- Desiree Koh
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 19
- Reviews
-
6
- Photos
Don't stay atThe Drake
- June 19, 2009
- Rated 1 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
We booked our stay thru a online travel website and arrived at noon. We were told it was a $25 fee to check in early (even though our room was ready; "official" check in was at 3:00) since we didn't book directly through the hotel!! This from a 4-star hotel!! I've never had any hotel ever act so cheaply before. Rooms are nice but small. Even though it's a nice location, there are plenty of other hotels near by and I'd go there before ever going back to The Drake. $25 may not seem like much, but what a terrible way to make a first impression right when guests arrive.
Beauty and attitude
- June 3, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Like a good-looking if not too bright person given too much uncritical attention while young, The Drake is an aging beauty coasting on its swank interiors and classical heyday style (and excellent restaurants, especially the Cape Cod Room) betting that there will always be enough swells to pay full price. Having Hilton run the place doesn't help. It's one of the great American hotels, gone a bit sloppy in the housekeeping and upkeep, a little too openly money-grubbing. One warning: the reservation staff and especially the superfluous concierge are not very nice when it's discovered you're a Travelocity guest. Probably hurts that they have to sell rooms that way, but Chicago was built purely on greed so get over it. Worth staying there if only for the historical aspect; a hotel it is enjoyable to wander around when the weather is bad -- and in Chicago it usually is.
3 day getaway
- September 3, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I had been to the Drake earlier for tea, so I was excited to stay there for our visit. There lobby is quite opulent and definately old time Chicago.
In our rooms we found that the bedding was plush and mattresses extremely comfortable. The 1990's cabinet tv did seem a bit dated since most hotels have upgraded to LCD or plasmas but since we didn't spend much time in our room this was not a huge issue. We booked a family room--2 queen beds and 2 full bathrooms. This was well worth the price since it allowed my husband and son to shower while I was getting ready. We easily saved 30 minutes each morning getting out the door.
If you want history stay here. If you want cool, sleek, upscale and modern book another hotel.
Beautiful
- May 13, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
The hotel is beautiful, very clean and the staff is awesome! The room is quite small though - a lot smaller than lower end hotels. There are 10 floors and the elevators take FOREVER. The food is pricey but very tasty. Overall it's a great hotel and I would stay again.
Very Disappointing
- February 17, 2008
- Rated 3 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
My boyfriend and I stayed at The Drake for Valentine's Day weekend. We reserved our room two weeks ahead of time, and upon check-in we were asked if we wanted one or two beds. Obviously, one bed would be just fine and we stated that. Unfortunately, we got placed in a room with two TWIN beds! We were on the 8th floor, which was newly renovated. The room itself was nice and clean, but the view left much to be desired. Also, one major problem I had with this hotel was the noise level. Not only could you hear everything outside but you hear every door close, people talking in the hallway, and staff. I was up all night because of the noise in the room next door - so bad that you heard them going to the bathroom! The bed was uncomfortable, and they only provided two bath towels. (I know we had two twin beds, but come on...) The bathroom was big enough, but there were hairs in the shower. Also, the lighting is not very good. Internet usage is quite expensive as well. Bring your own snacks and bottled water, because we couldn't find a single vending machine! The doormen were friendly, and the location couldn't be better!
All this being said, if you don't mind small beds or noise it's a nice place to stay. I just felt that it was highly overpriced for what we received!