Business Details
Experience Historic Elegance at Palmer House Hilton
Established in 1873, Palmer House Hilton stands as North America's longest-operating hotel, blending historic elegance with modern amenities. Our legacy began as a wedding gift from Potter Palmer to Bertha Honore Palmer, embodying romance and innovation. We pioneered the use of light bulbs, telephones, and elevators in hospitality, while our creation of the brownie in 1893 remains a celebrated culinary contribution. Over 150 years, we've hosted presidents, celebrities, and cultural icons, maintaining our status as a Chicago landmark. Our $170 million renovation ensures 21st-century comforts coexist with preserved historic grandeur, including our famed Empire Dining Room-turned-supper club.As part of Historic Hotels of America, we combine national recognition with local authenticity, offering guests immersive experiences through our 1,641 rooms, 130,000 sq ft of meeting space, and curated Chicago-inspired events. Our commitment to excellence extends to sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology, including ultra-fast WiFi infrastructure and hybrid event capabilities. From the iconic Magic Parlour to The Spa at Palmer House, we deliver unparalleled service rooted in our founders' vision of hospitality as a living, evolving art.
Services
The Spa at Palmer House
Health Club
Magic Parlour
Dining
Meeting Services
Wedding Planning
Virtual Tours
Gift Cards
Parking
Sustainability Programs
Highlights and features
- North America's longest continually operating hotel since 1873
- Inventor of the iconic brownie in 1893
- 130,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art meeting and event space
- Award-winning catering with Chicago-inspired culinary experiences
- Sustainable luxury with $170 million modernization preserving historic character
Associations and certifications
- Historic Hotels of America
What people say
Historic charm
Excellent service
Iconic brownie
Prime location
Event excellence
Services
The Spa at Palmer House
Indulge in luxury treatments at our full-service spa, offering facials, massages, and body therapies in a serene environment. Our skilled estheticians use premium products to rejuvenate mind and body. Located within Chicago's historic Palmer House Hilton, this urban retreat combines modern wellness with timeless elegance for discerning travelers.
Meeting Services
Host successful events in 130,000 sq ft of versatile meeting space featuring state-of-the-art technology and customizable layouts. Our dedicated event team coordinates everything from intimate boardrooms to grand galas for 2,000+ guests. Enjoy seamless connectivity with 1,200 WiFi access points and hybrid event capabilities across Chicago's premier historic venue.
Palmer House Brownie
Savor the original brownie created in 1893 for the Chicago World's Fair, featuring rich chocolate fudge texture with walnut-apricot glaze. Available for nationwide shipping through Goldbelly or in-room dining. This culinary icon, first published in the Sears Roebuck Catalog, remains a must-try Chicago specialty preserved through generations at America's longest-operating hotel.
Health Club
Maintain your fitness routine in our 10,000 sq ft wellness facility with cardio equipment, strength-training machines, and free weights. The club offers locker rooms, towel service, and fitness assessments for hotel guests. Stay active while experiencing Chicago's historic hospitality landmark with modern exercise amenities.
Wedding Planning
Create unforgettable weddings in 38 unique venues including the opulent Grand Ballroom, accommodating up to 2,000 guests. Our planners coordinate floral arrangements, catering, and decor with historic elegance. Enjoy special offers like 100k Hilton Honors points reward for bookings through March 31, 2025 at this National Trust Historic Hotel.
Questions
What historic significance does Palmer House Hilton hold?
As America's longest-operating hotel since 1873, we pioneered hotel technology (light bulbs, telephones) and invented the brownie in 1893 while hosting presidents and cultural icons.
Can I purchase Palmer House Brownies online?
Yes, our signature brownies ship nationwide through Goldbelly. The original recipe from 1893 features chocolate fudge texture with walnut-apricot glaze as created for the Chicago World's Fair.
What meeting/event facilities are available?
We offer 130,000 sq ft of flexible space with state-of-the-art technology, including 38 venues accommodating 10-2,000 guests. Our dedicated event team coordinates hybrid events with 1,200 WiFi access points.
What sustainability initiatives are implemented?
Our $170 million renovation incorporated energy-efficient systems while preserving historic elements. We maintain sustainable practices across operations as part of Hilton's corporate responsibility program.
How to access hotel amenities?
Guests receive room key access to all facilities including The Spa, Health Club, and dining venues. In-room tablets provide digital controls and event communications for modern convenience.
