The Palmer House in Chicago Illinois on Route 66

The Palmer House is never talked about as a place on Route 66. However, the parking garage is actually STEPS away from the starting point, the BEGIN sign, of Route 66 and the hotel itself is half a block in. The Palmer House’s history coincides with the history of Route 66. Although initially built in the 1800’s, it was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire. It was then rebuilt and opened in 1925, and the plans for the start of Route 66 nearby was no accident.

The Palmer House is a luxurious hotel that is in contrast to the roadside motels, motor lodges, and motor courts that travelers would expect to see along the Historic Route 66. But, hey, it’s Chicago…the city…and it shows how diversified Route 66 really is.

The Palmer House is truly a first-class establishment with spacious rooms, and personalized service. It has a true old age feel…as you might feel like you have been transported into the 1940’s.

We were upgraded to a beautiful suite and provided with robes, slippers, and champagne…a perfect touch for the first night of our honeymoon, and a great start of a journey on Route 66.