Hotel Palomar Chicago

505 N. State, Chicago, Illinois, 60654, USA, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Roman Arkhipov | Unsplash

Why We Like It

The Kimpton brand--this hotel included--breathes luxury without being flashy, comfy without being too lax. Service is impeccable and if you're traveling with your four-legged friend, this hotel does not charge a deposit or extra fee, and the dog can be any size. Sable Kitchen & Bar is the kind of eatery that appeals to locals so you don't have to worry about falling victim to a boring, tasteless meal.

Fodor's Expert Review

In the middle of one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods and close to Rush Street nightlife, this trendy hot spot delivers with solid rooms and excellent cuisine. In the bright and inviting \"living room\" lobby, you'll be offered a complimentary glass of wine daily at 5 pm. Texture is everything here: speckled woodwork adds a unique touch to the spacious and modern rooms. Bathrooms feel vaguely Zen, with spartan countertops, and marble Jacuzzi tubs in the suites.

Tip Expand your footprint by checking out the hotel's PUBLIC bicycles, free of charge.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

Light-blue and cherry-red hues in the rooms--plus artwork inspired by Chicago World's Fair in 1893 in round frames above the bed--channel past eras while still keeping the design fresh. Walls of windows coax in natural light and, if you're lucky, an amazing view.

Bathroom

If you're a bath person, then you're in luck because this hotel's deep tubs are well suited for soaking. Khaki and black colors modernize the bath space. Toiletries are from Atelier Bloem.

Lobby

Chic and elegant, the lobby's white, red and metallic colors are timeless as well as indicators of the hotel's 1920s and 1930s design scheme up in the rooms. There's plenty of seating, to the point that you could hold a meeting down here.

Pool

Located on the 17th floor, the heated indoor pool is an oasis, with furniture that has comfy cushions (none of those mesh or plastic poolside chairs).

Gym

The fitness center is open 24/7, perfect for jet lag or squeezing a work-out into a packed itinerary.

Tip In-room yoga mats (and yoga/pilates programming on the in-room fitness channel) keep you from getting too stressed while in the Windy City.

Dining

Sable Kitchen + Bar offers all-day dining (plus weekend brunch) that's best described as New American, with dishes highly driven by what's in season, such as a shareable butternut-squash agnolotti. When it's warm out, additional seating opens up outdoors.

You Should Know The dinner menu is quite limited at Sable Kitchen + Bar so if you're traveling with a group of picky eaters this might not satisfy.

Drinking

Come morning, pad down to the lobby in your slippers for complimentary coffee and tea service. At night, a hosted wine hour is a sweet spot for pre-dinner drinks. Outdoor seating at Sable Kitchen + Bar is a cozy spot to, on warm days and nights, kick back on a sofa with a cocktail and people-watch. Many of the drinks are inspired by the seasons, so even if this is not your first time at the hotel, it's worth dropping in because you might try a new concoction.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Convenient to L lines, in case you plan to leave the River North area, buses (146, 147 and 151) run up and down Michigan Avenue that can easily get you to the Loop or downtown. Otherwise, Uber and cab drivers are easy to catch for late-night runs to bars in River North or along Rush Street.

Restaurants

The Italian-foods marketplace Eataly (4-minute walk) manages to satisfy both kids and adults through its veritable trip to Italy, whether you dine in a restaurant or grab some food to-go. Shaw's Crab House (3-minute walk) is draped in 1940s style, perfect if you are already drooling over Hotel Palomar's vibe.

Bars

Tiki drinks at Three Dots and a Dash (4-minute walk) have put this bar onto the hot list for Chicago's cool kids. For a classic Chicago watering hole, Billy Goat Tavern (6-minute walk), dating back to 1934, is known for its "Cheezborger" from that now-famous "Saturday Night Live" skit featuring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and John Belushi.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 312-755–9703;877-731–0505