What can be more iconic than staying at the Drake Hotel, while in Chicago? Well, nothing really. But, in February 2005 the experience was even more exquisite when I stayed in a suite for a fraction of the usual cost! (Weekend trip plus a slow tourist season equals cheaper rooms.)

Nothing could be sweeter than strolling into one's hotel at the junction of two of Chicago's major roads: Michigan Avenue and Lakeshore Drive. The best of Chicago is at your fingertips!

The hotel staff was magnificent as they accommodated myself and my, shall I say, energetic family. Don't be intimidated by the lavish flower displays and decorations in the lobby, but rather, take your time in admiring them. Do, however, take precautions to not spill your very full, venti Starbucks latte, on the lush red carpet ( as my family member did). As humorous as it was, it is not exactly kosher!

Our suite was in one word, magnificent. It was a corner suite, and was full of gorgeous windows. Our view was of Walton street, and nearby landmarks such as the John Hancock building and a bit of the lake.

Water Tower Place and the John Hancock building are within blocks of the hotel, as are pedestrian walkways leading to all activities on Lake Michigan, and glorious shopping on the Magnificent Mile. The Hotel staff is more than willing to offer advice on wonderful restaurants and activities for all ages and budgets. In fact, the bell boy clued me into the wonderful buffet to be found inside Water Tower Place—I highly recommend it!

Hotels in Chicago can be very expensive. Why not take a chance and look into into the Drake Hotel for your next visit? The experience will be much greater than that of cookie cutter chain hotels—I promise you!

This is an old hotel between the loop and the lake. At Christmastime, expect beautiful decorations in the lobby and dining rooms. Also during the Christmas holidays at high tea, local choir groups entertain. This is a charming hotel, the rooms are well decorated, and marble bathrooms are an added bonus. The staff is helpful; they seem to want to be sure that guests are aware of Chicago attractions and get people where they need to be. It is easy to feel like a princess in this facility.

The room was so not worth the cost. It was outdated and poorly decorated. Our view was of an alley and the back side of some of the neighboring apartment buildings. The only good thing was the minibar and toiletries in the bathroom.

I had read the lobby was beatiful, and it was, with a gorgeous flower arrangement in the middle. Our check-in was a breeze and up to the sixth floor we went to our deluxe king lakeview room. Actually we decided to call it the "corner of the lake-view room" as just a small portion of the lake was visible.

Our room was very spacious with two huge windows and two chairs in front of them. A corner desk, a mini-fridge, a seating bench, a large TV armoire, and good size walk in closet. Very large bath, with marble floor and nice extra's like robes, dryer, soaps, etc. Decorated very elegantly with pleasant, soothing colors. Great shower.

Our companions had booked the same as us, right next door in fact, and their room was not the same size. Decor was, but definitely not anywhere as spacious and grand looking. Smaller bath too. We did not even know this till we checked out, as we always met down in the lobby. Maybe we should have said something. Nice beds, and toasty warm room.

Took my chances on priceline and got this gem. It's old school, but grand as can be. Enter on Walton St. and you walk up the grand stairs to a vibrant, ornate, and welcoming lobby. Originally we got first floor rooms with a view of the main lower buildings roof, but we negotiated a room on the tenth floor overlooking Michigan Ave. Better view, but smaller room. A room with a view of the lake is what's amazing and worth negotiating (we peeked in a room that was being cleaned for the next guest).