Timeless Elegance on the Magnificent Mile: The Drake Hotel Site Visit

Accommodations

The Drake Hotel offers a range of elegant accommodations rooted in more than a century of luxury and Chicago tradition. The property features 535 guest rooms, including 74 suites, all designed with classic style, thoughtful conveniences, and stunning views of either Lake Michigan or Michigan Avenue—with even the second-floor vistas taking in breathtaking lake panoramas. Many of the rooms reflect the hotel’s historic charm while providing modern amenities expected from a world-class property.

The Drake Sign by the front entrance on Walton Pl.

One of the hotel’s most storied offerings is the Princess Diana Suite, named for and inspired by the Princess of Wales’ 1996 visit to Chicago, during which she stayed in what was formerly the Presidential Suite. The suite remains a symbol of refined luxury, complete with expansive living space and dramatic window views that frame the skyline and lake beyond.

In its early days, parts of The Drake—most notably the Drake Residence—were even rented out as private apartments, giving long-term guests a sense of residential city living. Today, these spaces have been reimagined as part of the hotel’s suite inventory, blending that original residential feel with upscale hotel service.

Standard room bathroom

Standard room TV stand side of hotel room

Whether guests are seeking opulent, historic grandeur or simply a comfortable base in one of Chicago’s most iconic hotels, the Drake’s accommodations deliver a memorable stay—enhanced by its prime location on the Magnificent Mile, just steps from shops, dining, Oak Street Beach, and cultural attractions.

Amenities & dining

The Drake Hotel offers an array of amenities that enhance both leisure stays and special occasions. Guests can enjoy traditional services such as 24-hour concierge, valet parking, Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and room service, all delivered with the property’s classic elegance and personal touch. From many vantage points, including as low as the second floor, the views of Lake Michigan are striking and add an immediate sense of place to your stay. On the ground level, there are retail shops and galleries right off the lobby—including high-end boutiques—giving visitors a chance to browse without leaving the hotel’s footprint.

Palm Court Afternoon Tea room

Dining at The Drake blends historic tradition with vibrant Chicago culture. One of the most iconic experiences is the Palm Court Afternoon Tea, a tradition that has been upheld for nearly a century and is open to the public with reservations highly recommended due to its popularity. Here, guests choose from a curated menu of fragrant teas and enjoy beautifully arranged finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and sweets in an elegant setting often accompanied by live harp music, making it a memorable stop for both visitors and locals alike.

Carved initials of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio etched into the woodwork.

For more casual breakfast or daytime dining, Café on Oak offers a bright, beachy breakfast nook with views of Lake Michigan and classic morning favorites like waffles, avocado toast, and espresso—and features fun historic touches like the carved initials of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio etched into the woodwork.

The Coq d’Or restaurant and lounge provides a classic lounge atmosphere with modern twists on traditional cocktails and dishes. Open since shortly after Prohibition, Coq d’Or celebrates both its history and its evolving menu, making it a cozy spot for dinner, drinks, or weekend live music.

The Coq d’Or restaurant and lounge

In addition to these key dining experiences, The Drake also offers Lavazza Espression for coffee and on-the-go bites, Drake Delights room delivery service, and seasonal or group dining options—ensuring there’s something for every taste and schedule during your stay.

Events & weddings

The Drake Hotel is not only a luxury stay on the Magnificent Mile—it’s also one of Chicago’s most esteemed venues for weddings and events, blending historic elegance with modern service. With more than 30,000 square feet of event space and a variety of flexible venues, the hotel can accommodate gatherings from intimate celebrations to grand receptions of up to 900 guests.

Couples looking to tie the knot at The Drake have several stunning options. The Gold Coast Room—nearly the same size as one of Buckingham Palace’s ballrooms—offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and can host large weddings or formal galas, while the Grand Ballroom evokes roaring-twenties grandeur and provides a dramatic backdrop for celebrations with live bands and elegant décor. For more intimate affairs, the French Room features handcrafted ceilings, silk wall coverings, and crystal chandeliers that create a romantic setting next to the larger spaces.

King bed side of standard hotel room

In addition to ballrooms, The Drake offers versatile event spaces such as the Camellia Room and numerous meeting rooms, all supported by experienced event planners, state-of-the-art A/V equipment, and on-site catering services. These amenities make it a top choice for weddings, corporate events, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and social functions where guests can enjoy both historic ambiance and modern amenities.

Weddings at The Drake are consistently praised for their seamless execution—from ceremony to reception—with personalized support from the hotel’s event team and exquisite catering options that can be tailored to each couple’s tastes. Whether planning a large reception or an intimate celebration, The Drake offers a storied, elegant setting that elevates any special occasion in the heart of Chicago.

Lake Michigan view from hotel suite

The Drake Hotel is a Hilton property, which means travelers can earn and redeem Hilton Honors points during their stay—great news for loyal Hilton guests looking to maximize perks. One of the hotel’s most charming fun facts is that it still has a fully functioning mail slot, allowing guests to send letters the old-fashioned way, just as they did when the hotel first opened. You’ll also notice benches inside the elevators, an original design detail from the early days of the hotel that was intentionally included so guests could sit during the ride—something you rarely see today.

Location-wise, The Drake sits right on Michigan Avenue on the Magnificent Mile, making it ideal for shopping, dining, and sightseeing, with Lake Michigan just steps away. The closest major airport is Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), approximately a 30–40 minute drive, depending on traffic. Midway International Airport (MDW) is also an option, located roughly 40–45 minutes away. Ride shares, taxis, and public transportation are all easily accessible from the hotel, making it simple to explore the city without needing a car.

Due to its popularity, especially during peak travel seasons and major city events, booking early is recommended—particularly if you’re hoping for a lake-view room or planning to visit during the holidays or the summer months. The Drake blends historic charm with modern convenience, so travelers should expect a classic, elegant experience rather than a sleek, ultra-modern hotel vibe—which is exactly what makes staying here so memorable.

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