Trends in travel come and go, but do photo bombs have what it takes to be the next big thing?
After all, the term became the Collins English Dictionary 2014 Word of the Year, beating out twerk (thankfully) and a handful of other pop culture hopefuls.
Betting on its popularity and longevity, the iconic, beloved Palmer House Hilton a Windy City institution dating back to 1871 announced today that they would be adding an exclusive Photo Bomb Concierge package to its already unique offerings.
So what does it entail? According to the hotel, the standard half day service starts at $200 for four hours of exclusive, personalized use of their Photo Bomb Concierge, Ken Price. Spo2 cable For additional fees, Price will add in costumes and props to make the photo bombs really explode.
"I have been photo bombing guests and friends alike for many years and am thrilled the Palmer House Hilton has made my position official," said Price. "Much like any artistic profession, photo bombing takes poise and talent to master skillfully. I practice different poses on a regular basis to keep my skills nimble and ever at the ready."
According to Dean Lane, General Manager of the hotel, "Engaging with our guests is part of our core values and built into the principles upon which our hotel was foundedWe are thrilled to launch this new offering and trust Ken's creative intuition and expert photo bombing skills will create a one of a kind experience for guests and locals alike."
So have Price and the entire team behind this Chicago institution completely lost their minds? Are they kidding??
Anyone who knows Price and the Palmer House Hilton knows that they take excellent service, hospitality, and luxury very seriously; what they don't take seriously is themselves. Hence the April Fool's joke, which was presented in the form of a very official looking press release that even included its own hashtag: PalmerHousePhotoBomb.
If you do actually want to get a taste for this classic hotel, adorned with 24 karat gold chandeliers, Tiffany statues, and sumptuous rooms in which countless celebrities have slept, you'll find that the level of quality and elegance are definitely no joke.
And if you want to experience Ken Price's humor and one of a kind personality, book a "History is Hott" tour an incredible look into Chicago's history and the way in which the hotel was such an integral part of it. Price, as it turns out, is not an expert photo bomber, but is actually the hotel's official resident historian who was named best hotel historian of 2014 by Historic Hotels of America. He knows literally everything there is to know about the history of the property and the city, and brings it to life in such a way that you'll practically smell, taste, and feel the stories, places, and lives he's sharing with you.
The tour includes a prix fixe lunch at the hotel's renowned Lockwood restaurant (including their world famous brownie that was created in 1898 at the direction of Bertha Palmer for the World Fair), a fascinating lecture in on property museum, and a guided tour of the hotel from its grand ballrooms and breathtaking art deco lobby to artifacts and rooms not open to the public.
Like most guests who participate, you'll find that Price is as charming, fun, and engaging as the tour itself, and you'll find it impossible not to fall in love with him and the hotel that he's called home for over 30 years. My passion for writing about the world's best destinations has brought me to some of the most exciting, luxurious places around the globe, from over water bungalows in Bora Bora to elephant back safaris in Botswana. I've had tea with an Italian prince at his villa, slept in the same suite as European dignitaries,and eaten meals personally prepared for me by a celebrity chef.
