Following a difficult year for the travel and hospitality industry, Chicago’s Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, announces its reopening after a year-long temporary closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The historic hotel will open doors to guests on June 17th, 2021, coinciding with its 150-year anniversary.
Palmer House first opened on September 26, 1871. The hotel began as an extravagant wedding gift and was immediately regarded as one of the most luxurious hotels in Chicago. Just 13 days after its grand opening, Palmer House was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire and was later rebuilt by founder Potter Palmer.
Palmer borrowed $1.7 million to rebuild the hotel and surrounding Chicago area, developing Lake Shore Drive and reimagining State Street, the socialite couple were integralin creating the city structure as it stands today. After using their influence to rise Chicago up from the ashes, the grand hotel welcomed its first guests again on November 8, 1873.
“We are incredibility proud to reopen the iconic Palmer House doors, and welcome guests back to the epicenter of Chicago’s rich history for our 150th anniversary year. Reopening a grand hotel of this stature is no easy task, in the months leading up to reopening day, the team at Palmer House vacuumed over 4 miles of carpet, changed 10,000 light bulbs, and for the first time, filled 14,600 gallons of water into our new swimming pool.” said Dean Lane, Area General Manager, PalmerHouse, a Hilton Hotel.
Upon reopening, Palmer House will unveilits brand-newindoor swimming pool following a $2.2 Million renovation includinga newly outfitted pool, uncovering the once hidden vaulted glass-domed ceiling. The new poolsidefurnishingand interior design pays homage to hotel’s history with texturally rich deep woodgrain contrasting against white-washed Chicago brick.
At the lobby bar, guests will also be able to enjoy the 150th anniversary cocktail -the 1871, original recipe brownie and other elevated plates. New to Palmer House is Lockwood Express, a grab and go concept that includes daily baked pastries, Lavazza coffee and cold brew, a selection of warm artesian meals, and even small batch cocktails for travelers on-the-go
