The Historic Drake Hotel
Published On: Oct 26, 2006
The Drake Hotel
140 E. Walton Place
Chicago, IL 60611
The Drake Hotel was built in 1920 by William Drake, who owned it until the Great Depression. It was designed in the Italian Renaissance style by Architect Ben Marshall. At the time it was built, The Drake's 537 rooms were rivaled only by The Palmer Hotel. Over the years the hotel has had its ups and downs but has always remained a luxury hotel.
In 1998 a major renovation to the hotel was undertaken at a cost of $45 million dollars and completed in 2003. Between 2005 and early 2006, an additional $15 million was spent to add a fitness center and other amenities to the hotel.
Now managed and owned by the Hilton Corporation, it is a four-star hotel that caters to all travelers, including visiting dignitaries and presidential hopefuls as well as business travelers. All guests receive top-of-the-line treatment, ensuring that the business traveler is treated like royalty.
The Drake shares Chicago's illustrious history of being a stopping place for the likes of Princess Diana in 1996, and Winston Churchill among others. The Drake was also the location of shooting for many films. Among them are "Mission: Impossible" and "My Best Friend's Wedding".
The Drake features four top-of-the-line restaurants. The Coq d'Or was one of the first to start serving alcohol after the repeal of prohibition. Today, it maintains the same outstanding service and elegance that it had on opening day. Each of the restaurants has its own theme and delicacies. The one staple for all of them is their top-of-the-line, not-to-be-beat service.
The hotel now maintains many antiques from the days of its opening, and contains many suites. All of the suites feature either city view or the awe inspiring view of Shore Line drive and Lake Michigan. Suites typically include bathrobe service, turn-down service with chocolates, and large executive style desks with complimentary high speed Internet access. A suite at the Drake also includes access to the executive lounge, located on the 11th floor. The lounge, with wonderful views of lake Michigan, serves breakfast each morning and luncheon at mid-day. Be sure to return for cocktails and canopies in the evening before dining with the stars in one of the in-hotel restaurants.
You'll want to allot time in your visit for high tea in the palm court. Many a visitor to Chicago have been exhorted to have tea at The Drake, mingle with the stars and enjoy an afternoon of pure luxury. With its array of finger sandwiches and traditional fruit breads, tea has never been better.
After afternoon tea, wander down the Golden Mile and browse the specialty stores, or wander the lobby of The Drake hotel and see its specialty stores. Conveniently located at the head of the Golden Mile along the shores of lake Michigan, you will not find a more wonder-filled environment to escape from reality or business for an afternoon or evening.
The Drake has been providing its excellent services for more than 80 years, and after an afternoon or an extended stay, everyone will know why this beautiful hotel has become an icon of Chicago and a must see for residents and visitors alike.
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The Drake Hotel
140 E. Walton Place
Chicago, IL 60611
The Drake Hotel was built in 1920 by William Drake, who owned it until the Great Depression. It was designed in the Italian Renaissance style by Architect Ben Marshall. At the time it was built, The Drake's 537 rooms were rivaled only by The Palmer Hotel. Over the years the hotel has had its ups and downs but has always remained a luxury hotel. In 1998 a major renovation to the hotel was undertaken at a cost of $45 million dollars and completed in 2003. Between 2005 and early 2006, an additional $15 million was spent to add a fitness center and other amenities to the hotel.
Now managed and owned by the Hilton Corporation, it is a four-star hotel that caters to all travelers, including visiting dignitaries and presidential hopefuls as well as business travelers. All guests receive top-of-the-line treatment, ensuring that the business traveler is treated like royalty.
The Drake shares Chicago's illustrious history of being a stopping place for the likes of Princess Diana in 1996, and Winston Churchill among others. The Drake was also the location of shooting for many films. Among them are "Mission: Impossible" and "My Best Friend's Wedding".
The Drake features four top-of-the-line restaurants. The Coq d'Or was one of the first to start serving alcohol after the repeal of prohibition. Today, it maintains the same outstanding service and elegance that it had on opening day. Each of the restaurants has its own theme and delicacies. The one staple for all of them is their top-of-the-line, not-to-be-beat service.
The hotel now maintains many antiques from the days of its opening, and contains many suites. All of the suites feature either city view or the awe inspiring view of Shore Line drive and Lake Michigan. Suites typically include bathrobe service, turn-down service with chocolates, and large executive style desks with complimentary high speed Internet access. A suite at the Drake also includes access to the executive lounge, located on the 11th floor. The lounge, with wonderful views of lake Michigan, serves breakfast each morning and luncheon at mid-day. Be sure to return for cocktails and canopies in the evening before dining with the stars in one of the in-hotel restaurants.
You'll want to allot time in your visit for high tea in the palm court. Many a visitor to Chicago have been exhorted to have tea at The Drake, mingle with the stars and enjoy an afternoon of pure luxury. With its array of finger sandwiches and traditional fruit breads, tea has never been better.
After afternoon tea, wander down the Golden Mile and browse the specialty stores, or wander the lobby of The Drake hotel and see its specialty stores. Conveniently located at the head of the Golden Mile along the shores of lake Michigan, you will not find a more wonder-filled environment to escape from reality or business for an afternoon or evening.
The Drake has been providing its excellent services for more than 80 years, and after an afternoon or an extended stay, everyone will know why this beautiful hotel has become an icon of Chicago and a must see for residents and visitors alike.
Print This Page
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