Vintage décor and an interactive tour of the longest continually operating hotel in America bring the past to life at the Palmer House in Chicago. Originally opened in 1871, the hotel was a gift for Potter Palmer’s bride, Bertha. Just days after opening, the hotel was a smoldering ruin destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire. A remarkable business magnate, Palmer secured a $1.7 million loan and built another hotel, bigger and better than the first. Guestrooms were lit with electric lights, and the city’s first elevator transported guests from one floor to another.

The Palmer House played the gracious host to prominent politicians, entertainers and social figures. Over the years, almost every U.S. president, Charles Dickens, Buffalo Bill and Prince Charles stayed on property. The Empire Room — a famous entertainment venue — featured Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

How the Palmer House influenced Chicago’s culture and commerce is a fascinating story.  For an in-depth experience, we signed up for the “History is Hott!!” tour led by the charming and knowledgeable director of public relations, Ken Price, who the Historic Hotels of America named the best historian in 2014.

“History is Hott!!” begins with a fixed-price menu at the Lockwood Restaurant & Bar, which includes a glass of wine and an engaging lecture in the Palmer House Museum followed by a walk through the hotel highlighting the Art Deco lobby and grand ballrooms. Participants learn Louis Comfort Tiffany designed the candelabras lining the lobby walls and the “Winged Angels” at the entrance to the Empire Room each weighs almost two tons. Many of the sites on the tour are not typically open to the public.

The tour concludes with each attendee receiving the Palmer House Chocolate Fudge Brownie. This all-American dessert was first created under the direction of Bertha Palmer and served at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893.

Lunch and tour reservations are $70, or the tour alone may be taken for $40. The “History is Hott!!” tour is offered Tuesday through Saturday based on availability. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance by calling Rocio Vail at 312 621 7333 or email rocio.vail@hilton.com.

The Palmer House, with 1,641 guestrooms, seven ballrooms, a massive Health Club with an indoor pool and sauna, and a spa, caters to both the business and leisure traveler. Some of the Windy City’s most recognized cultural attractions, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet and the Goodman Theatre, are within walking distance of the hotel.

Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel

17 E. Monroe St.
Chicago, IL 60603
tel 312 726 7500
palmerhousehiltonhotel.com/