The Drake, Chicago

The Drake is a classic hotel with old fashioned personal service. No it is not new or high tech, but it is "home" for those of us who remember our trips to Chicago over the years. Memories of the Shubert Theater and Marshall Fields. It is a good thing that some of the older hotels are still here to give our cities "flavor". Perfect is not always the best.

I spent a very pleasant two nights at the Hotel Burnham for my birthday. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, and the hotel itself is wonderfully decorated, retaining many touches that remind you of its former life as an nineteenth century office building. The location is ideal, within easy walking distance of shopping on State Street and Michigan Avenue, cultural destinations such as the Art Institute and Millennium Park, and public transportation by el and subway. My 15th floor room was a little small, but the decor and large bay windows kept it from feeling cramped. The view of State Street was very nice, and the room was very peaceful.

I am 62, and I started staying at the Drake with my mother when I was nine. It is the only place I will stay in Chicago, and I go often. It has maintained it's quality and standard of service over the 50 years I have been going. It's old elegance, something rare these days. It's truly my home away from home.

This place is a bit tired. Who cares who stayed here 50 years ago if your air conditioner doesn't work of if you can't catch one of the undersized old elevators? If you land a super cheap price line rate here, well OK, but for a full rate room there is at least a dozen better properties in the river north area. And if you like views, this is not your place. If taking one of those lifetime trips, check out the Four Seasons, Omni, Trump, or even the Shereaton or Embassy Suites. The Sheraton is right on the river and has great views. Over a third of the Drake rooms seem to look out on the giant air conditioning unit (which ironically cannot keep up with Chicago summers).

Have a future reservation at Drake andhave a terrible feeling about it after reading reviews. Unfortunately cannot get refund. Booking in chicago was hell and very expensive.

We have always wanted to stay here but never had until last month. we were not disappointed - huge quality room. Sense of the history is everywhere. Great (although expensive) breakfast with a beautiful view north toward the park. Staff is great although the concierge people are a little confused (or overly careful maybe). I would stay again.

The experience was not fun or enjoyable. My first impression (positive) was that it was an average, older hotel that contained a lot of history. My first morning began with the shower handle coming off in my hand, causing me to have to use a multi-tool to regulate the water and shut it off so I could take a shower. (This was repaired later that same day) The water pressure was dismall. The shower curtain does not fit the tub/shower rod and is too short bay about a foot, which causes water to leak onto the floor. The fixtures are rusting, the air return above the shower was full of dust and cobwebs. The drawers in one of the nightstands were just set in there for show and were not even connected to function. The bed was not very comfortable, and while giving a "last check" of the room before checking out, I found a large wad of tissue under the bed that I wasn't about to touch or consider what it might contain. At night, everytime another guest shuts/slams their door, my door rattled, and you could hear noises from the rooms on either side. The general interior appearance of the hotel could be described as rundown and poorly maintained. I would not stay here again nor would I recommend ever trying this hotel out even for nostalgia, certainly not ever business travel. Stay at one of the other major hotels in Chicago as there are lots to choose from. would not recommend this hotel to others. It was not worth the money.

When in Chicago I either stay at The Drake or The Palmer House Hilton because I love the old, classy hotels. We had to drive up to Milwaukee for a wedding and stayed in a horrible hotel...the halls smelled like boiled meat, the rooms were dirty, and the bed was miserable for two people to sleep in. We drove back to Chicago for two days and had reservations at the Drake. We arrived earlier than the 3 p.m. check in and were prepared to drop off our luggage and go out, but the desk staff had our room ready. The staff is always friendly and helpful. We were exhausted from the lack of decent sleep and the heat so we went up to the room. About ten minutes later there was a knock at our door and there stood a man with a bottle of champagne, two glasses, and ice. "Complimentary". We stayed for two wonderful days and nights, had a perfect room with a view of the lake, and an amazing bathroom. I'm all about the quality of a bathroom in a hotel room. The Drake has big, beautiful bathrooms with all the amenities.

The service at the Drake was lousy and the rooms sucked. I wouldn't stay there again if you paid my way. I'd rather stay at the Marshall. At least folks there are friendly and they have an elevator, sort of

the hotel was great. the room was great. the food was great. the service was great. i would stay here again.