
The Drake
Best for traditional Gold Coast ceremonies, Palm Court afternoon tea, and lakefront views.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Drake is a historic, lakefront 4-star hotel on the north end of the Magnificent Mile; this guide is for travelers who want classic Gold Coast character, formal tea, and ballroom weddings. Chicago Athletic Association, a Hyatt Hotel is a 4.5-star historic lifestyle hotel facing Millennium Park; read on if you prefer clubby design, multiple bars/restaurants, and a central Grant Park/Millennium Park location.
Updated · about 1.6 km apart

Best for traditional Gold Coast ceremonies, Palm Court afternoon tea, and lakefront views.

Best for a lifestyle-hotel scene, multiple on-site restaurants/bars, and being steps from Millennium Park.
When The Drake wins: Choose The Drake if you want classic Chicago formality, lake views/Oak Street Beach access, historic ballrooms for weddings, and a hotel that emphasizes traditional service and afternoon tea.
When Chicago Athletic Association wins: Pick Chicago Athletic Association if you want to be in the Millennium Park/Grant Park quarter, value multiple dining and bar options, enjoy clubby, design-forward public spaces, or need flexible meeting space in a downtown location.
Bottom line: The Drake is the lakefront, ceremony- and tradition-focused choice for travelers tied to the Magnificent Mile and wedding planning; Chicago Athletic Association is the more centrally urban, lifestyle-driven alternative for dining, bars, and being steps from Millennium Park.
| Category | The Drake | Chicago Athletic Association, a Hyatt Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Classic, formal Gold Coast landmark with traditional public rooms | Historic building reimagined as a clubby, lifestyle hotel with active dining/bars |
| Location | North end of the Magnificent Mile; across from Oak Street Beach and Lake Michigan | 12 South Michigan Avenue, beside Millennium Park and Grant Park |
| Size (rooms) | 535 guest rooms and 74 suites | 240 air-conditioned rooms (listed) |
| Era / architecture | Opened 1920; long-established Gold Coast landmark | Historic late-19th/early-20th-century building refurbished as a lifestyle hotel |
| Pools | No on-site pool | No pool listed in supplier listing |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple classic venues: Palm Court (afternoon tea), Coq d'Or (historic bar), Cafe on Oak (breakfast) | Four restaurants and at least one bar/lounge plus a coffee shop/cafe and 24-hour room service |
| Spa / wellness | No dedicated on-site spa; in-room massages can be arranged; 24-hour fitness center | 24-hour fitness center and rooftop terrace; spa not published |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive historic ballrooms and 21 event rooms; ~36,863 sq ft total | Conference space ~17,000 sq ft with 7 meeting rooms |
| Known for | Afternoon tea (Palm Court), wedding ballrooms, lakefront timing and views | Clubby, destination dining and bar scene; proximity to Millennium Park/Grant Park |
| Accessibility | Accessible paths, registration desk, lounge and fitness center; accessible parking noted | Multiple wheelchair-accessible features and accessible public washrooms listed |
The Drake sits at 140 E Walton Place at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, directly across from Oak Street Beach.
Pick The Drake for lakefront access and Magnificent Mile shopping right outside the door.
Chicago Athletic Association sits at 12 South Michigan Avenue, steps from Millennium Park and Grant Park.
Choose Chicago Athletic Association for immediate access to Millennium Park and downtown cultural sites.
The Drake offers 535 individually furnished rooms and 74 suites with period details and lake-facing options.
The Drake suits travelers who want historic room styles, lake views, and large suite options.
Chicago Athletic Association lists 240 air-conditioned rooms across many room and suite types including park and Madison views.
Chicago Athletic Association works for travelers seeking modern amenities in a historic, design-forward setting with views toward Millennium Park.
The Drake emphasizes classic hotel dining: Palm Court afternoon tea, Coq d'Or bar, and Cafe on Oak breakfast.
If you want historic dining rituals and a formal tea, The Drake is the clear match.
Chicago Athletic Association offers multiple restaurants (four), a bar/lounge, a coffee shop, and 24-hour room service.
Choose Chicago Athletic Association if you want varied on-site dining and a lively bar scene without leaving the hotel.
The Drake does not have an on-site pool but markets immediate proximity to Oak Street Beach and the Lakefront Trail.
The Drake’s signature outdoor asset is direct lake/beach access rather than a hotel pool.
Chicago Athletic Association lists a rooftop terrace among its public spaces but no on-site pool in the supplier listing.
If an in-hotel rooftop or downtown park views matter more than a pool, Chicago Athletic Association fits better.
The Drake provides a 24-hour fitness center and evening options anchored by Coq d'Or and Palm Court.
The Drake blends basic wellness facilities with historic evening atmosphere rather than a contemporary nightlife circuit.
Chicago Athletic Association pairs a 24-hour fitness center with several bars, restaurants, and active public rooms for evening activity.
Chicago Athletic Association is better if you want more on-site social options and late-night dining/drink choices.

The Drake — historic ballrooms (Gold Coast Room, Grand Ballroom, French Room) and extensive event space make it the stronger choice for formal weddings.

The Drake — Palm Court’s long-running Afternoon Tea is a signature, traditional experience.

Chicago Athletic Association — multiple restaurants, a bar/lounge, rooftop terrace, and lively public spaces make it the better pick for on-site dining and evening socializing.

Chicago Athletic Association — immediate proximity to Millennium Park and Grant Park places cultural attractions at your doorstep.
The Drake — it sits across from Oak Street Beach and offers lake-view rooms and a lakefront breakfast cafe.
Chicago Athletic Association — it’s about 0.1 miles (0.2 km) from Millennium Park and within easy walking distance of downtown cultural sites.
Neither property lists an on-site pool. The Drake has no dedicated spa (in-room massages available); Chicago Athletic Association lists fitness and rooftop terrace but a spa is not published.
Chicago Athletic Association — it offers multiple restaurants, a coffee shop, a bar/lounge and 24-hour room service, so you can spend more time on property.
Explore how The Drake stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·