Named after business mogul Potter Palmer, the historic Palmer House is one of the longest continuously running hotel in the U.S., and also the first to be equipped with electric lights and telephones in each room. A 2008 renovation aimed to return the massive hotel to its roots, and thankfully it included more than just lights and phones; a health club and spa, standard elsewhere, are finally forthcoming. The rooms are now bathed in lavender, brown and sage, shades that mimic the lobby’s original terrazzo flooring and opulent Beaux Arts ceiling, but the décor is updated with monogrammed pillows, swirly and striped linens, and ebony headboards. Try to snag an executive level room. Those rooms didn’t get a modern makeover—they have a French Empire style with flowery pastels and ornate gold mirrors—but you’ll get your own private concierge and a buffet of goodies such as the Palmer House brownies, apt since Bertha Palmer invented the chocolaty creation and the Palmer House debuted it at the 1893 World’s Fair.

Palmer House Hilton Amenities:

• 1,639 rooms. High-speed Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness center. Pool. Business center. Pets accepted.