Visiting Chicago in August with some pals for some baseball. Online reviews of Palmer House are lukewarm at best. We'll need a suite. Has Palmer House seen better days? What about Embassy Suites, Swissotel or Hyatt as better choices? Thanks.

I stayed there in 2008 and it was just fine. the lobby is grand with gorgeous ceilings; I loved it there.

Do you like iconic hotels? It is one. It is a luxury hotel. The rooms are smaller than current hotels (don't know about suites) but the public facilities are amazing, and the location is excellent for the Art Institute, Millenium Park, and public transportation. I think it is a great deal better than the Chicago Hilton, a property that is in some ways comparable.

Is it a place for guys on a baseball trip? I don't know. I might save it for a romantic weekend with my wife or for when I wanted to blow away my kids.

I stayed at the Palmer House last year in a room on what I think was the "executive floor" I certainly had access to the lounge and my room was on a corner and was good-sized.

The housekeeping was excellent, furniture and carpets in good repair, PLENTY of closet and work space.

I like the place if only because I could walk to the subway to make my way out to O'Hare.

I spent two weeks there a few years back for a medical conference and liked it then, too.

OK, so for some it isn't "the sexy hotel" but I would stay again in a heartbeat.

Thanks to all for good feedback.

Both Embassy Suites would be probably be filled with families in August, i.e., loads of kids running around. Swisshotel and the Grand Hyatt are near each other on the south bank of the Chicago River, while the newer Park Hyatt is at Michigan Avenue/ Chicago Ave, in the heart of the Magnificent Mile.
I haven't been to the Palmer House in years and am glad to hear it's still a good choice.

You might want to consider the Residence Inn Magnificent Mile. It has two bedroom suites which are connected with a sitting area/kitchen. They offer social hour with complimentary beverages, snacks, and a morning breakfast.