The Drake in Chicago
✅ Staff described as 'very polite and helpful' and 'courteous' with specific mentions of helpfulness by doorman Chris and front desk staff Ali and Ariella. ✅ Rooms are clean, spacious, and some guests received complimentary upgrades to lake view or suites. ✅ Historic and elegant ambiance with detailed classic decor like chandeliers, wallpaper, and soaking tubs appreciated by guests. ✅ Excellent location near Magnificent Mile and Oak Street Beach, with easy access to public transport and local attractions. ✅ Event facilities praised for weddings and receptions, with a memorable 'Gold Coast Room' experience highlighted by a guest. ❌ Some rooms show signs of wear such as scratched walls, old furniture, and outdated bathrooms needing replacement. ❌ Lighting can be inadequate in certain rooms, particularly around desk areas, causing inconvenience. ❌ Maintenance issues reported including a stuck shower handle and old iron that required replacement. ❌ No free breakfast included, and some guests found the breakfast buffet overpriced without vouchers. ❌ Parking lot is a bit distant from the hotel, which may be inconvenient for some guests.
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Description
The Drake is a historic 4-star hotel in Chicago, originally constructed in 1920 and renovated in 2010. It offers a diverse range of rooms from Single rooms to Deluxe Family Quadruple rooms, including several lake view and accessible options. Guests appreciate the classic old-money style combined with modern amenities like WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. The hotel features a bar, restaurant, and meeting facilities, making it suitable for both leisure stays and events, including weddings. Reviewers frequently highlight the courteous and helpful staff, the clean rooms, and the charming, elegant atmosphere that reflects the hotel's heritage. While some note that rooms show signs of age and could benefit from modernization, many find this adds to the historic character. The Drake welcomes pets on request and offers grocery deliveries and car hire services. Expect express check-in and check-out for convenience during your stay.
Location
Located at 140 East Walton Street, The Drake sits at the northern end of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. It is just 200 meters from Oak Street Beach, offering quick access to the lakeshore. Nearby cultural landmarks include the Chicago Sports Museum at 254 meters, Loyola University Museum of Art 337 meters away, and the Richard H. Driehaus Museum within 695 meters. Dining options close to the hotel include the highly rated Coq d'Or restaurant only 11 meters away and several eateries such as Palm Court and Rosebud Steakhouse within 100 meters. The hotel is 122 km from Plymouth Airport. Its prime location near public transport and famous attractions makes it a convenient base for exploring downtown Chicago.
Tips
- Ask about room upgrades upon arrival for potential complimentary lake view rooms.
- If you plan to eat breakfast at the hotel, consider purchasing vouchers to save on the buffet cost.
- For parking, be prepared to walk a short distance from the parking lot to the hotel entrance.
Policies and conditions
- Child policies: Children of all ages are welcome at this property. Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
- Cribs and Extra Beds: Extra bed and crib policies may vary according to room type. Please refer to the room type details for more information.
- Breakfast: Continental, Full English/Irish Buffet Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.
- Pets: Pets are allowed on request Fee: Contact the property for details
- Service animals: Service animals are allowed on request
- Age Requirements: The main guest checking in must be at least 21 years old
- Paying at the hotel: AmericanExpress, DinersClub, Visa, MasterCard, JSB
- Check in time: 15:00-23:00. Check out time: 12:00.
Services and facilities
- ATM
- Shopping on site
- Air conditioning
- Elevator/lift
- Smoke-free property
- Heating
- Security guard
- Newspapers
- Ticket assistance
- Gift shop
- Express check-in/check-out
- All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
- Reception desk
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Family room
- Cable TV
- TV
- Minibar
- Hairdryer
- Shower/Bathtub
- Linens
- Toiletries
- Accessibility features
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Wheelchair access to restaurant
- Iron and board
- Laundry
- Safe-deposit box
- Concierge services
- Dry-cleaning
- Luggage storage
- Telephone
- Iron
- Bar
- Coffee/tea for guests
- Breakfast
- Breakfast in the room
- Cafe
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet
- Taxi booking
- Spanish
- English
- French
- Multi-language staff
- Tour assistance
- Hiking
- Parking
- Beach/pool towels
- Next to the beach
- Business center
- Event facilities
- Fax and copy machine
- Conference Hall
- Fitness facilities
- Doctor
- First Aid Kit
- Babysitting and childcare
- Pets allowed (under 5 kg)
The nearest beach is located on the distance of 200 m. It takes 3 minutes To the beach!
Video: Best Indian Wedding at The Drake Hotel Chicago
Map
Reviews
We kicked off our wedding weekend with a super fun Welcome Party the night before, and then celebrated with 260 guests in the stunning Gold Coast Room for our reception. So many of our friends and family — of all ages and backgrounds — told us it was the best wedding they had ever been to. They were blown away by the beauty of the space, the impeccable service, the delicious multi-course dinner, and the quality of drinks.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Drake for anyone planning a wedding or even just a stay in Chicago. Compared to other Downtown venues, the pricing was fair — and in return, we got so much more value, beauty, and care than we ever expected.
This day will stay with us forever. Thank you, Ali and Ariella, and the entire Drake team — you helped make it unforgettable!
A+++ and 10/10!
Anyone who believes the rooms are "dated" is NOT "getting it". This is THE DRAKE, a hotel of a bygone era of classic and impeccable tastes. Wallpaper, lion drawer pulls and a TUB you can actually SOAK IN?!?! Yes, please!!!
I will admit a fridge and a microwave would be nice modern touches but do not, do not, change the style of the hotel!!!! Please do not listen to these reviews about "upgrading" anything!!
Upon entry you can smell flowers galore, with chandeliers welcoming you on every floor. We had a lovely Lakeview room, complimentary upgraded upon asking. Yes, there was no free breakfast, but there was no need when you have The Original Pancake House around the corner from the hotel! Free bottles of water available at the front desk. The teamaker was fine, worked properly. Housekeeping was done and fine.
The staff was courteous and sweet..Chris, the African American doorman offered to take pictures, hug my sick mother and I, and just a nice person. The location on the Magnificent Mike was top notch. I will gladly return again!!!
Yes, the hotel has an old-school vibe, and while some areas might benefit from modernization, everything was clean, well-maintained, and functional. The entrance is stunning, and the bellhops were consistently friendly. Housekeeping was also great. All in all, a lovely experience in a legendary hotel.
POIs near hotel
Cafe and Restaurants near hotel
Frequently asked questions about The Drake
What types of rooms are available at The Drake?
The Drake offers a wide range of room types including Single room; Double room; Double room with lake view; Accessible Double room; Accessible Double room with lake view; Family Double room; Deluxe room; Deluxe Quadruple room; Deluxe Accessible Quadruple room; Deluxe Family room; Deluxe Family Quadruple room; Deluxe Double room; Deluxe Family Double room; Deluxe Accessible Double room; Dual European Double room; Dual European Double room with lake view; 1 Bedroom Drake Double Suite; 1 Bedroom Presidential Double Suite with lake view; 1 Bedroom GoldCoast Double Suite with lake view; Double Studio Suite; and Double Studio Suite with lake view.
Are pets allowed at The Drake?
Pets are allowed on request. Contact the property for details regarding fees and policies.
Does The Drake have facilities for weddings and large events?
Yes, The Drake has meeting and banquet facilities. A guest specifically praised the wedding and reception experience in the Gold Coast Room with excellent service and catering.
Is parking available at The Drake?
Free parking is available, but the parking lot is located a little distance from the hotel.
Does The Drake offer free breakfast?
Breakfast is available as a continental or full English/Irish buffet but is not included in the room price and must be paid at the property.
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Hotel prices for: August - September 2026 calendar
The average hotel price this month is 305 USD The best time to book is August 27, with rates starting from 305 USD