We stayed two nights at The Drake Oak Brook on a trip in for a concert at Allstate Arena, and by the end of it, we were already talking about when we'd come back. This is a hotel where the staff is genuinely the star. The valet, a seasoned guy with a classic Chicago accent, was warm, quick with recommendations, and set the tone the second we pulled up. The front desk matched him. For a four-diamond property at around $200 a night, it punches well above the price.
The property itself earns its reputation. The landscaping is beautifully kept, with a gazebo and plenty of outdoor seating that works for a quiet morning coffee or an evening drink. Inside, the lobby has what look like Chihuly-style glass sculptures and a mid-century-Chicago kind of grandeur -- you can tell this place has hosted a lot of weddings and receptions, and it would be great for them.
Our room was impressive. No real view, but the finishes were strong, the shower was good, and, a minor miracle, the TV actually worked and streamed without a fight. The in-room drink cart was generously stocked with pre-made cocktails and select wines, a nice touch you don't see often. The bar downstairs was a highlight: the "skeleton key" in the room unlocks a free off-menu drink, which is exactly the kind of small-theater move that makes a hotel feel like it has a personality.
Our Platinum Marriott status got us a room upgrade and complimentary breakfast, and they were generous with points on top of that. The breakfast was nice -- though I'll be honest, I wouldn't have paid $24 for the quality of their continental spread without the comp. Parking was easy, valet is free, and the gym has Peloton bikes (we didn't use them, but good to know).
3.7 stars overall.
The honest gripes: doors on the east building are thin. We could hear hallway conversations clearly, and at times other rooms, not a dealbreaker this time as people were quiet at a reasonable time, but surprising for a property at this level. The exterior lighting has also not been maintained, bulbs are out around the building, and only the "th" in the classic mid-century "The Drake" sign was lit up, which is a shame because that sign is a whole vibe when it's fully on. Also, fair warning: a traveling baseball team had effectively colonized the bar during our stay, with a swarm of tired kids and tireder parents. Not the hotel's fault, but worth knowing if you're coming for a quiet getaway during kids baseball season.
What would push it to four stars: better sound insulation on the east-side rooms and a maintenance pass on the exterior lighting. Both are fixable, and the rest of the experience is already there.
We'll likely be back. read more