The Drake

This hotel is celebrated for its historic charm and timeless elegance, offering guests a unique step back into a bygone era. Its signature feature is its iconic status and prime location, making it an excellent choice for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic getaway, as well as families attending events or exploring the city. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's beautiful common areas and the attentive service provided by the staff. While many appreciate the classic ambiance, some note that the rooms reflect the hotel's age. For an enhanced experience, consider requesting a room with a lake view to enjoy breathtaking vistas, and be prepared for a traditional hotel experience that prioritizes classic grandeur over modern amenities like in-room refrigerators.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's lobby and common areas are consistently praised for their stunning beauty, grand scale, and well-maintained condition, often adorned with impressive floral arrangements and festive decor. Guests enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Coq d'Or bar, which features classic decor, live music, and good drinks. A convenient coffee shop on-site, Lavazza, offers quick and tasty breakfast items. The hotel also provides a well-equipped gym with free weights, bikes, and treadmills for guest use. While the historic elevators add to the charm, some guests have noted them to be slow or occasionally problematic. Most guests appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi to stay connected.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be very clean and well-maintained, with many highlighting the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful night's sleep. Many rooms are described as spacious, particularly suites and family rooms, with some offering the convenience of two bathrooms. Guests frequently praise the stunning lake views available from higher floors. However, a significant number of reviews mention that the rooms are dated, showing signs of wear such as peeling wallpaper, chipped furniture, and worn carpets. Some bathrooms are noted as small with limited counter space and occasional plumbing issues, including low water pressure, fluctuating temperatures, and slow drains. Noise from the street, thin walls, and heating systems can also impact comfort for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a variety of dining experiences, with many guests praising the overall food quality as delicious and excellent. The afternoon tea service in the Palm Court is a standout feature, consistently described as a lovely and wonderful experience with delicious food, attentive service, and the ambiance of a harpist or carolers. The Coq d'Or bar is popular for its good drinks and lively atmosphere. While the coffee shop provides convenient breakfast options, some guests note that a full-service breakfast restaurant is not available on weekdays, and room service is often described as unconventional, delivered in disposable containers without traditional serviceware, and with a limited menu.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight, placing guests directly on the Magnificent Mile and within easy walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions. Its proximity to Oak Street Beach and the lakefront path is highly valued, offering beautiful views and recreational opportunities. Guests appreciate the convenience of being able to walk to most destinations and the easy access to public transportation. The area is generally considered safe and vibrant. However, parking is frequently mentioned as being expensive and not located directly on-site, requiring guests to use a garage a block away, which some find inconvenient.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for being friendly, warm, welcoming, helpful, and attentive. Guests frequently commend the professionalism and politeness of the team, from the front desk to housekeeping. The check-in process is generally described as easy and efficient. Bellhops and valet attendants are often highlighted for their helpfulness and willingness to go above and beyond. While most experiences are positive, some guests have reported isolated instances of staff appearing preoccupied or less accommodating, and a few reviews mention unresolved issues or a perceived lack of responsiveness in certain situations.

Additional Information
The hotel's enduring historic charm is a significant draw, with many guests appreciating its "old-school vibe" and the feeling of stepping into a "relic from a bygone era." It maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a bonus for those traveling with animals, though finding suitable outdoor areas nearby can be a consideration. Some guests have noted a lack of modern eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling options or refillable toiletries. While the hotel offers Hilton Honors benefits, including potential room upgrades, some members have experienced confusion regarding breakfast credits. Guests should be aware that mini-fridges and microwaves are not standard in rooms but can often be requested, sometimes for an additional fee.