - the people who work at this hotel are friendly and go above and beyond. The folks at the desk across from the front desk in particular - genuinely friendly each time I passed by (I stayed 4 nights for a conference). Eli, Ricardo, and the others were helpful and friendly. Louis who does room delivery, was always quicker than the estimated time and did so with a smile. Folks at the door also great. The hotel itself - grand lobby and restaurant, rooms varied (some back onto the L so can be noisy, and I think some have been updated more recently than others). Very central location.
CongressAttendeeMar 8, 2025
10/10 Highly Recommend~ Great History, their own brownies and Great location~
I highly recommend this hotel. It's historic, it has great rooms, great food, they make their own brownies (great story there). It's within walking distance of the Bean and Art Institute. Short cab ride to Navy Pier, although if you're fit you might walk it. Staff friendly and helpful. Great bar area. Don't miss the Peacock door on the first floor as you go in. It's to the side, and not accessible to go through, but you can see them. Would stay there again when in Chicago.
tammyjewel628Mar 15, 2025
8/10 Loved the location and ambiance, but missed creature comfort like my own coffee maker.
I love the location and the decorations of the famous folks that stayed in the hotel and provided entertainment. The lobby is gorgeous but very busy. Hard to find a seat in the lobby.
HarmFeb 24, 2025
7/10 Good location, unnecessary hidden charges, high parking fee, understaffed housekeeping. Other than that, great.
Location was awesome. Beautiful lobby. Great pool and workout area.
MarkFeb 11, 2025
6/10 Ok exeperience
The hotel appearance was nice, rooms could use some remodeling as they are old and outdated. I was not pleased with the check out process as the two women did not greet me and my Lyft left me because I was being aggressively up sold for more points after letting them know my ride was waiting. The food was good.
447tiffanifMar 13, 2025
4/10 Facilitie for food was constantly closed, food tasted bad at the restaurant, servers didn’t bother to communicate about
50% of the staff, the art, location
VanessaMar 18, 2025
3/10 Not worth the stay. Double beds very small. Out dated and low grade rooms
NancyApr 9, 2025
6/10 In need of repair
The location is fantastic.
JillJan 30, 2025
4/10 Disappointing
DestinyFeb 28, 2025
5/10 Passable
The lobby bar has a really cool ambience and great bartenders.
HillFeb 3, 2025
2/10 good location, but totally not worth the money otherwise,
location is great
LiFeb 18, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
Comfortable bed, Friendly staff. Men's locker room at spa/workout was exceptionally clean and well stocked with luxury towels & lockers for personal items.
KennethFeb 17, 2025
6/10 It was good but we were 1 hr late to check in so I just didnt liek you system of charging me that, one of our night stan
It was near by everything I wanted to see
MaijaMar 9, 2025
10/10 This hotel exceeded my expectations.
The hotel is an historic hotel retaining its original character with all modern features.
BethFeb 16, 2025
9/10 It was a great get away!
Breakfast was good - would have liked to see some younger person health friendly food.
Loved the pool!
ShelleyMar 24, 2025
2/10 Poor 2 stars
Chicago
MsApr 11, 2025
8/10 Very good
Excellent location, beautiful facilities
KjurstinMar 8, 2025
8/10 1 night at Palmers
Excellent location.
Building is cool.
ChadMar 16, 2025
7/10 Good
Unique building downtown with friendly staff
DunnMar 13, 2025
10/10 My stay was absolutely amazing.
Staff was fun to talk to.
KyleMar 16, 2025
5/10 Celebrating new years
The rooms are small for the money you pay
KimFeb 17, 2025
3/10 Not worth it.
Lots of broken things and long waits for assistance.
BrendanMar 31, 2025
9/10 Superb
Staff, facilities, location
DuaneApr 7, 2025
9/10 Superb
Love the Palmer House at Christmas Time.
NicoleJan 20, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
Beautiful historic hotel wonderful service
PeterFeb 16, 2025
1/10 Horrible unpleasant
Nothing horrible
KristeenaFeb 17, 2025
10/10 Amazing , rich and beautiful
The history
GregoryFeb 26, 2025
10/10 Loved the elevators, great employees
ButlerMar 10, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
AndreApr 3, 2025
7/10 Beautiful Hotel but be careful with extra fees
This historic hotel is in the heart of the city—very beautiful, with antique interiors and wonderful decor. My room was small and a bit dark but this reflects the the older standards and points to the luxury we are used to nowadays. I was quite content with the service; my room was clean and had everything I needed.
NinaDec 14, 2024
4/10 DO NOT RECOMMEND
The Tuba Christmas concert was really about it.
Nuce'sDec 22, 2024
6/10 Nice place but had to pay an additional non-negotionable destination fee fine to stay there.
Great downtown location. Friendly staff. Was delivered a complimentary coffe machine to my room.
BretDec 9, 2024
8/10 Beautifully classic hotel
The location was great. Housekeeping staff were friendly and everything was clean. Inside the building there is a Starbucks, candy store, and gift shop. The hotel also has a coffee shop, restaurant, and bar.
ChristalDec 29, 2024
10/10 Had not been to Palmer House in many years. Stay exceeded my expectations.
Size of room was adequate. Two closets. Bathroom was small but given the age of the hotel appropriate. Staff did a great job maintaining cleanliness of the room. Easy to control the temperature. Breakfast was included in the room costs which was a positive. Pool and fitness center were nice. Holiday decorations were beautiful. Great location
OakesJan 2, 2025
7/10 Good
Comfy beds, covered heated parking, place is stunning, decent food, nice staff.
KristenDec 26, 2024
6/10 It was nice to experience this historical building, but we would not stay here again
Location
WioletaJan 4, 2025
8/10 Exquisite setting for a holiday treat!
Historic interior design and location.
BridgetJan 5, 2025
1/10 I cut short my vacation with my SO and checked out early because I was so annoyed with the hotel and staff.
Not much. Centrally located.
MikeDec 24, 2024
6/10 Just ok
The location
ShenekaJan 5, 2025
9/10 Classic grand hotel with amazing staff and amenities for work
Classic beautiful hotel with an incredible lobby/open space, great staff, and ideal location.
MeganJan 17, 2025
10/10 Stunning Stay at a Historic Hotel
So many great things to say: the lobby is exquisite, the coffee shop is delish, and so much more!
ScottDec 13, 2024
8/10 Would definitely go back
The lobby is beautiful, especially because it was the holidays. All the staff were wonderful and very helpful. The spa and fitness area are amazing
ChristineDec 31, 2024
3/10 Poor
It’s pretty and well kept.
VaniaJan 7, 2025
9/10 Great location for exploring Chicago
Beautiful historic building.
Rooms are very clean. Staff was friendly and helpful
Great location
MariaDec 15, 2024
6/10 Very nice to stay there and enjoy time with family. But the room was very filthy. Housekeeping did n
The location. And a beautiful architecture.
JordanJan 18, 2025
7/10 Good
MonikaJan 3, 2025
10/10 Will return
everything food was great and staff.
CrutcherDec 23, 2024
7/10 Amazing!
Property was beautiful!
SekoriaJan 6, 2025
5/10 Overpriced, but nice
The lobby’s design was lovely
CaryJan 1, 2025
10/10 I love The Palmer House!
Everything! It was all decorated for Christmas and was beautiful!
LindseyDec 27, 2024
10/10 Beds were great, service great, location great!
Large rooms
JenniferDec 31, 2024
6/10 Good could have been better
Very pretty. Cleaning staff were very kind.
BryantDec 17, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
Location near the Art Institute.
Chicago History.
The lobby at Christmas is famously gorgeous
AlanaDec 31, 2024
8/10 Very good
Food and service were great. Glasses came out dirty enough to elicit an apology.
GerardJan 20, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
GaryMar 17, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
HawFeb 25, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
AlbertaFeb 19, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
ZacharyFeb 17, 2025
10/10 A place to feel special at a very reasonable price.
Location, updated, bar
SueDec 13, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
Historical landmark. Beautiful hotel.
CaitlinJan 18, 2025
9/10 Superb
Love the historic lobby. We could spend days there.
DavidDec 30, 2024
10/10 Will go back for sure
Great place overall
MassimoDec 28, 2024
8/10 Very good
RosemaryDec 28, 2024
7/10 Cleaning stuff isn’t good
Old one
WitalijJan 8, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
NhanFeb 8, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
DylanFeb 2, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
LindaJan 28, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
VijayaJan 27, 2025
8/10 Very good
GaryMar 24, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
AllisonJan 14, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
BrockJan 7, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
MauriceJan 4, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
MariaDec 29, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
RaeDec 23, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
BerleDec 21, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
BerleDec 21, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
ConsingDec 19, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
KathrynDec 19, 2024
8/10 Very good
TristenFeb 17, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
ChristianaDec 17, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
KatelynDec 16, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
DannyDec 15, 2024
10/10 Exceptional
EstelleDec 9, 2024
8/10 Very good
AllyzaJan 26, 2025
5/10 Passable
AigulMar 27, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
NathanJan 18, 2025
8/10 Very good
ElisaJan 12, 2025
8/10 Very good
ZaraJan 4, 2025
9/10 Superb
UdayFeb 26, 2025
9/10 Superb
KaiteFeb 16, 2025
9/10 Superb
MichaelJan 12, 2025
9/10 Superb
KaiJan 7, 2025
9/10 Superb
LindaJan 4, 2025
9/10 Superb
MurleyDec 25, 2024
9/10 Superb
GregoryDec 24, 2024
7/10 Good
WilliroseFeb 15, 2025
7/10 Good
EdwardJan 27, 2025
1/10 Bad
WeiJan 25, 2025
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All Amenities
Health or beauty spa nearby
Electric bicycle charging station
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Facilities for disabled guests
Massage services
Packed lunches
Non-smoking throughout
Concierge service
Wheelchair accessible
Heated pool
Coffee Shop on site
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Physical distancing rules followed
Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
Cashless payment available
Fire extinguishers
First aid kit available
Sanitized tableware & silverware
Contactless check-in/check-out
Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
Smoke alarms
Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
Guest room sealed after cleaning
CCTV outside property
Face masks for guests available
24-hour security
Delivered food - securely covered
Security alarm
ATM/banking
Television in common areas
Front desk (limited hours)
Express check-in
Free wired internet
Access to nearby indoor pool
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Internet access
Housekeeping on request
Wine release events
Reception hall
Covered parking
Secured parking
Garage
Health or beauty spa nearby
Swimming nearby
Bicycle-friendly property
Electric bicycle charging station
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House rules
Check-in
03:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Cancellation policy
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.