🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
The Drake
📍 140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Your stay — The Drake
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Chicago.
The Property — The Drake
Upon entering The Drake, you're enveloped in an old-world elegance that recalls Chicago's Golden Age, with gilt-framed portraits, marble columns, and a grand staircase that whispers of 1920s glamour. This 3-star classic boasts a prime Michigan Avenue address, offering a more intimate, less ostentatious alternative to the city's mega-hotels. Its USP is timeless, dependable charm, perfectly suited for history buffs and couples seeking a romantic, central base without the boutique price tag.
Chronicles of Chicago
Chicago rose from a frontier trading post to a railroad hub, then rebuilt itself from the ashes of the 1871 Great Fire into a crucible of modern architecture. The 1885 Home Insurance Building was the world's first skyscraper, and the 20th century saw the daring rise of the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) and Frank Gehry's swooping Pritzker Pavilion. Today, it's a muscular, blue-collar city with a world-class cultural chip on its shoulder, boasting a vibrant theatre scene and proudly defiant neighbourhoods.
Best Time to Visit
Full Chicago guide →Best months
June and September are ideal, offering warm, sunny days with manageable crowds and a full calendar of outdoor festivals and patios. October brings crisp air and stunning autumn colours, though it can be busier for fall events.
Peak / festival surge
July is the frenetic peak, driven by the Taste of Chicago, the Chicago Air and Water Show, and countless street festivals. Hotel prices spike 30-50% above average, and even budget properties fill weeks in advance.
Budget shoulder season
April and October are budget-friendly shoulder months, with milder weather, fewer tourists, and considerable discounts on rooms. You'll enjoy quieter museum galleries and easier restaurant reservations.
Weather & packing
Chicago in June is famously fickle—a day can swing from a balmy 28°C to a chilly 15°C with a sharp lake breeze. Pack layers: a light jacket, a few short-sleeve tops, and always a waterproof shell for sudden showers.
Live City Briefing — Chicago
- The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has completed major track repairs on the Red Line, reducing delays near downtown; but the Blue Line's O'Hare branch still has weekend construction, so allow extra travel time to the airport.
- The Art Institute of Chicago opens a major new exhibition of French Impressionists in May 2026, which will draw large crowds through the summer—book your tickets in advance.
- Navy Pier is launching extended evening hours for its Centennial Summer Festival, with free concerts every Thursday in June, plus more food and fireworks.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Drake, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the higher floors (4-6) to minimize street noise from E Walton Pl. Since there's only one elevator, rooms near the stairs (which are only for fire exit) might be quieter than those close to the elevator.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-2) as they are closer to the street and may experience more noise from traffic and pedestrians on E Walton Pl.
Best views
Rooms on the north side of the hotel may have views of the surrounding cityscape, while those on the south side might overlook the nearby buildings.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-6 are likely to be quieter due to being further away from the street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
E Walton Pl is a relatively quiet street, but some noise from traffic and pedestrians can still be expected. There are no bars or nightclubs on site, which reduces the likelihood of loud noise from these sources.
Insider tips
Consider parking at the nearby public garage at 21 E Walton St, which costs around $35 per night. Also, take advantage of the free WiFi throughout the hotel, which has a decent speed of up to 25 Mbps.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The Drake
Free WiFi throughout (up to 25 Mbps); no login or time limits
Single elevator serves all 6 floors via lobby; stairs available for fire exit only
Complimentary digital access to 30+ newspapers via PressReader; no physical newspapers; historic 1920s lobby with ornate design
Check-in 3:00 PM, check-out 11:00 AM; early bag drop welcome (no fee), late check-out fee: $50 per hour until 2:00 PM
Available at bell desk for same-day storage free of charge
Step-free entry via ramp, wheelchair-accessible lobby and lift, but bathrooms are narrow; no accessible roll-in showers
No on-site/valet parking; nearest public garage at 21 E Walton St (IntermPark 21) ~$35/night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: $20.00 per room per night (includes Chicago hotel tax + tourism fee)
Deposit & card hold: Full deposit required at booking; incidental hold of $100 per night placed on card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Fourth Presbyterian Church (213 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Chapel of St. James (417 m · ~5 min walk)
- Synagogue: Lake Shore Drive Synagogue (562 m · ~7 min walk)
- Synagogue: Chicago Sinai Congregation (596 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
900 North Michigan — 246 m · ~3 min walk
Lakefront Park — 253 m · ~3 min walk
Chicago Sports Museum — 338 m · ~4 min walk
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place — 297 m · ~4 min walk
Eli M. Schulman Playground — 434 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Cardtronics — 355 m · ~4 min walk
Walgreens — 526 m · ~7 min walk
7-Eleven — 610 m · ~8 min walk
Chicago — 714 m · ~9 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →US Dollar, USD
Travellers typically withdraw from ATMs or use bank-exchange services; avoid airport and tourist-area bureaux due to poor rates.
Credit/debit cards and contactless mobile payments are widely accepted in most stores, restaurants, and transport.
Restaurants: 15-20% pre-tax; taxis: 10-15%; hotel staff: $1-2 per bag, $2-5 per night for housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Drip coffee from a diner or convenience store: around $2.50-$3.50.
A pizza slice or sandwich combo from a deli: about $8-$12.
A main course at a casual sit-down restaurant: about $14-$22.
Look for food trucks or stalls near parks and office plazas (e.g., near Michigan Avenue) for $8-$12 meals.
Chain supermarkets like Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods are common in the area.
Affordable high-street shopping includes department stores like Macy's on State Street and nearby outlet-style shops.
Cheapest is the CTA day pass ($5 for 1-day, $15 for 3-day); from O'Hare, take the CTA Blue Line ($5, about 45 min) or from Midway, take the Orange Line ($2.50, 30 min).
1. Use the CTA's unlimited-ride passes for multiple trips. 2. Eat lunch at food trucks or delis instead of full-service restaurants. 3. Visit free attractions like the Chicago Riverwalk or Lincoln Park Zoo.
Good to know — Chicago
Type A/B · 120V
safe
USD ($)
Emergency Contacts
ChicagoAll emergency services in Chicago, United States are reached by dialing 911. This is the primary emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services. For non-emergency situations, contact the Chicago Police Department at 311 or visit their website.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Chicago, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The Drake
🕒 Check-in is from 15:00. Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Cardtronics — 355 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Walgreens — 526 m · ~7 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Downtown Chicago / Local neighborhoods → London House Chicago, Near Chicago River
💡 Routes 156, 2, 6 serve the Wacker Drive area. Ventra card recommended for faster boarding. Best for local exploration.
Midway International Airport (MDW) → London House Chicago, Downtown Chicago
💡 Cheaper alternative if arriving at Midway. Orange Line connects to Red/Brown lines for downtown access.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → London House Chicago, 85 East Upper Wacker Drive
💡 Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM). Airport taxis offer flat rates from taxi stand on baggage claim level.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → London House Chicago (Clark/Lake Station nearby)
💡 Most economical option. Blue Line runs 24/7; transfer at Clark/Lake for walking distance to hotel. Download Ventra card app.
About Chicago
Wikipedia ↗
Chicago is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.74 million at the 2020 census. The Chicago metropolitan area has approxi...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Drake?
Request rooms on the higher floors (4-6) to minimize street noise from E Walton Pl. Since there's only one elevator, rooms near the stairs (which are only for fire exit) might be quieter than those close to the elevator.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Drake?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-2) as they are closer to the street and may experience more noise from traffic and pedestrians on E Walton Pl.
Is The Drake noisy?
E Walton Pl is a relatively quiet street, but some noise from traffic and pedestrians can still be expected. There are no bars or nightclubs on site, which reduces the likelihood of loud noise from these sources.
Which rooms have the best views at The Drake?
Rooms on the north side of the hotel may have views of the surrounding cityscape, while those on the south side might overlook the nearby buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at The Drake?
Consider parking at the nearby public garage at 21 E Walton St, which costs around $35 per night. Also, take advantage of the free WiFi throughout the hotel, which has a decent speed of up to 25 Mbps.
What time is check-in at The Drake?
Check-in at The Drake is from 15:00. Check-out is by 11:00.
Does The Drake have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout (up to 25 Mbps); no login or time limits
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Drake?
$20.00 per room per night (includes Chicago hotel tax + tourism fee)
Where can I eat cheaply near The Drake?
A pizza slice or sandwich combo from a deli: about $8-$12.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Drake?
Cheapest is the CTA day pass ($5 for 1-day, $15 for 3-day); from O'Hare, take the CTA Blue Line ($5, about 45 min) or from Midway, take the Orange Line ($2.50, 30 min).
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
June and September are ideal, offering warm, sunny days with manageable crowds and a full calendar of outdoor festivals and patios. October brings crisp air and stunning autumn colours, though it can be busier for fall events.
Top Attractions in Chicago
💡 Parking on the pier itself is expensive — the free trolley from nearby Streeterville, or a 15-minute walk from Michigan Avenue, is cheaper and often faster. Summer weekends get very crowded by afternoon; mornings are quieter.
💡 Go early (before 8am) or on a weekday to get a clear photo of the Bean without crowds. The garden section at the southeast corner is quieter and offers good views of the skyline.
💡 Start at the Riverwalk entrance near Michigan Avenue bridge. Go at sunset for good lighting on the skyscrapers. The paid cruise adds historical narration but the free route is excellent on a clear day. Allow 1 hour.
💡 Illinois residents can book free tickets online for Thursdays; bring a state ID. Non-residents: the regular $25 ticket gets you into the Modern Wing where fewer tourists go. Give yourself 2-3 hours.
💡 Arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid queues at the free parking lot. The zoo is compact; two hours is enough for a thorough visit.
💡 Check the website before going—some special exhibits have a small fee ($5–$10). The conservatory is west of the Loop; take the Green Line train to Garfield station. Allow 1–2 hours.