In celebration of Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel’s 154th Anniversary today, the legendary Chicago property proudly unveils Legacy Unlocked: A Taste of History – an immersive history tour shining a spotlight on the storied past of North America’s longest operating hotel. A nod to the hotel’s past, wherein renowned ‘History is Hott’ tours were frequented by thousands and led by the late, Ken Price, a new chapter unfolds as a reimagined tour is introduced for guests. Rising from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire in 1873, Palmer House emerged as a symbol of romance, history, and pivotal hospitality “firsts”—now brought to life through a new experiential on-site tour.
The 60-minute tour will transport visitors through the hotel’s vast heritage, complete with captivating stories, such as Bertha Honoré Palmer and Potter Palmer’s legendary romance to the creation story of the Original Palmer House Brownie. Along the way, guests will discover the Palmer House Museum, which houses 100-year-old artifacts, thesparkling Palmer China Collection, and some of the hotel’s most exquisite grand ballrooms, pending availability, including the famed Empire Room, which once set the stage for renowned performers, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. At the end of the tour, visitors will be treated to a complimentary Palmer House Brownie for a taste of the original recipe that dates back to 1893.
To sweeten the experience, tour participants will enjoy an exclusive 20% discount at Palmer House’s signature Lockwood Restaurant & Bar, Potter’s Bar or Lockwood Express. The iconic Lockwood lobby venue invites guests to sample decadent bites and handcrafted cocktails underneath 21 Greek Mythological frescos and the warm glow of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s candelabras, the Winged Angels. For those seeking a more intimate setting, the hotel’s speakeasy, Potter’s Bar, offers a moody escape with shareable bites and prohibition-style cocktails for sampling. For a quick snack to-go, guests can visit Lockwood Express. To note, the 20% discount is not applicable on alcohol or retail items.
The ADA-accessible, semi-private history tour is limited to 12 guests at a time, and will be offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at two times: 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. At the time of the tour, guests will meet the guide in the hotel’s mezzanine. The 60-minute experience is priced at $50, recommended for ages 12 and up, and bookings may be made HERE.
