
The Drake
Best for travelers who want a historic, lakeside Chicago experience with easy access to the Magnificent Mile and Oak Street Beach.
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The Drake is a four-star, century-old Gold Coast landmark on the north end of the Magnificent Mile, best for travelers who want classic Chicago lakeside style and easy access to Oak Street Beach. Nobu Hotel Chicago is a five-star West Loop lifestyle hotel centered on Japanese-inspired dining and a modern design sensibility — read this if you’re choosing between old-school Chicago glamour and a trend-forward downtown stay.
Updated · about 1.3 mi (2.1 km) apart

Best for travelers who want a historic, lakeside Chicago experience with easy access to the Magnificent Mile and Oak Street Beach.

Best for guests who prioritize a contemporary West Loop location, a nightlife/dining focus (Nobu Restaurant), and a compact luxury property with an indoor pool and fitness facilities.
When The Drake wins: choose The Drake if you want historic Chicago character, a lakeside location steps from Oak Street Beach and the Magnificent Mile, traditional venues like Palm Court afternoon tea, and large event/wedding spaces.
When Nobu Hotel Chicago wins: choose Nobu if you prefer a newer, design-forward five-star stay in the West Loop with Nobu Restaurant on site, an indoor pool, steam room, and a smaller, lifestyle-hotel footprint (about 115 rooms).
Bottom line: The Drake is the pick for classic, lakefront Chicago and big-event capability; Nobu is the pick for modern dining-led luxury in the West Loop and amenities like an indoor pool and steam room.
| Category | The Drake | Nobu Hotel Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic Gold Coast landmark, classic and formal public spaces | Five-star lifestyle hotel with contemporary West Loop energy |
| Location | North end of the Magnificent Mile, across from Oak Street Beach | West Loop / Downtown Chicago (near Chicago Riverwalk and United Center) |
| Size (rooms) | 535 guest rooms and 74 suites | 115 rooms (supplier listing) |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; reservation holder must be 21+ to check in | All ages welcome; check-in minimum age listed as 21 (property policy requires ID and card) |
| Pools | No on-site pool | Indoor pool (on-site) |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple historic outlets (Coq d'Or, Palm Court, Cafe on Oak) | 2 restaurants including Nobu Restaurant; bar/lounge and room service (limited hours) |
| Spa & wellness | No dedicated on-site spa; 24-hour fitness center and in-room massages available | Fitness center, steam room; public spa services not specified in supplier listing |
| Known for | Historic afternoon tea, classic cocktail bar, lakefront setting | Nobu dining brand and contemporary West Loop design |
| Event space | Large meeting and wedding spaces (21 event rooms; Gold Coast Room up to 900 guests) | Smaller meeting footprint (Number of meeting rooms - 1; banquet hall listed) |
| Parking & accessibility | Self-parking and valet (daily fees), accessible features and parking | Covered and secured parking (fees/surcharge), wheelchair-accessible features |
The Drake sits at 140 E Walton Place at the north end of the Magnificent Mile with direct access to Oak Street Beach.
Choose The Drake for a historic, lakefront position next to Chicago’s main shopping corridor.
Nobu Hotel Chicago is in the West Loop / downtown area at 155 N. Peoria Street, positioned for dining and nightlife.
Choose Nobu for a West Loop address close to downtown dining and nightlife.
The Drake has a large inventory of individually furnished rooms and multiple signature suites.
The Drake offers variety and historic-suite options for travelers who value space and character.
Nobu has a smaller set of rooms that reflect a lifestyle hotel approach and Japanese influences.
Nobu’s rooms suit travelers who want a contemporary, design-led room and a strong on-site dining identity.
The Drake’s dining is rooted in historic venues and classic American fare.
Pick The Drake for classic Chicago dining moments and formal tea or historic cocktails.
Nobu centers its food-and-drink identity on Nobu Restaurant and a contemporary bar/lounge.
Choose Nobu if on-site signature Japanese dining and a modern culinary scene are priorities.
The Drake does not have an on-site swimming pool.
If an on-site pool is essential, The Drake is not the right choice.
Nobu Hotel Chicago offers an indoor pool and a steam room among its recreational amenities.
Nobu is the better option for guests who want an on-site pool and steam room.
The Drake focuses on a 24-hour fitness center and historic late-night cocktail options rather than a spa or nightclub.
The Drake works for fitness-minded guests and those seeking classic bars and late-night cocktails.
Nobu blends fitness and thermal amenities with a modern bar and restaurant scene.
Nobu is the pick for guests who want a compact hotel with on-site wellness facilities and a dining-led nightlife.

The Drake — steps from Oak Street Beach and the Magnificent Mile.

Nobu Hotel Chicago — on-site Nobu Restaurant and a dining-focused brand experience.

The Drake — extensive event spaces including the Gold Coast Room (up to 900 guests) and Grand Ballroom.

Nobu Hotel Chicago — indoor pool, steam room, and fitness facilities on-site.
The Drake is directly across the street from Oak Street Beach (about a 3–5 minute walk); Nobu is in the West Loop and does not have immediate beach access.
No — The Drake does not have an on-site pool or dedicated spa; it does offer a 24-hour fitness center and in-room massage services.
Yes — Nobu’s supplier listing indicates the property allows children (one child 3 years or younger stays free in existing bedding); the property’s check-in policy and age requirements should be confirmed at booking.
Nobu is likely the better fit if you want an on-site signature restaurant and a contemporary dining-led experience; The Drake is stronger for historic dining experiences like Palm Court and Coq d'Or.
Explore how The Drake stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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