Chicago, 140 East Walton Place41.900105,-87.62337(Show on Map)
8.5
Very Good
+5 Photos
+5 Photos
+ 3 Photos3
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
The Drake Hotel in Chicago is celebrated for its outstanding blend of historic charm and modern convenience. Situated in a prime location near Michigan Avenue, the Gold Coast neighborhood, and the picturesque Lake Michigan shores, it offers easy access to the city's top attractions. Guests are particularly fond of the hotel's remarkable vintage ambiance, which provides a charming glimpse into a bygone era without compromising on comfort. The staff at The Drake receive persistent accolades for their friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism, contributing significantly to a welcoming and enjoyable stay. Notable figures, such as Bellman Christopher and Valet Faris, are mentioned for their exceptional service.
The rooms at The Drake are praised for being spacious, clean, and comfortable, with some featuring impressive lake views. Although a few rooms could benefit from modern updates, the overall atmosphere maintains an alluring historical appeal that many visitors find enchanting. Guests frequently commend the hotel's comfortable beds and high-quality linens, ensuring a restful night's sleep.
While the breakfast experience presents some inconsistencies, with issues related to vouchers and restaurant hours, the quality of the food receives praise whenever available. The hotel's central location complements its luxurious offerings, making it an ideal retreat with stunning views that create an upscale and romantic ambiance.
The Drake Hotel remains an emblem of elegance and sophistication, cherished for its rich history and timeless allure. Though some suggest minor improvements could further elevate its status, its ability to transport guests into an era of grandeur and opulence makes it a beloved choice for those seeking a classic hotel experience in Chicago.
Categories
Luxury
A historic hotel known for its grand architecture, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional service. Features include multiple dining options, a tea room, and elegantly designed rooms, providing a classic and upscale experience.
Historic
Opened in 1920, The Drake Hotel is an iconic landmark on Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Designed in the Italian Renaissance style by Benjamin Marshall and Charles Fox, it has hosted royalty and celebrities. The hotel is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Sustainability Journey
The Drake Hotel is committed to environmental sustainability. They focus on reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing waste through recycling programs, and promoting responsible sourcing.
Honeymoon
The Drake Hotel is a historic landmark offering elegant accommodations and exceptional service. Its grand architecture and romantic ambiance make it a perfect choice for couples seeking a classic and sophisticated honeymoon experience.
Romantic
A historic hotel known for its grand architecture and elegant ambiance, offering luxurious rooms and afternoon tea service. The hotel's timeless charm and exceptional service create a romantic and unforgettable experience.
Nightlife
An iconic hotel at the end of the Magnificent Mile, home to the classic Coq d'Or bar, known for its historic ambiance and cocktails. The location provides access to upscale bars in the area.
4 Star
Family
Dog Friendly
Business
Parking
Accessible
Gym
Haunted
Room Types
Twin Room with Two Twin BedsThis room has an iPod docking station and a HD TV.
Deluxe King RoomThis spacious room has an iPod docking station and a HD TV.
King Room with Lake ViewThis spacious room has an iPod docking station and a HD TV.
Queen RoomThis room has an iPod docking station and a HD TV.
Family King Room with Sofa BedThis sizable room offers a sofa bed and a HD TV. There is an iPod docking station.
Please note that the room rate is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 4 guests (see Hotel Policies).
Family Room with Two Queen BedsThis sizable room offers a HD TV. There is an iPod docking station.
Please note that the room rate is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 4 guests (see Hotel Policies).
King RoomThis room has an iPod docking station and a HD TV. There is a marble bathroom and a work desk.
King Studio Suite with Lake ViewOffering a spacious sitting area and views of Lake Michigan, this suite includes an HD TV and an iPod docking station. Guests will enjoy the marble bathroom and plush bedding.
One Bedroom King Goldcoast SuiteIn addition to a separate living area that provides spectacular lake views, each immense Chicago Gold Coast hotel suite features a private bedroom with a separate shower and spa bath. Guests can enjoy the HD TV and iPod docking station. There is also a sofa and a marble bathroom.
King Studio SuiteOffering a spacious sitting area, this suite includes a HD TV and an iPod docking station. There are marble bathrooms and high style furniture.
Standard Single RoomThe single room offers air conditioning, video games, heating and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Presidential Suite with Lake ViewThe unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Mobility AccessibleThe quadruple room provides air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a safe deposit box, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 2 beds.
One-Bedroom King SuiteThe suite features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a safe deposit box and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 bed.
One-Bedroom King Suite with Lake ViewThe unit has 1 bed.
Twin Room with Lake ViewThe unit offers 2 beds.
King Room with Lake View - Hearing AccessibleThis double room offers a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
King Room with Lake View - High FloorThis double room features a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe King Room - High FloorThis double room provides a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Queen Room with Two Queen BedsThe quadruple room is equipped with a TV, air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a safe deposit box. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Review Summaries
Location
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, The Drake Hotel boasts an enviable location that seamlessly combines historic charm with modern convenience. Guests frequently laud its proximity to key attractions, including Michigan Avenue's famed shopping strip, the vibrant Gold Coast neighborhood, and the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. The hotel's strategic placement allows for easy access to downtown dining, high-end retail, and cultural spots, all within a leisurely walk.
The Drake is celebrated not only for its central placement but also for its unique historic ambiance. This classic Chicago landmark offers guests a glimpse into the elegance of a bygone era, with authentic architectural details and a grandeur that remains well-preserved. Many visitors appreciate the blend of nostalgia and comfort the hotel offers, with the lake views from certain rooms adding to the enchanting experience.
Guests mention the convenience of nearby public transportation, ensuring that exploring other parts of the city is straightforward. Moreover, the hotel's staff receive positive mentions for their accommodating nature, enriching the overall stay. Whether it's the convenience for sightseeing, the allure of its storied past, or the beautiful setting by the lake, The Drake Hotel stands out as a prime choice for those looking to experience Chicago with both style and comfort.
Breakfast
The Drake Hotel presents a mixed breakfast experience that ranges from delightful to disappointing. Guests frequently commend the hotel's breakfast offerings for their delicious taste and excellent service, particularly at the Cafe on Oak and the restaurant on the lower level. These venues have been highlighted for their outstanding food and attentive staff, with some reviewers describing the breakfast as a highlight of their stay.
However, there are notable inconsistencies in the breakfast arrangements. Several guests expressed frustration with the breakfast policy, where the expected inclusive meal turned out to be a mere voucher ranging from $15 to $30, insufficient to cover the full cost of breakfast. Additionally, the closure of certain restaurants and limited hours of operation led to dissatisfaction for those who had anticipated a full dining experience.
Despite the issues with vouchers and availability, the hotel's breakfast receives praise for its quality whenever it is accessible. Nonetheless, potential guests should verify the current breakfast offerings and restaurant operations before their stay to ensure it meets their expectations.
Rooms
The Drake Hotel offers a mix of experiences when it comes to its accommodations, with many reviews highlighting positive aspects. Guests often describe the rooms as spacious, clean, and comfortable, with some praising the impressive lake views from their windows. The large bathrooms and the ample space in the suites also receive commendations, making the rooms feel grand and luxurious. The hotel's historical charm adds to its appeal, and numerous guests appreciate the hotel's location and amenities, such as an on-site coffee shop and easy check-in and check-out processes.
However, there are notes of improvement that appear in various reviews, indicating that some rooms may need updating and refurbishing to bring them up to current standards. Issues such as tired furnishings, dated decor, and occasional cleanliness concerns have been mentioned. Despite these drawbacks, many guests still leave satisfied with their stay, especially those who enjoy the vintage vibe and the excellent service from the helpful and accommodating staff. Overall, The Drake's rooms largely offer comfort and charm, with the extraordinary lake views being a definite highlight for many visitors.
Beds
Nestled within its timeless charm, The Drake Hotel possesses a standout feature that guests repeatedly commend: its remarkably comfortable beds. Many visitors have found themselves enveloped in the luxurious embrace of the hotel’s plush bedding and high-quality linens, often awakening refreshed after a restful night’s sleep. The overall design and setup of the rooms, including spacious areas with king-size beds, further enhance the comfort level. While a few noted issues with bed firmness or size, the prevailing sentiment points to an excellent combination of cozy mattresses and pillows. As an added touch, the hotel’s elegant design and spaciousness add to the experience, making it an inviting retreat for travelers seeking a touch of classic sophistication.
Cleanliness
The Drake Hotel, a classic and historic establishment, is praised for its elegant old-world charm and welcoming ambience. Visitors frequently mention the hotel's immaculate cleanliness, noting that both the property and the rooms are well-maintained and tidy. The spacious guestrooms offer comfortable bedding and are serviced regularly, reinforcing the hotel's commitment to cleanliness. Service at the hotel is consistently described as exceptional, with staff being notably friendly and helpful, contributing to the overall positive experience. Situated in a prime location, the hotel delivers stunning views, combining vintage charm with modern amenities that enhance the stay. Despite some isolated issues with cleanliness, the hotel's aesthetic and services continue to leave a lasting impression on guests, capturing the essence of its storied history with contemporary comfort.
Staff
The Drake Hotel is celebrated for its exceptional staff, who consistently receive high praise from guests for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted by welcoming and professional staff members who remain engaged and accommodating throughout the stay. Many guests appreciate the personalized service provided by longtime employees who clearly treasure their roles. Bellman Christopher and Valet Faris are frequently highlighted for their outstanding work, alongside other team members who excel in ensuring guests' comfort and satisfaction. The hotel staff is noted for their courteous and polite demeanor, providing top-notch service across all areas, from the reception to housekeeping. Whether it's providing directions, making restaurant recommendations, or simply offering a warm smile, the team at The Drake Hotel goes above and beyond to enhance the guest experience.
4 Star
The Drake Hotel offers a unique experience that is reminiscent of a journey back in time, celebrated by its classic and elegant ambiance. This grand old hotel, known for its history and connections with famous guests, remains a remarkable emblem of charm and sophistication. Its central location near the beach adds to its appeal, providing convenient access to nearby attractions. Guests often express delight over the luxurious comfort of the accommodations, including spacious walk-in closets that contribute to the overall sense of grandeur.
Despite being an older establishment, The Drake has managed to preserve its iconic status without extensive modernization, which many guests appreciate as it maintains the hotel's historic essence. The hotel exudes an aura of an old-school, fancy experience that is deemed a pleasure to devour.
However, some reviews suggest that while customer service is commendable, there are areas for improvement, especially concerning dining services, where experiences have been inconsistent. The absence of a breakfast buffet and issues related to billing for breakfast seem to detract from an otherwise delightful stay for some visitors. Additionally, while this grand hotel is cherished for its elegance and rich heritage, a few guests feel there is room for attention to detail, aligning with its four-star status, indicating that enhancements could further elevate the experience.
Ultimately, The Drake Hotel stands as a stunning historical landmark in the hospitality scene, and its old-world charm continues to captivate those who seek a classic hotel experience. Its timeless allure makes it a cherished choice for a luxurious retreat, inviting many to return for another memorable stay.
Historic
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, The Drake Hotel stands as a timeless icon, revered for its rich historical significance and elegant charm. With its roots firmly planted in the Belle Epoque tradition, the hotel boasts a vintage style reminiscent of the 1930s, offering guests a classic experience full of history and character. Its status as a Chicago staple and landmark is further cemented by its prime location near Lake Michigan and Michigan Avenue, providing both a spacious setting and convenient access to the city's vibrant attractions.
This splendid hotel exudes an old-world European feel, where classic, well-appointed rooms welcome guests with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The Drake has a storied past, having hosted a myriad of famous individuals, and visitors often appreciate the unique thrill of seeing photos of its illustrious guests. The building itself is a piece of Chicago’s history, enveloping guests in its elegant charm and traditional allure.
Staff at The Drake Hotel are consistently praised for their friendliness and dedication, further enhancing the welcoming experience. The character and charm of the historic property, combined with its unmatched location, make it a beloved destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the grandeur of Chicago's past. While some suggest it may need modern updates, the overall appeal of The Drake remains in its ability to transport guests to an era of sophistication and splendor, with memories of its timeless grace persisting through generations.
Luxury
The Drake Hotel captivates guests with its majestic presence and elegant charm, offering an experience that goes beyond a typical stay. Renowned for its beautiful vintage architecture and timeless elegance, the hotel is a step back in history with its gothic style and classic features. Visitors enjoy a luxurious atmosphere marked by clean, sophisticated surroundings and polite, attentive staff. Situated in an ideal location, the hotel provides a romantic and upscale vibe enhanced by great views of the lake. Its old-world charm creates a regal ambiance, described as a royal or elite experience. With its gracious character and nod to the opulence of the 1920s, The Drake is more than just a hotel; it's a destination that evokes a sense of nostalgia and grandeur.
FAQ
No, The Drake Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Drake Hotel.
Yes, The Drake Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Drake Hotel.
