Palmer House

Beautiful, historic hotel

I went in early August, and it was my second time staying there, and since there had been a four year gap in time since the first stay, I realized I’d only stay here if it was a good deal on the room rate. It’s very gorgeous inside, with its high ceilings and antique furniture details. However, the staff are very menial, and are kind of standoffish and it didn’t feel like we were another two-hundred dollars in their pocket…

This one almost didn’t make it. A few years back they were going to rip the front of this building off and replace it with some glass and metal monstrosity.

Originally built a few days before the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 and given as a present to Palmer’s wife.

It was rebuilt by 1873 using the biggest loan ever, and was the first to use electric light and telephones as well as having the first elevator.

To honor the guests of the 1893 Worlds Fair, a chef here created the worlds first brownie dessert.