Discover Palmer House: A Storied Gilded Age Hotel Hosting Presidents and Stars

When you envision the opulence of the Gilded Age, perhaps opulent estates or museum displays come to mind. However, one of the Midwest's Gilded Age treasures is not just a relic of the past; it is a vibrant part of the present.

Established by entrepreneur Potter Palmer as a grand wedding present for his wife, Bertha, the Palmer House opened in 1870. Despite its early destruction in the catastrophic Great Chicago Fire of 1871, it Phoenix-like rose from the ashes in 1873.

In its 150-year history, the Palmer House has transformed alongside its city, enduring fires and expansions. It has entertained nearly every U.S. president since Ulysses S. Grant, Bertha's sister's father-in-law, and became a cultural hotspot during the jazz-infused Roaring Twenties.

The Palmer House: A Pillar of History Since 1870

Initially located at State and Quincy Streets, the original site was consumed by flames barely a year post-opening. By 1873, a new edifice was born, taking its place as a bastion of social prominence in Chicago's golden era.

By 1893, Bertha Palmer had ascended to a position of notable social influence, leading the Board of Lady Managers during the World's Fair, enhancing her stature in elite circles.

After the Palmers' passing, their sons continued the family legacy, overseeing dramatic renovations in the mid-1920s, eventually crafting the 25-story structure still standing today, all while staying open to guests.

A Chicago Landmark Since the 1920s

Today, Palmer House is a downtown fixture, boasting more than 1,600 rooms and expansive event venues, with rates starting at a moderate price point for 2025.

Guests are welcomed into an era of glam, immediately greeted by intricately carved doors, relics from the historically rich jewelry store, designed by Tiffany, set against sumptuous green marble settings.

Entering Through Splendor: The Lobby's Marvelous Entryway

Visitors ascend an impressive marble staircase outfitted with floral motifs, opulent chandeliers, and elegant brass railings, leading straight into the heart of the lobby.

A Tribute to Romance in the Décor

Near the staircase apex, a bronze rendition of Romeo and Juliet serves as a symbolic homage to love, resonating throughout the building initially conceived as a gift of affection from Potter to Bertha.

Additional features include motifs of peacocks at the doorway and mythical entities like Aphrodite, poised above in the ceiling mural.

The Lobby: An Ode to the European Drawing Room

The lobby, envisioned as a sumptuous European salon, stands as a testament to opulence, showcasing overtures of Gilded Age sophistication with its ornately frescoed ceiling portraying scenes of myth, crafted by Louis Pierre Regal.

Bertha Palmer's Impressionist art collection, among the most distinguished in the U.S., further cements this space as a realm inspired by her artistic associations with luminaries such as Monet.

To the Empire Room: A Journey on Marble

A separate stairway showcases immensely grandiose Tiffany-designed sculptures, leading to the Empire Room, where illustrious performers once graced the hall.

The prestigious Empire Room's Venerable Past

As a former stage for giants of jazz and performance arts from the 1930s to the 1970s, the Empire Room remains a cherished venue now serving private gatherings.

Artistry and History in the Mezzanine

Adding to its grandeur, an overlooking mezzanine offers contemplative vistas of the artistic ceiling work while also affording private alcoves for guests.

Enduring Elegance of the Ballrooms

Above the grandiose lobby, the exquisite ballrooms—venues for bygone eras' performances—are preserved as ornate spaces for modern-day gatherings.

Among these, the Grand Ballroom is a centerpiece, with its vast layout returning guests to an age of prominent social soirees.

The State Ballroom: A Partner in Grandeur

Adjacent, the State Ballroom further extends the lavish space, fostering an environment apt for significant events with unique coiled floors enhancing the dance experience.

The Distinctive Red Lacquer Room

Evolving unique ambiance, the Red Lacquer Room features vibrant red hues and golden details, offering an environment rich with historical social fame.

Preserving Legacy in Meeting Spaces

In smaller enclaves such as Crest Hill, encounters of the past are reimagined through wood paneling and intimate atmosphere paired with a soothing fireplace.

Reliving Prohibition through Potter's Bar

Newly established by the lobby, Potter's Bar reflects the Prohibition era's clandestine spirit, with decor inspired by the legendary Al Capone and vintage cocktails.

Modern Conveniences Meet Classic Charm

While the Palmer House rooms embrace functionality of contemporary hotel chains, featuring neutral palettes and modern textiles, they mesh seamlessly with the hotel's immersive historical essence.

Experience History: A Destination Like No Other

To walk through the Palmer House is to traverse through epochs—an adventure bridging the lavish Gilded Age to the vibrant Jazz Age, all within Chicago’s bustling Loop.