Chicago's Palmer House Hilton Named Top Historic Hotel in America

Narrowed down to just 20 hotels by Historic Hotels of America for the public to vote, Palmer House Hilton secured the number four spot on the list of top 10 winners.

Palmer House Hilton is acknowledged for its deep-rooted history filled with romance and tenacity. 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, the Palmer House was completely destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire. However, not to be deterred, founder Potter Palmer rebuilt the grand hotel and the new Palmer House welcomed its first guests on November 8, 1873, marking the opening of what would become the nation's longest continually operating hotel.

Palmer House Hilton is home to many historical firsts, as both Potter and Bertha Palmer ensured the hotel was an industry leader, experimenting with new trends and cutting edge technology, which led to the hotel being the first fireproof hotel, the first to employ the vertical steam powered railroad (elevator), utilize Edison's light bulb and Bell's telephone and most recently the first to introduce the HCN Navigator tablets to all guestrooms. Palmer House was also the first to debut the brownie, an American culinary contribution which was created in the pastry kitchen in 1893 for the very first World's Fair and is still served to guests today.

“We are both thrilled and honored to receive this award,” says Ken Price, Palmer House Hilton's Public Relations Director and resident historian. “Our incredible story and rich history emphasizes the importance in persevering through even the most challenging situations. We could not be more proud of how far Palmer House Hilton has come and are excited for the future of firsts that are sure to come as well.”

The hotel's signature “History is Hott” Tour takes guests through the storied history of the founders Bertha and Potter along with the hotel's hip and historic attributes. Led by Ken Price, guests can participate in an exclusive presentation of the hotel's museum, navigating through the art-deco lobby, grand ballrooms, and vintage artifacts showcased throughout the hotel.

For more information on the Palmer House Hilton and the complete list of the “Best Historic Hotels” Reader's Choice Awards, visit https://www.palmerhousehiltonhotel.com/ or https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-historic-hotel/. To book the History is Hott Tour, visit https://www.palmerhousehiltonhotel.com/events/history-is-hott/.