Conjures Images of "The Shining"
I have stayed at the Palmer House twice before -- once on a trip with my parents around 1971 and about 13 years ago. Let's just say that this property needs an extreme makeover. The rooms look good on the website thanks to very good photography skill, but when you get here it is kind of creepy. The carpet, the wallpaper, the long cavernous hallways, and the lighting. Hilton has gone full into the compact fluorescent lighting that creates ambiance akin to a prison cell. When I walked down the hallways to my room, I kept worrying about seeing the pasty white twins from "The Shining". I kept thinking to myself ... "when I see the room, I am sure it will be very nice." Well, the wishful thinking did not make it so. Room 119 on the 15th floor is a little scary too (see pictures). The green velvet chair, the peeling wallpaper, the hum of the L train a few blocks away, and the closet sized bathroom all reinforced my first impression that even at $179 corporate rate, this is highway robbery. As most of you know, it is generally a crapshoot when you get a room in an old hotel, but I expected more from Hilton. This place would also be difficult for handicapped people because of its design, although it does comply with ADA standards I am sure. The bar area looked interesting, and probably the grand spaces are great for large opulent events with low lighting. However, if you are in the Loop area of Chicago, stick with the JW Marriott, the W and the Renaissance if you want something clean, nice and in good repair. If you want budget, the Club Quarters is not bad.