Drake Hotel - Chicago

EXPECTED ELEGANCE

We booked a room for Valentine's Day -
the hotel itself looks lovely. Our room - it was "ok" - but certainly not elegant like we expected.
The bed had no top sheet - just a coverlet - so we had to call for one
There were no robes as were advertised - and even though we called we never received.
The hotel fridge was warm - and even though we called it was never taken care of
There was a brown "splash" on the wall/chair rail by the bed - made you wondered what else wasn't cleaned.
The brunch that was included was good - fresh fruit & coffee was the best - not a great selection for the charge of over $50.

We felt we got more "bang for our buck" and expectations met when we stayed at the Embassy Suites.

Unique Quality: close to Michigan Ave

chicagos best location in the middle of downtown

Traditional Elegance At Its Best

Since we were staying about two blocks away from the historic Drake Hotel and since Allan's parents spent their honeymoon at the Drake Hotel a few years after it opened in 1920, we decided to give it a visit.

Everything that you read about this luxury hotel is to be believed. After the Drake family leased the hotel in 1933 for ten years to the Kirkeby Chain [who maintained it for military lodging], it reverted back to the family again. Then, in 1979, The beautiful Drake Hotel was purchased by Jupiter Industries and was leased to Hilton International. In 2003, The Drake Hotel had a $45 million dollar renovation. It was then that this grand old lady gained its splendor again.

The rooms are luxurious but the suites are opulent. People who stay here always say that it has the best service and world-class amenities.

The hotel has plenty of dining options:

The Palm Court has live entertainment and serves a traditional English Afternoon Tea. There is also cocktail service.

The Drake Brothers has incredible views of Lake Michigan and highly-rated steaks as well as an international wine list.

The Cape Cod Room is perhaps the most well known. It has wonderful seafood and has won numerous awards.

Coq d' Or has a fine bar and a variety of food.

Executive Lounge is a PRIVATE LOUNGE on the Executive floor.

Club International is a PRIVATE DINING SPACE in an English motif, but is "members only".

Unique Quality: The hotel has Fitness Center, Business Center, and Wireless Connectivity.

Many rooms have a Lakefront View.

The Drake Hotel has earned such a fine reputation all over the world that it is regularly visted by heads of nations, royalty, and hollywood celebrities.

Expect to pay "top dollar" when staying at The Drake.

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
• Related to: Architecture, Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Historical Travel

Drake Hotel - Chicago Photo: The Drake Hotel

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Location-location

Perfect, rooms are small! Visit hotel.com for best prices, sometimes can range 129-199 for a best had deal

Unique Quality: Location and the Tea room

Old Grand Dame

A nice Classic hotel. Must have a drink at the Coq d'Or bar and say hello to the bartender Bob!

Unique Quality: Great view of lake Michigan!

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average

Drake Hotel - Chicago Photo: Great Hotel

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Luxury and history

Drake hotel was opened in 1920. The lobby, paneled in marble and oak, is graced with grand chandeliers, elegant red carpets and a magnificent fountain. When prohibition ended in 1933, in hotel's piano bar was served second drink in Chicago

• Opinion of Price: most expensive

Drake Hotel - Chicago Photo: Drake Hotel

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AAAHHH THE HIGH LIFE!!!

Ok, so you want to spend some money while you are staying in CHI-TOWN!!! No better place to blow a couple months paycheck than the DRAKE!!! Awsome hotel!!! It has got eveything that you would want, it is in the heart of CHICAGO and has rooms that (if it weren't that you were in Chicago) you don't want to leave!!!

The room service is expensive, but after a night of going crazy and the bars... you need it!!! They bring it to you like you are royalty... for me that works!!!

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average

Drake Hotel - Chicago Photo: CHI-TOWN... MY KIND OF TOWN!!!

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The Drake - Only for the experience

Ah,The Drake. Personally, I'd never heard of the place until the film 'Mission Impossible' and was quite dissapointed that the Bible in our room was not stamped!! Talking of the rooms they are pricey and fairly basic - this is no 'W' or Hard Rock. However, given all of that the location is superb and so is the history so I still think the seasoned Chicago traveller must stop here at least once!

Unique Quality: So much history. You are almost certainly likely to stay on doors away from where the King of TImbuktoo stayed or where some document or other was discussed or signed. Check out the unique history books in the room for more details

Luxury on the Lake

This is the classic historic Chicago hotel after the Palmer House. Its location overlooking the lake gives it immediate appeal. The Palm Court is a traditional location for afternoon tea.

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average

Drake Hotel - Chicago

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