Hotel Palomar Chicago

"Pampering in the City for Parents, Kids, and Pets Alike"

When our family travels, we usually bring our dog.  Our trip through Chicago during a cross-country move was no exception.  It's often difficult to find a hotel to accept our 85-pound yellow lab without having to pay hefty pet fees (we have seen them up to $150), and we are usually relegated to the budget hotels that are often not in the best of locations.  When we found that the Hotel Palomar-Chicago, which is right in the heart of the city, not only allowed our dog to accompany us but also provided extra amenities to make him more comfortable-at no charge- we couldn't wait to check in!

Even before arriving at the hotel, we experienced superior service.  Each time I called to ask a question, the staff was quick to help me find the answer.  The day before we were to check in, we realized that we hadn't packed a stroller in our already too-full car, so I called the hotel to see if they had any to loan or knew of a place that would rent us one.  Within ten minutes, the front desk staff called me back with the local stroller rental options.  In the end, we opted to pick up a cheapie from Wal-Mart on the way rather than pay the rental company's $40 delivery fee, but it was fantastic to have the option.

Upon arriving at the hotel on a very rainy Sunday, the valet didn't bat an eye at our hulking SUV with roof box on top.  It was too tall for their regular garage, but they were able to find another place to put it with no problem.  While parking was a hefty $46, it was nice to not have to worry about it ourselves. We were several hours early for check-in, but with the rain coming down we needed a dry place to spend the afternoon.  Our room was ready and waiting for us.  The front desk provided special welcome bags for both the dog and my two kids, ages 3 and 5.  The dog's bag had a collapsible water dish, leash with the hotel logo, bag of treats, and a bag dispenser to take along on walks.  The kids' bags each had a kaleidoscope, luggage tag, activity book, and 6-in-one crayon, as well as a coupon for a free breakfast in the hotel's restaurant.

Our room was very luxurious, especially compared with the places we are used to staying when bringing the family along.  The decor was comfortable yet modern, and there was a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city where the kids spent much of their time.  Every detail was thought out when designing the rooms, down to the bathroom light being on a dimmer switch to serve as a nightlight (which is very handy when traveling with kids!).  The kids spent some time at the 17th-floor pool with their dad while I enjoyed a run on the treadmill in the fitness center (which would have had a great city view had it not been for the television screen permanently affixed to the treadmill) .  Afterward, the weather cleared and we enjoyed a ride on the free trolley to the Navy Pier, which stops right across the street from the hotel.

The hotel offers several amenities that we weren't able to take advantage of while having the kids with us.  There is a cocktail hour in the lobby every evening.  They do offer "mocktails" for the kids, but the reception room was rather full of adults when we peeked in on it.  We felt like we may be disturbing other guests by joining in. There is also a well-renowned restaurant and bar attached.  We opted for Chicago pizza with the kids for dinner instead, but we were able to sneak down to the bar after the kids went to sleep (their grandmother was also with us on the trip!).  We had some very original drinks made by a very dedicated bartender and now know why the bar has recently won several awards.

The cost of an overnight stay is a little more than we would usually spend while traveling with the family, but in this case it's worth it to be in the center of the action. Hotel Palomar-Chicago is in a fantastic location surrounded by restaurants and shops.  Couple that with the free trolley and you could spend days there exploring Chicago.  For a little extra savings, become a member of Kimpton InTouch, the hotel's loyalty program.  You will get to "raid the mini bar" for $10 worth of snacks or drinks, and also get free wifi.  In addition, if you "Like" the Hotel Palomar-Chicago on Facebook, they sometimes give out a secret word to say at check-in that will result in an extra perk or two.

This review is based on a reduced-price stay at the Hotel Palomar-Chicago.  I received no other compensation besides the hotel stay and the hotel did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.