What The Drake Hotel is
At 140 East Walton Place in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, The Drake Hotel is a historic hotel near the Magnificent Mile, Oak Street Beach, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chicago Water Tower, and 360 CHICAGO. Designed by Benjamin H. Marshall and Charles E. Fox, it combines Italian Renaissance and Beaux-Arts influences with ornate stonework, grand public spaces, and views of Lake Michigan.
History
Prominent hoteliers Tracy C. Drake and John B. Drake, Jr. conceived the hotel in 1919 as an opulent establishment at the northern end of Michigan Avenue. Construction began that year, and The Drake opened on New Year’s Eve, 1920, becoming a social center in Chicago (Oldest.org, Classic Chicago Magazine).
The hotel initially had more than 500 guest rooms, multiple ballrooms, and elegant dining venues. In 1932, it introduced the Cape Cod Room, described as Chicago’s first themed restaurant (Oldest.org). During the 1920s, The Drake hosted galas, political gatherings, and jazz performances. The Palm Court’s afternoon tea tradition also began in this era (Classic Chicago Magazine).
The Coq d’Or opened the day after Prohibition was repealed in 1933 and became a popular institution (Oldest.org). During Prohibition, the Palm Court and Coq d’Or were also reported to have served as clandestine meeting places for bootleggers and socialites (Haunted Diary). The hotel weathered financial challenges during the Great Depression and served military personnel during World War II.
The illuminated Drake sign became a feature of the city skyline in 1940. The hotel’s ballrooms hosted major civic events, and it appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959). It was later featured in Risky Business and The Blues Brothers, as well as in books including Haunted Chicago (UMich Student Projects). Its haunted reputation has also been covered in ghost tours and paranormal literature (Haunted Diary).
Hilton International acquired The Drake in 1980, and restoration work has maintained historic features while adding contemporary comforts. The hotel is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places (Waymarking).
What to see and do
Architecture and historic interiors
The exterior combines a limestone base, red-brick upper stories, and ornate terra cotta, with Italian Renaissance details and Beaux-Arts design (Loyalty Traveler, Choose Chicago).
- Palm Court Soaring ceilings, elegant columns, and crystal chandeliers frame the traditional afternoon tea service (UMich Student Projects). Tea is served with pastries and live harp music (UMich Student Projects).
- Gold Coast Room and Grand Ballroom These historic spaces feature ornate plasterwork and expansive lake views and have hosted many high-profile events (Loyalty Traveler).
- Historic elevators The hotel’s historic elevators are among its notable interior features.
- Coq d’Or This bar and restaurant opened in 1933. Its vintage fixtures and dark wood paneling remain part of its historic character (Loyalty Traveler).
Dining, events, and hotel amenities
- Coq d’Or Historic bar and restaurant serving cocktails and American fare.
- Palm Court Afternoon tea service.
- Café on Oak Breakfast and casual dining, with views of Oak Street Beach.
- Lavazza Café Coffee and pastries to go.
- Room service Available 24 hours.
- Events Seasonal holiday celebrations, jazz nights, wine tastings, afternoon tea events, and periodic guided historical tours. See the event calendar.
Guests and cultural history
Guests have included Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Winston Churchill, Nehru, Frank Sinatra, and Walt Disney (Choose Chicago). The hotel’s cultural history also includes its afternoon tea tradition and its appearances in films and books.
Practical visiting information
Hours, tickets, and reservations
- Hotel lobby Open 24/7.
- Dining venues Typically open 7:00 AM–11:00 PM; confirm hours in advance.
- Palm Court and Coq d’Or Check individual hours on The Drake Hotel Official Site.
- Admission No ticket is needed to enter the hotel or its public areas.
- Reservations Strongly recommended for dining, afternoon tea, and special events.
- Guided tours May require advance ticketing. Tours are offered periodically; check with the concierge for schedules.
Accommodations
Room descriptions include Standard Guest Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Executive Rooms, and suites with separate living areas. Many rooms have lake or city views; some offer amenities such as complimentary bottled water and bathrobes (Travel Lemming).
Room counts vary across descriptions: The hotel is listed as having 535 guest rooms and 21 meeting rooms, as well as two grand ballrooms and renowned dining options including Coq d’Or and Palm Court (Kayak). Another description gives 537 bedrooms and 74 suites, including the Presidential Suite (UMich Student Projects). The hotel is also described as having over 530 rooms and suites.
Accessibility
The Drake is described as fully ADA-compliant, with accessible rooms and public facilities. Accessible-room features include roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered amenities, and visual alarms; public spaces and entrances are wheelchair accessible. Staff can assist guests with special needs, and visitors can contact the hotel about accommodations.
On-site services
- Fitness center with cardio machines, free weights, yoga mats, and stretching areas.
- No on-site spa; in-room massages can be arranged.
- More than 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including historic ballrooms with modern AV capabilities.
- Business center with printing, copying, and faxing.
- Concierge assistance with restaurant and theater reservations, transportation, and sightseeing.
- Valet parking for a fee; laundry, currency exchange, luggage storage, and multilingual staff.
- Cribs, rollaway beds, children’s menus, and babysitting referrals.
- Pet-friendly rooms are available with advance notice; fees may apply.
Tips
- Lake-facing rooms are popular; request one during booking.
- Parking is available on-site and nearby, but spaces are limited during peak times. Valet parking is available for a fee.
- Bus service is readily accessible, and CTA Red Line stations are within a seven-block radius.
- Photography is welcome in public areas; sunset views are especially popular.
- Smart casual dress is recommended for dining venues.
- Chicago weather is variable.
- The Gold Coast is described as safe, but visitors are advised to remain vigilant.
- The concierge can assist with recommendations and bookings.
Nearby places
- Chicago Water Tower Open daily, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; free entry.
- John Hancock Center (360 CHICAGO) Open 9:00 AM–11:00 PM; tickets $25–$35.
- Museum of Contemporary Art Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; tickets $15.
- Oak Street Beach 0.5 miles.
- Magnificent Mile shopping 0.6 miles.
- Lincoln Park Zoo 1.5 miles.
- Museum of Contemporary Art 0.3 miles.
- 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck/John Hancock Center and the Chicago Water Tower are also nearby.
CTA Red Line stations are within a seven-block radius, and buses run frequently along Michigan Avenue. Walking tours are available through local operators; taxis and rideshare services are readily available.
Frequently asked questions
What are The Drake Hotel’s visiting hours?
The lobby is open 24/7. Dining venues typically operate from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM; check the hours for individual venues.
Does The Drake Hotel offer guided tours?
Occasional guided tours are available. Check with the concierge for schedules; advance ticketing may be required.
Is The Drake Hotel accessible for guests with disabilities?
Yes. The hotel has ADA-compliant rooms and facilities, including accessible public spaces.
Do I need tickets to visit The Drake Hotel?
No ticket is required for the hotel’s public spaces. Reservations are recommended for dining and special events.
Are pets allowed?
Pet-friendly rooms are available with advance notice; fees may apply.
Is parking available?
On-site and nearby parking are available. Valet parking is offered for a fee, and spaces may be limited during peak times.
