NBHD: Magnificent Mile
Address: 140 E Walton Pl.
Primary Intersection: N Michigan Ave and E Walton Pl.
Phone: (312) 878-0707
Experience timeless elegance when booking your stay at The Drake Chicago, a legendary landmark anchoring the Magnificent Mile. This iconic Hilton property combines historic charm with modern amenities, including a premier fitness center and luxury arcade shopping. As night falls, immerse yourself in Chicago's classic social scene with world-famous afternoon tea at Palm Court and live jazz alongside vintage cocktails at the historic Coq d’Or lounge.
If you are planning a trip to the Windy City, choosing the right hotel can make or break your experience. For travelers craving old-world glamour, vintage luxury, and a prime location, The Drake Chicago always tops the list.
Operating as a prominent Hilton property at the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile, this 1920 Italian Renaissance landmark is more than just a place to sleep—it is a piece of living history.
But is this iconic hotel right for your travel style? In this ultimate insider guide, we break down everything you need to know, from the best room views to budget-saving parking hacks.
Walking through the doors of The Drake feels like stepping back into the roaring twenties. The hotel features massive crystal chandeliers, high ceilings, and an undeniable aura of vintage luxury. Over the past century, its guest book has been signed by icons like Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, and Winston Churchill.
If you appreciate architectural preservation, classic styling, and historic prestige, you will fall in love with the atmosphere.
Because The Drake is a historic building, rooms vary significantly in size and layout compared to standard, cookie-cutter modern hotels.
The East Wing “Corner Lake View” Sweet Spot: If you want an unforgettable view, book a Lake View room and request a corner room in the East Wing. These layouts feature windows on two walls, framing panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Oak Street Beach, and Lake Shore Drive simultaneously.
The Quiet Traveler Tip: The historic doors and hallways have minimal soundproofing. To ensure a peaceful night, ask the front desk for a room positioned at the very end of the hallway to minimize foot traffic noise.
The Drake anchors the nightlife and social scene of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, focusing heavily on grand traditions rather than trendy wellness fads.
No visit is complete without booking the Palm Court Afternoon Tea. Favored by royalty for decades, this experience features custom tea blends, delicious finger sandwiches, and a live harpist performing beneath a grand fountain. Insider tip: You can borrow or buy a traditional tea hat from the specialized milliner shop located in the hotel arcade!
Opened on December 6, 1933—the day after Prohibition was repealed—Coq d’Or is one of Chicago’s oldest active cocktail lounges. It features a dark-wood, retro-glam aesthetic and live jazz on the weekends. Be sure to order their famous Executive Martini, which is served with an overset sidecar on ice.
The Drake Chicago perfectly balances its rich, century-old heritage with the reliable service of a premium Hilton property. It provides a soul and character that modern high-rises simply cannot replicate.
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Maximize your experience at The Drake Chicago with these curated insider tips on rooms, dining secrets, and historical lore.
The East Wing "Corner Lake View" Sweet Spot: If you are booking a Lake View room, request a corner room in the East Wing. These premium layouts feature windows on two walls, framing panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Oak Street Beach, and Lake Shore Drive simultaneously.
Buffer for Hallway Noise: Because it is an older landmark, the historic doors and entryway layouts have minimal soundproofing. To ensure a quiet night, ask the front desk for a room positioned at the very end of the hallway to avoid standard foot traffic noise.
Hilton Flash Sales: Keep a sharp eye out for Hilton Flash Sales online. Reviewers frequently note that these promotions offer the most reliable avenue to secure Lake View upgrades at standard pricing.
The Executive Martini at Coq d’Or: When visiting the historic Coq d’Or lounge on the ground level, order their famous martinis. They are known for being exceptionally large, served with an overset sidecar on ice. Pair it with their classic, comforting Bookbinder soup.
Afternoon Tea Hat Lending: Elevate your experience at the Palm Court Afternoon Tea by borrowing or purchasing a traditional hat from the specialized milliner located just outside the hotel entrance.
Al Capone's Secret Passageway: Deep inside the hotel manager's office lies a hidden door disguised as a bookshelf. Originally used by gangster Al Capone's top lieutenant, Frank Nitti, as an escape route during Prohibition, the secret passage opens up directly onto the balcony of the Grand Ballroom.
Marilyn Monroe's Initials: Stop by the solid-wood bar inside Coq d’Or to find where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio carved their initials into the surface during their frequent dates at the hotel in the 1950s.
The "Lady in Red" Spook: If you love paranormal lore, ask the staff about the 10th and 12th floors. The Drake is widely considered one of Chicago's most haunted hotels, famously anchored by the spirit of the "Lady in Red" who reportedly walks the halls.
The Drake Chicago anchors the nightlife and social scene of the lower Gold Coast with a blend of historic jazz lounges, high-society traditions, and high-end fitness amenities.
The hotel’s amenities emphasize classic luxury and historical preservation rather than modern wellness trends.
Coq d’Or Restaurant & Lounge: This legendary ground-floor venue opened on December 6, 1933, the day after Prohibition was repealed, making it one of Chicago's oldest active cocktail lounges. It features a dark-wood, retro-glam aesthetic, live jazz or blues on Friday and Saturday nights, and signature Executive Martinis.
Palm Court Nightlife: While famous for its daytime Palm Court Afternoon Tea, the grand room transforms in the evening. It hosts live musicians—primarily harpists and jazz pianists—making it an elegant, low-key spot for a late-night vintage cocktail beneath the fountain.
The Drake Fitness Center: Located on the lower level, this 3,000-square-foot fitness hub features modern cardio machines, free weights, and cross-training equipment. It provides a rare contemporary touch to the otherwise historic property.
The Arcade Shops: The hotel features a lower-level retail promenade with luxury boutiques, fine jewelry shops, and the famous milliner shop where you can buy or borrow hats for afternoon tea.
Business Center and Meeting Spaces: The Drake features over 30,000 square feet of grand meeting space, anchored by the iconic Gold Coast Ballroom and the Grand Ballroom, which host weddings and high-profile corporate events.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Unlike many rigid historic properties, The Drake welcomes pets. They allow up to two dogs per room (with a weight limit and a non-refundable deposit).
Parking at The Drake Chicago falls into three distinct tiers: high-end hotel valet, partnered self-parking, and independent neighborhood garages. Because downtown Chicago parking commands premium rates, selecting your method in advance can save you time and money.
Overnight Valet Parking: $82 per night. This option provides the highest convenience, featuring 24-hour vehicle access and full in-and-out privileges. Drop your car off directly at the main entrance on Walton Place.
Official Self-Parking Partner: $58 per night. Located just across the street at the covered 900 N. Michigan Shops Garage. This option includes full in-and-out privileges. To receive this rate and extend access until 2:00 PM on your check-out day, you must validate your garage ticket at the hotel front desk.
If you want to avoid premium hotel parking rates, multiple independent parking decks sit within a two-block radius of the property:
Drake Tower Parking Garage (174 E. Walton St.): Situated right next door to the hotel. While completely unaffiliated with the hotel, reviewers regularly note it offers some of the lowest standard drive-up rates in the immediate area.
One Magnificent Mile Garage (120 E. Walton St.): An SP+ Parking facility located less than 350 feet away. It features 24-hour automated security and integrated EV charging stations.
You can significantly lower your daily costs by pre-purchasing a mobile parking pass. Utilizing apps like SpotHero or ParkChirp to book slots at nearby garages (such as the Westin Michigan Ave Valet or 900 Self Park) can lower parking fees to $15 to $30 per day. Note that app bookings generally do not include in-and-out privileges.
NBHD: Magnificent Mile
Address: 140 E Walton Pl.
Primary Intersection: N Michigan Ave and E Walton Pl.
Phone: (312) 878-0707
Highly recommended for History buffs, luxury shoppers wanting proximity to the Magnificent Mile, couples on romantic getaways, and beach lovers who want direct walking access to Oak Street Beach.
Skip It If: You prefer sleek, minimalist design, state-of-the-art room tech, and ultra-modern, sprawling bathrooms..
Room Rates typically start between $255-300 for a standard king room, varying significantly by season, booking platform, view.
Palm Court Afternoon Tea: $65-80+/adult (more for holiday or champagne packages).
Valet Parking: ~$75+/night.
Coq d'Or Lounge: Cocktails & historic martinis usually cost ~$18-25/ea.
