Hilton HHonors - Chicago Fairmont or Palmer House Hilton?

Booked into the Palmer house at the moment being HH Gold, and after reading plenty of threads here on that property.
But following a recent stay at the Fairmont San Francisco which was fantastic, I am wondering whether or not to try out the Chicago one.

Anyone here have experience of both?

Thanks!!!

As Diamond, I am always treated well at the Palmer House. But the Fairmont is much nicer.

Booked into the Palmer house at the moment being HH Gold, and after reading plenty of threads here on that property.
But following a recent stay at the Fairmont San Francisco which was fantastic, I am wondering whether or not to try out the Chicago one.

Anyone here have experience of both?

Thanks!!!

I have stayed at the Palmer House several times and have always had a pleasant time. Can't compare to Fairmont, as I've never stayed there.

I believe the Fairmont in Chicago is a newer, smaller property than Palmer House. I've never stayed there...just had drinks at the bar. If a generally calmer, quieter hotel is what you prefer, go with the Fairmont. If the lounge and overall perks of HH Gold are what you prefer, go with the PH.

That said, even as a non-elite that does about 2 stays a year at Fairmonts, they always treat me well. About half the time, they'll make a point to say "We've given you a President's Club upgrade." Sort of like getting a "preferred" room at Starwood - no lounge or suite or anything like that, but a nice touch for a total and complete Fairmont peon. The get bed/smoke right, and the upgrade is sometimes a slightly bigger room or whatever. Base perks at Fairmont are pretty good. They've also sent me random Free Drink certificates, but it's been a few years since I got those.

[QUOTE=pinniped]If a generally calmer, quieter hotel is what you prefer, go with the Fairmont. If the lounge and overall perks of HH Gold are what you prefer, go with the PH.
QUOTE]

Am I likely to get lounge access at the Palmer House as HH Gold?

You should get lounge access at the Palmer House, but I find it disappointing.

As to the Fairmont, my company's former owner was based almost next door to the hotel, and I stayed there about 50 times over the last seven years. Overall it is a better hotel then the Palmer House, for no other reason then their worst room is better then an "average" room at the Hilton. When I have received suite upgrades at either hotel, I felt the Hilton was nicer.

One thing that is worth noting, is the Fairmont's location is far superior (discounting any business needs, one might have).

Am I likely to get lounge access at the Palmer House as HH Gold?

Yes - you will receive lounge access at Palmer House. If your room isn't physically on the same level with the lounge, you are still allowed to use the lounge.

I was always treated quite well at the Palmer as an HHgold, with upgrades and lounge access. The executive floor rooms are much nicer than those below, so it is worth double checking to try to get the Exec-floor upgrade.

I have not stayed at the Fairmont in Chicago, and am happy enough with the Palmer that I don't see a need to try it.

Cheers,

Answida

I have never stayed at the Fairmont.

I have stayed at the Palmer House a lot though. It is the most convenient hotel for where I need to be. As a Gold, you will get 2 bottles of water and executive lounge access. As for the lounge, there is a private bar and two areas to sit down. There are hot appetizers and crackers and cheese nightly from 5-7. The appetizers seem to be formerly frozen fare and pretty much uninspiring. Later in the evening, they put out mixed nuts (fair) and squares of fudgy chocolate cake (okay). The breakfast is also in the lounge-standard continental fare but they do have a waffle maker, which I enjoy. Overall, the lounge is nothing special and I think the best part of it is the unlimited non-alcoholic drinks-water, soda, juice, coffee, tea.