Pros

  • In-room spa services
  • Historic hotel located on the Magnificent Mile
  • Decent-sized rooms have large windows and modern amenities
  • Upscale on-site shopping including Chanel
  • Renowned Cape Cod restaurant (plus 6 other restaurants and bars)
  • Clean, modern fitness center
  • Wi-Fi available in all rooms and throughout the hotel
See More Pros

Cons

  • Old building with thin walls
  • Some bathrooms could use an upgrade
  • Expensive valet parking
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The 535-room Drake Hotel is a historic property on upscale Magnificent Mile and one of Chicago’s grande dames, with an impressive lobby full of chandeliers and a beautiful classic decor. Despite its historic status, modern amenities abound: There is a large, modern fitness center; wonderful dining options on-site, including the Palm Court, where a harp player entertains the guests during the afternoon tea; and even a shopping arcade with designer names like Chanel. But while the rooms are adequate and have some modern perks (like flat-screen TVs and MP3 players), the bathrooms are sub-par and could use an upgrade. The golden days of this luxurious property might be slowly fading, but it is still a great pick for its history and high-class notoriety.

See More Bottom Line

Oyster Hotel Review

The Drake, A Hilton Hotel

Location

The Drake sits at the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, close to some of Chicago's best shops and restaurants

This well-known property is housed in a historic building right off the Magnificent Mile, close to top-notch boutiques and restaurants. It sits on the northern edge of this upscale stretch, where the ritzy Gold Coast begins, and three blocks from the Oak Street Beach. There are two subway stations (of the Red Line) within seven blocks of the hotel.

The posh Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination, especially during the warmer months. Well-preserved Victorian townhouses and 19th-century buildings line the tree-shaded sidewalks of this affluent neighborhood, north of the Magnificent Mile. During the day, its beautiful buildings, like the Playboy Mansion and Potter Palmer's lakeshore castle, attract tourists -- but not crowds -- and light traffic makes it a perfect place to take a relaxing walk far from busy downtown Chicago. Groups of young Chicagoans and tourists fill the neighborhood's trendy bars and popular clubs at night.

  • 19-minute drive to Midway International Airport
  • 27-minute drive to O’Hare International Airport
  • On the corner of North Michigan Avenue (the Magnificent Mile) and E Walton Street
  • 2-minute walk to the John Hancock Observatory
  • 5-minute walk to Oak Street Beach
  • 5-minute walk to the Water Tower Place
  • 6-minute walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art
  • 15-minute walk to Lincoln Park
  • 20-minute walk or 4-minute drive to the Navy Pier
  • 14-minute subway ride to the entertainment district
  • 18-minute subway ride to Millennium Park
  • 18-minute subway ride to The Loop
  • 18-minute subway ride to the Art Institute of Chicago
  • 23-minute subway ride to the Willis Tower Skydeck
  • 25-minute subway ride to Wrigley Field
  • 33-minute subway ride to Shedd Aquarium
See More Location

Oyster Hotel Review

The Drake, A Hilton Hotel

Location

The Drake sits at the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, close to some of Chicago's best shops and restaurants

This well-known property is housed in a historic building right off the Magnificent Mile, close to top-notch boutiques and restaurants. It sits on the northern edge of this upscale stretch, where the ritzy Gold Coast begins, and three blocks from the Oak Street Beach. There are two subway stations (of the Red Line) within seven blocks of the hotel.

The posh Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination, especially during the warmer months. Well-preserved Victorian townhouses and 19th-century buildings line the tree-shaded sidewalks of this affluent neighborhood, north of the Magnificent Mile. During the day, its beautiful buildings, like the Playboy Mansion and Potter Palmer's lakeshore castle, attract tourists -- but not crowds -- and light traffic makes it a perfect place to take a relaxing walk far from busy downtown Chicago. Groups of young Chicagoans and tourists fill the neighborhood's trendy bars and popular clubs at night.

  • 19-minute drive to Midway International Airport
  • 27-minute drive to O’Hare International Airport
  • On the corner of North Michigan Avenue (the Magnificent Mile) and E Walton Street
  • 2-minute walk to the John Hancock Observatory
  • 5-minute walk to Oak Street Beach
  • 5-minute walk to the Water Tower Place
  • 6-minute walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art
  • 15-minute walk to Lincoln Park
  • 20-minute walk or 4-minute drive to the Navy Pier
  • 14-minute subway ride to the entertainment district
  • 18-minute subway ride to Millennium Park
  • 18-minute subway ride to The Loop
  • 18-minute subway ride to the Art Institute of Chicago
  • 23-minute subway ride to the Willis Tower Skydeck
  • 25-minute subway ride to Wrigley Field
  • 33-minute subway ride to Shedd Aquarium
See More Location

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pets Allowed

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.