Great stay at the Palomar!
Just got back from spending an extra night in Chicago. Was in town for business and also stayed at the Doubletree. Got a great deal at the last minute as I needed to stay one more night and the Doubletree was sold out. Thanks to the TA promotion online I got a King size bed in a great room for only $111! 
The Palomar has a great retro/modern vibe. A lot of use of lighting and contemporary features make it feel more spa like. Some of the pro's are that everyone working there was exceptionally courteous and friendly, eager to help in any way. Rooms felt more like a nice little apartment than a hotel. They also have a complimentary wine reception and although I didn't use the indoor pool and fitness center, they looked very clean and well maintained. It's not a place where you see a lot of families with little kids running around, it's more of an adult themed type of place (which I prefer). A nice touch is that the majority of lights in the room are on dimmers.
The only two con's I could think of are the lack of a coffee maker in the room, (but it is free down in the lobby in the morning) and the ridiculously small area to drive into when you first check in. It is literally big enough to hold only 2 cars, but the valets are always there to help get you in and out in a hurry. Beware, as parking anywhere overnight in Chicago is pricey, and the Palomar is getting $46 with in and out privileges.