
The Drake
Best for travelers who want a historic, ceremonial Chicago stay steps from Oak Street Beach and classic afternoon tea.
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The Drake is a landmark, historic 4-star hotel at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, best for travelers who want ceremonial lakefront views and classic Chicago service. Loews Chicago Hotel is an upscale, modern 4.5-star hotel near the river, lakefront, and Navy Pier for travelers who prefer contemporary rooms and conference-ready facilities.
Updated · about 1.2 km apart

Best for travelers who want a historic, ceremonial Chicago stay steps from Oak Street Beach and classic afternoon tea.

Best for travelers who want modern rooms, easy access to Navy Pier/Michigan Ave, and extensive meeting facilities.
When The Drake wins: choose The Drake if you value historic character, formal venues (Palm Court, Coq d'Or), lake views across from Oak Street Beach, and large, classic ballrooms for weddings or galas.
When Loews Chicago Hotel wins: choose Loews for modern, full-service conveniences — straightforward meeting space, rooftop terrace, on-site fitness and business centers, and a central, riverfront/Navy Pier–friendly location.
Bottom line: both are upscale downtown choices with easy access to the lakefront; pick The Drake for historic atmosphere and beach-side address, pick Loews for contemporary facilities and meeting/event capacity.
| Category | The Drake | Loews Chicago Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, ceremonial, classic Gold Coast hotel | Upscale modern full-service hotel |
| Location (neighborhood) | North end of the Magnificent Mile; directly across from Oak Street Beach | Near Chicago Riverwalk, close to Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue |
| Size (rooms) | 535 guest rooms and 74 suites (property materials list both) | About 400 guestrooms |
| Ages / family policy | All ages welcome (reservation holder must be 21+ to check in) | |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool | Wheelchair-accessible pool listed in supplier amenities |
| Restaurants & bars | Coq d'Or (historic bar), Palm Court (afternoon tea), Cafe on Oak (breakfast) | One main restaurant, bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe; room service (limited hours) |
| Spa / wellness | No dedicated on-site spa; in-room massages available; 24-hour fitness center | Not published |
| Known for | Historic Palm Court afternoon tea, Coq d'Or, proximity to Oak Street Beach | Modern convenience, large meeting/conference space, proximity to Riverwalk/Navy Pier |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive historic ballrooms (Gold Coast Room 6,838 sq ft; Grand Ballroom 5,214 sq ft) and 21 event rooms | Large conference facilities (25,717 sq ft / 2,389 m² of meeting space) |
| Accessibility & practical | Accessible paths, accessible rooms and parking; Wi‑Fi available (surcharge except for eligible members) | Wheelchair-accessible features, assistive listening devices, complimentary wired internet in public areas |
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 if you want the closest hotel feel to Oak Street Beach and classic Magnificent Mile access.
Loews Chicago Hotel sits near the Chicago Riverwalk with easy walking access to Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier.
Choose Loews for riverfront/Navy Pier proximity and straightforward access to downtown attractions.
The Drake offers individually furnished rooms and a notable suite inventory with historic character.
Pick The Drake for individually furnished rooms and signature, historically themed suites.
Loews lists about 400 guestrooms with a range of superior, premium, grand rooms and multiple suite types.
Choose Loews for modern, consistently outfitted rooms and a variety of accessible configurations.
The Drake's dining centers on historic Palm Court tea service, Coq d'Or bar, and a lake-facing breakfast cafe.
The Drake is for travelers who want historic dining rituals and a formal-tea experience.
Loews offers a main restaurant, a coffee shop/cafe and a bar/lounge; room service is available during limited hours.
Loews fits travelers who prefer modern, grab-and-go options plus a single full-service restaurant.
The Drake does not have an on-site pool, but it is directly across from Oak Street Beach.
If beachfront walking access is the priority, The Drake's address is better; it has no hotel pool.
Loews lists a wheelchair-accessible pool among its amenities and is close to the lake/Riverwalk.
Pick Loews if you want an on-site pool plus easy riverfront access.
The Drake has a 24-hour fitness center, historic bar options, and formal afternoon tea service.
The Drake covers fitness and classic late-night bar service, but not a spa or pool.
Loews provides 24-hour fitness facilities, a rooftop terrace, and an on-site bar/lounge.
Loews offers round-the-clock fitness and contemporary social spaces, fitting modern business and leisure travelers.

The Drake — directly across from Oak Street Beach and at the north end of the Magnificent Mile.

Loews Chicago Hotel — large, modern meeting space (about 25,717 sq ft) and dedicated business-center amenities.

The Drake — Palm Court afternoon tea and Coq d'Or historic bar are signature experiences.

Loews Chicago Hotel — contemporary room types, multiple accessible room listings, and onsite pool.
The Drake is directly across the street from Oak Street Beach (about a 3–5 minute walk); Loews is near the lake and Riverwalk but not as close to Oak Street Beach.
Loews lists a wheelchair-accessible pool; The Drake does not have an on-site pool. The Drake has no dedicated on-site spa; Loews spa details are not published in the supplier information provided.
The Drake offers historic ballrooms with long-standing ceremony tradition (Gold Coast Room, Grand Ballroom). Loews provides large, modern conference space and event facilities — choose based on whether you prefer historic or modern event settings.
Yes. Both hotels allow guests of all ages; typically the reservation holder must be at least 21 to check in.
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