Where to Stay - Chicago 2005 - page 84

Did You Know?
Merriel Abbott, the dance choreographer who booked all the acts at the
Palmer House's famed Empire Room—one of the nation's leading supper
clubs from the 1930s to the 1950s—gave Liberace and Bob Fosse their first
breaks. Liberace, a cocktail pianist at the club, was “discovered” in Milwau-
kee by Abbott, who is credited with dressing up the flamboyant enter-
tainer's piano with a candelabra to lend his act some pizzazz. Fosse, a native
Chicagoan, made his debut at age 18 as part of a dance team. He and his
partner made $500 a month in 1947; Liberace was paid a miserly $1,100 for
5 weeks in 1946.

Fun Fact

out into offices across the street. All the rooms are in the process of being reno-
vated, but upgrades at the palatial Palmer House take place, understandably, on
a staggered basis; be sure to ask for a refurbished room when making reservations.
Bathrooms are on the smallish size (some rooms come with two bathrooms, a
plus for families). Kids might appreciate the sheer size of the place, with plenty
of room to wander, and the location is good for access to the Museum Campus,
but the Palmer House's days as one of Chicago's top hotels are gone.
17 E. Monroe St. (at State St.), Chicago, IL 60603. & 800/HILTONS or 312/726-7500. Fax [phone].
www.hilton.com. 1,640 units. $129-$350 double; $450-$1,500 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $31
with in/out privileges; self-parking across the street $21. Subway/El: Red Line to Monroe/State. Amenities: 4
restaurants (including the legendary but dated Trader Vic's, a Cajun restaurant, and 2 American bar and grills);
2 lounges; indoor pool; health club; Jacuzzi; sauna; children's programs; concierge; business center; shopping
arcade; room service until 2am; babysitting referrals; laundry service; overnight dry cleaning; executive rooms.
In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, high-speed Internet access, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Renaissance Chicago Hotel A hotel in search of a personality, the
Renaissance Chicago is tasteful and understated—perfectly suited to the busi-
ness travelers who are the hotel's bread and butter. This large operation offers all
your standard high-end amenities but is indistinguishable from any number of
executive-style hotels elsewhere in the country. Still, this is a good bet for high-
end service if you want a Loop location, and the hotel's bay windows provide
stunning views of the Chicago River and the towers of North Michigan Avenue.
Standard double rooms include a small sitting area with a couch and smallish
bathrooms; deluxe doubles have much bigger bathrooms (some with separate
showers and bathtubs) and two couches. Club-level rooms, located on the top
four floors, are half a room larger and have their own concierge in a private
lounge, where complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres
are served. Request a room on the 20th floor or higher on the east side for views
of both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Another good bet are rooms on
the hotel's north side, all of which have river views.
1 W. Wacker Dr. (at State St.), Chicago, IL 60601. & 800/468-3571 or 312/372-7200. Fax [phone].
www.marriott.com. 553 units. $159-$259 double; $189-$289 club-level double; $500-$2,500 suite. AE, DC,
DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $34 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: Brown Line to State/Lake or Red Line to
Washington/State. Small pets accepted. Amenities: Restaurant (American); lounge; indoor pool w/skylights;
health club w/sauna and whirlpool; concierge; 24-hr. business center; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting;
laundry service; club-level rooms. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, high-speed Internet access, minibar, cof-
feemaker, hair dryer, iron, wet bar in some rooms.

Swissôtel Chicago This sleek, modern hotel is all business, and may
therefore feel a bit icy to some visitors, but its professional aura makes it especially