The Drake Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the most iconic and historically significant luxury hotels in the United States, known for its rich legacy, architectural grandeur, and unmatched location along the city’s famous Magnificent Mile. Opened on New Year’s Eve in 1920, the hotel quickly became a symbol of elegance during Chicago’s golden age, attracting wealthy travelers, celebrities, and world leaders. Its design blends Italian Renaissance Revival architecture with early 20th-century American opulence, featuring a limestone façade, arched windows, decorative cornices, and a grand entrance overlooking Lake Michigan. Positioned between the historic Gold Coast neighborhood and the bustling retail and cultural district of downtown, The Drake has long been considered one of Chicago’s most desirable addresses—an enduring landmark that reflects the city’s history of innovation, glamour, and architectural ambition.
Inside, the hotel offers a timeless atmosphere filled with refined details such as marble floors, crystal chandeliers, richly upholstered furniture, and gilded decorative moldings. The public spaces, including the grand Palm Court, evoke the sophistication of a bygone era while maintaining a sense of warmth and hospitality. The Palm Court itself is especially notable for its tradition of Afternoon Tea, a ritual that has been observed for decades and has welcomed royalty, socialites, and notable guests including Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II, and film icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Another legendary venue within the hotel is The Coq d'Or, one of the first establishments in Chicago to receive a liquor license following the end of Prohibition in 1933, making it historically significant in the city's nightlife and hospitality culture.
The Drake Hotel offers a variety of guest rooms and suites designed to balance historic charm with modern comfort. Many accommodations offer sweeping views of Lake Michigan or Chicago’s skyline, reinforcing the hotel's connection to its surroundings and enhancing the guest experience. Subtle contemporary upgrades such as smart technology, luxury bedding, and updated bathroom fixtures ensure comfort without compromising the hotel's historic identity. Over the years, The Drake has undergone several restorations aimed at preserving its architectural integrity while adapting to the evolving expectations of modern travelers.
Beyond its physical beauty and luxurious offerings, The Drake holds an important place in cultural and social history. It has served as a filming location for numerous movies, a venue for high-profile events, and a gathering space for influential figures in politics, arts, and entertainment. The hotel remains a symbol of Chicago’s cultural heritage and continues to operate as part of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts collection, further expanding its global recognition. Today, The Drake Hotel stands as a living testament to Chicago’s spirit—offering travelers not only a place to stay, but an opportunity to immerse themselves in the elegance, history, and enduring legacy of one of America’s grandest urban hotels.