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    The Drake

    3.5 (819 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Haldi inside the French Room at The Drake hotel. Indian pre-wedding ceremony event.
    Daniel B.

    We had a great stay at The Drake, located on the north end of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. It wasn't perfect and, separately, I'm kind of convinced this hotel is haunted. That said, we came away fans. We visited for a wedding weekend. I don't recall if we booked as part of the wedding block, but three nights for one "Deluxe" room with a king bed on a "high" floor cost us $1,346.46 total after taxes and fees (equal to $448.82 per night). My wife did the booking through American Express Travel. We have Amex Platinum Cards and she used her Hilton Honors membership, and I think we got some perks as a result. The hotel opened in 1920. It's historic and gorgeous throughout. We felt like we had been transported back in time to a luxurious hotel in the 1920s and 1930s. They've really managed to maintain that period's look and feel. We loved the old-world grandeur. We stayed in Room 802 on the 8th floor. The room was very spacious, though felt a bit old and worn in places. Here are our gripes: 1. The room had doors that opened to reveal a bar, which was neat. However, the bar's sink was clogged. 2. The bathroom was small and lacked surface space. 3. The bathroom sink water was either too cold or too hot. It was hard to get the temperature in the middle. Plumbing needed work. 4. The toilet roll holder kept falling down. It needed to be repaired or replaced. 5. It was somewhat easy to hear our next-door neighbors on either side of us. Our room was connected to both adjacent rooms on either side of us (suites). 6. The coffee maker and mini fridge were located at the TV console. However, there was no outlet for the coffee maker. Therefore, we had to move the coffee maker to one of the nightstands to plug it in. Really odd and awkward placement. Other than that, we enjoyed the room. The bed was comfortable and there were small touches of technology, which contrasted with an old hotel, like a wireless phone charger and a tablet (which we didn't use). I actually unplugged the latter so I could plug in my laptop. Wedding events took place at the French Room (pre-wedding ceremony), Palm Court (a renowned spot known for high tea), the Gold Coast Room (wedding ceremony), and the Walton Room Ballroom (wedding lunch reception). Palm Court is really cool and has a separate listing here on Yelp, where I left another review, just for the high tea experience. The various rooms are architecturally beautiful, especially the Gold Coast Room, which is stunning. As far as the hauntings go, you can look them up, but in short there are two I read and watched videos about while we stayed here: 1. The Lady in Red. This ghost is believed to be a woman who committed suicide by jumping from the 10th floor on the hotel's opening night in 1920 after seeing her fiance dancing with another woman. Her ghost has been seen on the 10th floor and in the ballrooms. 2. The Lady in Black. In 1944, a socialite named Adele Bourne Williams was shot and killed in her apartment at the hotel by a mysterious woman in black. The assailant fled and disappeared. Despite police investigations and a gun being found, no one was ever charged with the murder. Her ghost has since been seen on the 8th floor -- yep, the same floor we stayed on! I read about this while trying to fall asleep in our bed on the 8th floor, so that was fun. To be clear, nothing funny or unusual happened during our stay on the 8th floor. A small group of us went up to the 10th floor out of my curiosity. The lighting was dimmer up there and there was a stairway that led into darkness. Creepy. Now why I may be convinced this hotel is haunted is because of what my phone's camera did in the Gold Coast Room and the Walton Room Ballroom. The chandelier lights constantly and consistently flickered in both rooms. It was weird and I have never experienced anything like that with my phone before (and I take a lot of pictures and videos in all sorts of environments). When it comes to ghosts, I'm generally a skeptic, but this made me reconsider. Maybe it was just banding or a strobe effect caused by my camera's shutter speed interacting with the frequency of old dimmed bulbs. :) Finally, we had hotel credits which could be used at the coffee shop downstairs, Lavazza Espression. Like Palm Court, I reviewed the cafe separately too.

    Wonderfully spacious hallways
    Plenty F.

    4 stars. A beautiful historic hotel. Lots of character & charm. Valet parking is available but expensive. More affordable self-parking is located just down the street at the 900 Shops. Easy walk down the sidewalk and across the street. The bathroom has virtually no counter space, which makes getting glam done a bit more challenging. Take note: the shower and bathtub operate with separate knobs--be sure to turn on only the one you intend to use. The in-room iron was low quality. Bad. If you anticipate ironing, bring your own. One standout feature was the spacious walk-in closet--perfect for hanging garments and storing luggage. There's even a full-length mirror mounted on the inside of the door, which is a nice touch. Overall, it was a great stay, and I would return. I can't confidently say it's worth the price, but I'm glad to have experienced it at least once.

    Amelia N.

    The ambiance for high tea is why I choose the drake again and again, although the food quality this last time was less than expected. Always excellent service and a great choice for any occasion.

    Sami U.

    The Drake - Downtown Chicago My company hosted a New Year's party at The Drake in downtown Chicago, and the experience was truly exceptional. We stayed in the Executive Suite, which was incredibly spacious, well-kept, and very comfortable--perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The classic elegance of the hotel combined with its prime location made the entire stay feel special and memorable. The service, ambiance, and overall cleanliness were top-notch, and everything about the event was handled smoothly. The only small downside was that the hotel does not offer 24-hour room service, so my wife and I weren't able to order food or drinks late at night. That said, it was a very minor inconvenience compared to how wonderful everything else was. Overall, The Drake exceeded expectations and delivered an amazing experience. Highly recommended for events, stays, and anyone looking for a luxurious Chicago hotel with timeless charm

    Jarriae A.

    This was a very interesting stay! My friend and I stayed here for the New Year, and I was happy to see what the infamous Drake Hotel had to offer. They still had this very beautiful tree up in the main atrium. It was very busy in the lobby with not only guests, but there was also a wedding happening! It was really cute. The hotel had the couple's photo up, so their guests would know where to head. The hotel is secure in that you can only go up in the hotel if you use the key in the elevator. One of the elevators has a bench in it, haha. I will say that the room, while nice, was a little bit of a let down? There's no mini fridge, no outlets remotely close to the bed, and speaking of remotes, our room didn't have one! It took an hour for the hotel to finally bring us one. They did have a bluetooth speaker to help us pass the time. The bed was comfortable, though, the bathroom was nice, and it was a comfortable stay. They also have a downstairs with like a maze of shops, restaurants, and a tribute to some very famous people who've stayed there. There's a lot to explore in this place. Overall, I'd recommend staying here. It's right in the heart of gold coast. Michigan Ave is so accessible from here.

    Michelle D.

    I made my first trip to Chicago in May and my friend and I stayed at The Drake. I don't think I'll be able to stay anywhere else now as it felt like home! The hotel was located on the north end of the Magnificent Mile. I liked the location because it was a quiet street but a few blocks away and you could be in the thick of the city. Bonus, my view was pretty nice too. We had to walk up a grand stair case to the front desk. Wow, the lobby was quite stunning. With a restaurant at one end and the front desk at the other. And you must stop in the speakeasy type bar/lounge on the ground floor. In the evening there was live piano music. Loved this spot! The food was yummy and the vibe will take you back (even before my time lol). My room was clean and quite spacious with a walk in closet. And the decor fit the old school vibe. The bathroom was a nice size as well. If you want a traditional Chicago vibe you must stay at The Drake!

    Menu
    Alice D.

    We booked a spot at the high tea experience in the hotel's restaurant and had a decent time. Decor was fantastic, everything was beautiful and the place was super lively. Table was a bit small and wobbly, but we made do. Service wasn't super friendly or kind honestly, that was the only thing that demoted the experience. Our server seemed almost impatient and super aloof - they didn't explain the menu nor show any grace when we had questions which was a little frustrating. Food and drink were okay. It was nice how everything was sort of unlimited and we could order certain things again. Tea was solid as well and presentation was good. Overall, not a bad experience at a decent price, service just left a lot to be desired.

    The lobby
    Tim R.

    What to say about this classic hotel? Well, I can begin with the idea that I have known this hotel most of my life, but never stayed there until this weekend. There was a good deal on it and I was in need of a place to stay during my business trip. I had recently started staying at The Palmer House and loved it. Since the Drake had the same sort of old school legacy, I gave it a go. I'm not unhappy, but I'm not thrilled either. It's located at the top of the Magnificent Mile next to Water Tower Place. This is about as ritzy and posh of a location as I would want. However, the hotel itself seemed like it had seen better days. My room was old and hadn't had the high-level rehab that other classic places have experienced. The pillows were also rather thin and inadequate. I think Hilton could spruce the joint up a notch for the price point. Still, I don't have anything really negative to say other than there are better options in that range. So, after years of driving past the large sign, I guess my imagination of what was inside was a bit let down. The staff were fine. Sorry, nothing more to add. Judge for yourselves.

    Erika J.

    What a tremendous gem of a place! If you're staying at the Drake, you must go! If you hear about this place, you must stop for a bite to eat. From small bites to meals to drinks, they are unstoppable. We had wonderful service from Victor. I loved the peaceful location and warm cozy table. I highly recommend any of the appetizers. We would be honored to experience this place again!

    Savanna B.

    Our annual Drake stay was nice this year, albeit uncomfortably hot on our room. The windows didn't open and the temperature control didn't affect anything so we were left to sweat it out. The upstairs hallways were blessedly cool though. The decorations were beautiful as always and we overall had a nice stay.

    mary b.

    The Drake is a really fun hotel to stay in if you plan on taking a weekend in Chicago. It's close to a lot of fun things to do. The hotel staff was helpful at the desk. They do not have a concierge's person keep that in mind. You will have to be your own guide. Buddy's for live jazz is a fantastic spot and the Harry Potter store isn't a far ride for you fans out there. The bed was very comfortable I had an excellent night sleep they gave me free bottles of water when I asked. I will stay there again my next weekend stay in Chicago. It was clean and I had no difficulties there.

    The Gold Coast (Manhattan)
    Jeff B.

    Nice and friendly staff. Historic hotel. A little warn on the interior but appears very clean. Reasonable pricing . A lot of engagement from hotel prior to the arrival.

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    Wonderful stay at the drake. The rooms are comfortable and magical during Christmas time.

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    Fabulous location, comfortable beds, nice staff and all in all a very nice spot to recover from a long transatlantic flight.

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    Beautiful hotel in the heart of Chicago that is breathtakingly ornate and an architectural gem. The lobby and Palm Court are must-sees.

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    Nice clean hotel , I would be back and recommend this hotel for all . I was enjoying my stay here on my 2 days for working

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    Page 3 of 21

    The Drake Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Drake

    How old do you have to be to reserve a room?

    I think it’s like most hotels 25 major credit card.

    Does the Drake provide any amenities for a couple checking in on their wedding night?

    Just let them know!!! They will! They are sooooooooo nice there. Book the Princess Diana suite. Amazing!

    Is there valet parking?

    Yes

    How much would a sweet 16 party cost in the Gold Coast Room? Not a seated dinner, but more like 20 different passed items.

    There are much better hotels in Chicago.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - The Drake

    The Gold Coast Room has gorgeous pillars throughout the room and large windows overlooking Lake Michigan.

    Mentioned in 41 reviews

    Read more highlights

    The Ivy Room At Tree Studios - Grilled salmon

    The Ivy Room At Tree Studios

    (92 reviews)

    Near North Side

    Working with Pam was truly one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. From the very first…read moremeeting, she brought a sense of calm, confidence, and genuine care that made the entire planning process feel seamless. Pam has an incredible eye for detail and an innate ability to turn a vision into something even more beautiful than you imagined! She was organized, responsive, and always ten steps ahead, coordinating every vendor flawlessly and ensuring we never had to worry about a thing! On our wedding day, Pam and her team made everything run so smoothly that we were able to be fully present and actually enjoy every moment. Beyond her professionalism, Pam is simply a joy to work with; warm, thoughtful, and deeply invested in making the day special. Our guests are still raving about how perfect everything was, and we owe so much of that to her!!

    We came here for an event honoring volunteers and achievements by the Respiratory Health…read moreAssociation. I like the outdoor setup, being cradled and surrounded by ivy walls. I wonder if that's the 'Ivy Room' of the namesake? We grabbed some drinks and enjoyed music, speeches and a special award. It's a nice space with seating, not just wicker chairs either but cushions! There were passed drinks and hor-durves, as well as friendly, helpful bartenders for those wanting beer, water or soda. One of us spilled something on a light-colored jacket, and they came to our rescue with seltzer and wipes. There was also a buffet with Spanish themed food (empanadas, paella) and small bite dessert bar. I asked about what had red meat/pork and thankfully I was dutifully informed. The caterers gave me and my party some leftovers! Not sure what prompted that but we appreciated it(we tipped even on free drinks). The missing star has to do with the wine. It was AWFUL! I tried to break it up with beer, but I got so sick the next day, I had to cancel my evening plans. I probably over indulged, but I have had more wine in one sitting with way fewer side effects. I may just stick with beer next time.

    Chicago Winery - Enjoy a wine & cheese plate in our restaurant, LIVA

    Chicago Winery

    (65 reviews)

    Near North Side

    I stopped by Chicago Winery on a Wednesday early evening solo and was able to sit at the bar…read morewithout reservation. I was blown away by the ambiance and decor. Chicago Winery prioritizes upscale and intimacy but their service is personable and friendly allowing you to feel right at home. On Wednesday they offer a Happy Hour special, $5 off a tasting and $10 wine by the glass. The server as extremely kind, and was able to offer me some suggestions based on my personal palate and wine interests. I landed on the Winemaker's Tasting, which included 4, one ounce pours, including Blancs de Blancs, Albarino, Barbera and Merlot. I paired the tasting with the a BYOB board. From their menu I picked the olives, Afterglow, and the Tempesta Guanciale. The server was educated on the wines was able to walk me through the tasting and pairings but gave me independence and autonomy to enjoy at my own leisure and pace. I highly enjoyed my visit and absolutely will be returning to dine in, as well as to get a winery tour!

    Was gifted the wine tasting and tour for my birthday which was a very fun experience. Great deal to…read morebuy wine after. I preferred the whites and was disappointed by the reds. We had the date package and ate at the restaurant after. I recommend the pork schnitzel and pierogis. We ordered four shareables but weren't blown away by the butternut squash fondue and gougeres. Loved our hostess for the wine tasting, but wish there was more guidance on tasting notes and wine terminology. I'd recommend though to any wine lovers, I still learned a lot!

    Big City Pickle

    Big City Pickle

    (2 reviews)

    Near North Side

    We decided to try out pickleball and learnt about their Gold Coast location. This location has…read morearound 10 courts. The courts are outdoor. You can reserve courts online or at the location. They offer paddles at a cost but the pickleballs are free to use whilst playing. We had a prior reservation. The check in process was fast. We just stated the name and the person at the desk gave us our court number. The area seemed well maintained. The check in desk was at the entrance and was a small space. They also offer pickleball lessons for specific times. They even have some slots that are cheaper to reserve (usually off peak hours). We didn't see any water station but there were a few picnic tables where you could put your stuff and take breaks and sit if needed.

    My friend and I wanted to play pickleball but didn't want to wait in line, so we decided to book a…read morecourt in advance at Big City Pickle. The process was super easy, on their website, you can check how many courts are available and choose your preferred time slot. We booked and paid online, and when we arrived, we were assigned our court right away. They provide pickleballs if you need them and also offer paddle rentals. Each slot is one hour long, which is perfect for a good game. There were around 7-10 courts available, and the open setup makes it great for a summer game. I'd definitely recommend it if you don't want to wait in a queue, the whole process was smooth!

    Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection - Hotel EMC2 outside

    Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection

    (210 reviews)

    $$

    Near North Side, River East

    As soon as I saw the photos of Hotel EMC2, I knew I had to book it for my quick weekend stay in…read moreChicago--and I'm so glad I did. Shout-out to Nia at the front desk, who was the first person I encountered when I walked in. Her energy was exactly what you want as a guest--warm, welcoming, and professional. I've spent most of my career in hospitality, so I naturally pay attention to the level of service being provided, and she absolutely set the tone for a great stay. Kudos to her and to the team that hired her. My room was beautiful. Nia also let me know I had been upgraded due to my Marriott loyalty, which was very much appreciated. I stayed in a king room, and the moment I walked in, I honestly considered extending my stay another night. The space had a sleek, modern look, everything was clean, and the lighting gave it a stylish city vibe. I ordered room service shortly after arriving and got a burger with fries (which I believe were Parmesan fries ). Everything was very good, and the room service attendant Lorena was just as kind and pleasant. Even though I was only there for one night, the experience was great from start to finish. The bed was comfortable, the linens were fresh, and the location is incredibly convenient--close to everything, which I always appreciate when traveling. I will definitely look to stay here again the next time I'm in Chicago and hope to have the same wonderful experience.

    I stayed at the EMC2 Autograph Collection in Chicago and it's the kind of place that makes you…read morebriefly reconsider your own apartment choices. The room? Smart without trying too hard. Clean lines, moody lighting, and that subtle blend of science-meets-art that somehow feels both curated and effortless. The art isn't decorative filler; it's intentional. The whole property has that boutique confidence: not loud, not trendy-for-the-sake-of-trendy...just precise. The aesthetic walks a tightrope between laboratory chic and soulful design, and it doesn't fall. The restaurant deserves its own paragraph. The olive cake alone should have a publicist. The food is thoughtful, layered, and memorable without being pretentious. It feels like someone actually tasted everything before approving the menu; which, these days, is not a given. Location? Ideal. Walkable, central, easy. The gym? Surprisingly solid. Not the sad afterthought treadmill situation. An actual usable space. But here's the thing. Beautiful rooms fade. Art becomes background. Even olive cake, tragically, gets finished. What stays is service. And Nia. Nia is the reason my long stay didn't feel like a stay. It felt like being known. Her smile isn't transactional. Her care isn't performative. The attention to detail is quiet and precise. She remembered my name everyday and I was there for a while. Makes you think, "Oh, someone is actually paying attention." There's a difference between service and hospitality. Nia understands the difference. That's what brings you back.

    The Drake - hotels - Updated June 2026

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