
The Drake
Best for travelers who want historic Chicago character, large classic ballrooms, and Palm Court afternoon tea steps from Oak Street Beach.
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The Drake is a 4-star historic Gold Coast landmark on the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, known for classic ballrooms and Palm Court afternoon tea. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is a five-star luxury hotel attached to 900 North Michigan Shops; read this if you want a side-by-side look at historic Chicago character vs. contemporary five-star service.
Updated · about 0.2 km apart

Best for travelers who want historic Chicago character, large classic ballrooms, and Palm Court afternoon tea steps from Oak Street Beach.

Best for guests seeking contemporary five-star service, an on-site full-service spa, and a property linked directly to high-end shopping.
When The Drake wins: choose The Drake if you want a century-old Chicago landmark, large historic event spaces and a classic Palm Court tea experience close to Oak Street Beach.
When Four Seasons wins: pick Four Seasons Hotel Chicago if you prioritize five-star amenities—an on-site full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a luxury property connected to 900 North Michigan Shops.
Bottom line: both hotels place you at the top of the Magnificent Mile; The Drake trades on history and ballroom-driven event variety, while Four Seasons focuses on contemporary five-star comforts and direct luxury-shopping access.
| Category | The Drake | Four Seasons Hotel Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic Gold Coast landmark with classic public rooms and traditional service. | Five-star luxury hotel with modern finishes and designer-shopping access. |
| Location (Magnificent Mile / lake) | At the north end of the Magnificent Mile; directly across from Oak Street Beach; easy walk to 360 CHICAGO. | Steps from Michigan Avenue and about a 5–7 minute walk to Lake Michigan/Oak Street Beach. |
| Size (guest rooms) | 535 guest rooms and 74 suites. | 345 rooms (supplier listing). |
| Age / character | Opened 1920; historic public rooms and features. | Contemporary five-star property (positioned as luxury attached to 900 North Michigan Shops). |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool. | Indoor pool on site (supplier listing). |
| Restaurants & bars | Coq d'Or (historic bar/restaurant), Palm Court (afternoon tea), Cafe on Oak (breakfast). | One restaurant and one bar/lounge on site; 24-hour room service available (supplier listing). |
| Spa / wellness | No dedicated on-site spa; in-room massages can be arranged; 24-hour fitness center. | Full-service spa, sauna, steam room, and 24-hour health club (supplier listing). |
| Known for | Palm Court afternoon tea, historic ballrooms (Gold Coast Room, Grand Ballroom). | Five-star service and direct connection to 900 North Michigan Shops; luxury city-center stay. |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive historic event spaces: 21 event rooms, including the Gold Coast Room (6,838 sq ft) and Grand Ballroom (5,214 sq ft). | About 12,500 sq ft of conference space and 15 meeting rooms (supplier listing). |
| Parking & practicalities | Self-parking and valet available (fees); no resort fee; WiFi may be charged unless member benefit applies. | Self and valet parking (surcharge); express check-in and free WiFi noted in listing. |
The Drake sits at 140 E Walton Place at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, directly across from Oak Street Beach.
Choose The Drake to be closest to Oak Street Beach and for a classic Gold Coast address.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is centrally located on Michigan Avenue and is steps from Lake Michigan.
Pick Four Seasons for direct shopping access and a central Magnificent Mile location with short walks to the lake.
The Drake offers 535 individually furnished rooms and 74 suites, many with lake views or classic Gold Coast styling.
The Drake emphasizes individually furnished rooms with historic character and large-suite options.
Four Seasons features a range of city- and lake-view rooms and multiple executive and premier suites (room names per supplier listing).
Four Seasons focuses on contemporary five-star room categories with several lake-view and accessible options.
The Drake's dining is anchored by Palm Court afternoon tea, Coq d'Or (historic bar), and Cafe on Oak for breakfast.
The Drake is the choice for historic dining rituals—especially afternoon tea and a storied bar experience.
Four Seasons lists one on-site restaurant and a bar/lounge, plus 24-hour room service (supplier listing).
Four Seasons suits travelers who want streamlined five-star dining with in-room service and shopping-linked options.
The Drake does not have an on-site swimming pool; its signature amenities are historic public rooms and beach proximity.
If an on-site pool or resort-style water amenities matter, The Drake is not the right pick.
Four Seasons lists an indoor pool and full spa services as key wellness amenities (supplier listing).
Four Seasons is the better option for guests who want an on-site pool and dedicated spa facilities.
The Drake offers a 24-hour fitness center and a historic late-night bar scene at Coq d'Or.
The Drake blends 24-hour fitness access with a historic nightlife bar rather than a spa-centric wellness program.
Four Seasons pairs a 24-hour health club with spa facilities and an on-site indoor pool for a full wellness experience.
Four Seasons is aimed at guests seeking comprehensive on-site wellness and convenient luxury amenities.

The Drake — Palm Court is a near-century-old afternoon tea institution, with reserved weekend service and a kids' Prince & Princess tea.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago — lists a full-service spa, indoor pool, sauna and steam room in supplier amenities.

The Drake — multiple historic ballrooms (Gold Coast Room, Grand Ballroom, French Room) with large capacities and formal character.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago — attached to 900 North Michigan Shops and lists shopping on site.
The Drake is directly across the street from Oak Street Beach (about a 3–5 minute walk); Four Seasons is a short walk (supplier listing notes about 0.5 km).
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago lists an indoor pool and a full-service spa; The Drake does not have an on-site pool or dedicated spa (in-room massages can be arranged).
The Drake specializes in large, historic ballrooms and extensive event space; Four Seasons offers substantial modern meeting space (about 12,500 sq ft) and multiple meeting rooms.
No — both properties welcome guests of all ages. (The Drake requires the reservation holder to be 21+ at check-in.)
Explore how The Drake stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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