Even though I enjoyed staying at the Palmer I will look around to stay at another place next time I need to stay in downtown Chicago. I am not to familiar with downtown hotels so its hard to say if they all have about the same amenities to offer. Even though the Palmer lobby is stunning with much artwork to look at the room we stayed in on the executive floor was not quite up to par for what I look for in a hotel. I felt like I was more at an older bed and breakfast which is not really my top choice for accomadations. The room was typical of any other older hotel room.
First of all we did have good experience with checking in. Not to long of a wait and we were quickly helped by a bellman at the hotel getting our luggage up the escalator. He took off so quickly we did not get a chance to tip him. The hotel is busy with alot of activity going on. Our room was about average. Nothing to really brag about. 2 comfy beds. A desk area, Flat screen TV plus a DVD player. The room did not have anything extra to offer. We like having a fridge in our room and had to order one for $40. Compared to most 3 or 4 star hotels we usually get rooms that come with a fridge already in the room at no extra charge. The bathroom was a little cumbersome for 2 people. It definitely needed some extra hooks on the wall. Towels were nice and big and plush.
The real bummer was no free internet in room. Yes the hotel does state they have it free in lobby but really who wants to go to lobby and work on a project on your computer . The cost to get interent is $13-$16 a day. Thats outrageous when you consider how much it cost for interent at home for a month. That definitely was a deal breaker for me since I had to pay daily for interent at 5 nights that really added up. The next deal breaker was the fee to use the exercise room at $10 per day. Which is also over priced. Once again travelors usually get these two services as part of their room rate. There are evening snacks but once again the prices of a adult drink were ridiculous. One bottled beer with a small tip was $10!! There was a CVS next door that we walked over too and bought our own drinks to have in our room.
Staying on the executive level was okay. Since I did not stay on a regular floor its hard to say if it was worth it. After 2 days of the breakfast, snacks and late evening snacks I had enough. The rest of my stay I ventured out for a change. The room where the breakfast is served is so crowded. I felt really silly trying to get my meal constantly bumping into someone or someone bumping into me. Once again between the internet, exercise facilities, free breakfast I am not sure it was worth staying here. I can get this at any other hotel. For a 5 day stay we paid over $1,500 for 2 of us to stay on exective floor, get internet, gym privileges and cheap snacks. Not really worth it.
The pro part of this hotel was its location. Its downtown and seems to be within walking distance to alot of things. There are so many places to get something to eat. Everyone we encountered seemed friendly and helpful.
FYI-taxi ride from airport to hotel was $45 plus tip.
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