PRICE:
Frommer's Recommended

The longest continually operating hotel in North America (since 1871), the Palmer House retains a Gilded Age aura in its grand lobby (which is worth a look even if you're not staying here). But otherwise, the place often feels like an extension of the McCormick Place Convention Center. Standard double rooms are quite spacious, if somewhat Spartan, with only two uncomfortable chairs to sit in; some come with two bathrooms, a plus for families. Executive Level rooms on the top two floors come with DVD players, thick robes, and complimentary breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres; guests on those floors have use of a lounge and their own concierge. No matter where your room is located, don't expect grand views of surrounding skyscrapers; most rooms look out into offices across the street. Facilities: 2 restaurants (American); lounge; health club w/indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna for $10/day or $20/entire stay; children's programs; concierge; business center; shopping arcade; room service until 2am; babysitting referrals; laundry service; overnight dry cleaning; executive rooms

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Chicago 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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