The Drake Hotel

I checked into The Drake Hotel Friday August 13th, 2010 so I could be within walking distance of Chicago's Air and Water Show the following day. As far as location goes, The Drake is hard to beat. The Drake is located where all the action is, right off of Chicago's Miracle Mile and minutes away from Chicago's Gold Coast, an affluent area with the shopping, dining, and nightlife to match. Just North of The Drake is the beach, to the South is the John Hancock Building. I arrived to the hotel WAY before check-in time, and my room was already available. The staff is friendly, but slightly frigid and impersonal. The Hotel is beautiful, and my room was no exception. The construction of the hotel dates back to the 1920's, and while the room is smaller than a contemporary luxury hotel room, it was by no means meager and was well laid out. The hotel contained a very comfortable bed and a large flat screen TV, so my requirements were satisfied. Under the TV is a mini bar, but I didn't waste my time and instead stopped in the hotel's excellent on-site lounge, Coq d'Or. The service is good and the drinks are STRONG. My minor complaint it that the drain was slow in the shower, but this also may have something to do with the fact that I turned up all the dials and the water pressure was high enough to send tons of water coming my way. I'm used to weak water pressure in hotels. I guess I shouldn't be complaining! Also, if I ran the hotel I would ban children, but I suppose I can't fault management for not sharing my views. It doesn't alleviate my hangover when children are running up and down the halls at 9:00am. The Drake Hotel is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to check in to a hotel with modern luxuries and classic charm. The Hotel has been well taken care of over the years remaining vibrant, and doesn't come off as stuffy. Even if you're a little wary of the price, The Drake is at least worth a look for it's superb location and may save you a cab fare or two.

Great overall except the room doors slam shut instead of closing slowly and constantly woke us up.

We truly enjoyed The Drake. The room, although small was well equipped, housekeeping was tremendous you never saw them but everything was clean. We extended our stay and never had a glitch. The Drake is highly recommended by 2 frequent travelers.

The Drake is a wonderful Chicago classic hotel. Great Location! Food was pricey though. But overall great hotel.

Noisy. Two weddings when we were there and the halls were noisy until 2 AM! Also VERY noisy hearing motorcycles outside!!!! Would have preferred two queen beds, which they apparently do not have.

Very nice "old" Chicago feel. Room was good size with updated TV and just off Michigan Avenue so you could walk to Lake Michigan or shopping downtown.

We went shopping in downtown CHICAGO. The best location for the views and walking. You step out your door of the Drake and are in the prime area for site seeing and shopping. Lots of fabulous restaurants and stores.

Parking outrageously expensive as was the food .. unbelievable ..

great location for shopping and dining, I would recommend this hotel to anybody

Chicago is the best city I have ever been too! It's unbelieveably clean and there is so much to do! We went on a double decker tour bus of the city where you can buy a 3 day pass and get on and off at different locations, we went to Lincoln Park Zoo, a Chicago White Sox game, shopped until we dropped, went to a free concert in Millenium park and more. The tour down the Chicago River with the history and descriptions of the buildings is a must do!! The only not so great thing-- the cab drivers are very unfriendly.