Queen Elizabeth, Princess Di, the Reagans, the Bushes, the Clintons, the late, great Aretha Franklin… Who hasn’t stayed at the Drake since its 1920 opening? The elegant, chandelier-strewn grande dame anchors the northern end of Michigan Ave, near Oak Street Beach. While the public spaces are gilded eye-poppers, the 535 rooms are more everyday yet well-sized and comfy.
North-facing rooms have awesome lake views and are worth the extra cost. Guests tend to be older or members of the many weddings the Drake hosts. Wi-fi costs $13 per day (or is free for Hilton rewards members).
