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The Drake Chicago, Illinois
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Hotel comparison guide

The Drake vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Drake is a century-old, 4-star lakefront Chicago landmark best for travelers who want historic rooms, afternoon tea, and direct access to Oak Street Beach. The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago is a Marriott Luxury Collection property steps from Michigan Avenue shopping for guests who prefer contemporary design and a central retail address.

Updated · about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) apart

Spacious grand lobby at The Drake with central fountain and floral sculpture

The Drake

Historic · Lakefront · Landmark

Best for travelers who want classic, historic Chicago glamour and immediate access to Oak Street Beach.

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The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Stylish luxury · Shopping-adjacent · Rooftop terrace

Best for shoppers and visitors who want a modern, luxury-brand hotel steps from Michigan Avenue retail.

Quick Verdict: The Drake vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

When The Drake wins: choose The Drake if you value old‑world character, lake views, Palm Court afternoon tea, and proximity to Oak Street Beach and the north end of the Magnificent Mile.

When The Gwen wins: choose The Gwen if you prefer a contemporary Luxury Collection property with rooftop terrace options, a compact footprint near Michigan Avenue shopping, and meeting facilities geared to modern corporate or social events.

Bottom line: both put you in the heart of Chicago shopping—pick The Drake for history and lakefront setting, pick The Gwen for a newer, branded luxury stay right by the stores.

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The Drake vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for The Drake and The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
CategoryThe DrakeThe Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Overall vibeHistoric, traditional luxury with century-old public roomsContemporary, Marriott Luxury Collection–style luxury
Location (Magnificent Mile)Northern end of the Magnificent Mile; across from Oak Street BeachSteps from Michigan Avenue shopping; very near Riverwalk
Size535 guestrooms, 74 suites311 guestrooms
Age / characterOpened 1920; historic public rooms and ballroomsModern luxury property (Luxury Collection branding)
PoolsNo on-site pool
Restaurants & barsCoq d'Or, Palm Court (afternoon tea), Cafe on Oak2 restaurants, 1 bar/lounge; Kostali (Mediterranean) is reported
Spa / wellnessNo dedicated on-site spa; in-room massages availableNot published
Fitness24-hour fitness center (cardio, free weights, yoga mats)24-hour fitness facilities; wheelchair-accessible fitness center
Meetings & eventsExtensive historic ballrooms and 21 event rooms (largest: Gold Coast Room)3388 sq ft of event space and 14 meeting rooms
Known forPalm Court afternoon tea and lakefront grandeurStylish Luxury Collection hotel a step from shopping

A Look Inside The Drake

The Drake: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesThe Drake: pools & beachPools & beachThe Drake: diningDiningThe Drake: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
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Location: The Drake vs The Gwen

The Drake – Location

The Drake sits at 140 E Walton Place at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, directly across from Oak Street Beach.

  • About a 3–5 minute walk to Oak Street Beach and the Lakefront Trail.
  • Immediate access to Magnificent Mile shopping and Water Tower Place.
  • Close to 360 CHICAGO and the Chicago Riverwalk (short walk).

Choose The Drake if you want lakefront access and historic Gold Coast surroundings.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Location

The Gwen is at 521 North Rush Street, steps from Michigan Avenue’s retail corridor and near the Riverwalk.

  • Reported distance to Michigan Avenue: roughly 0.1 mi (0.2 km) per supplier highlights.
  • Convenient for shopping, tours, and short walks to downtown attractions.
  • Offers rooftop terrace and city-facing public spaces.

Choose The Gwen if you want a modern luxury-brand stay right by the shopping district.

Rooms: historic suites vs modern rooms

The Drake – Rooms

The Drake has a large inventory of individually furnished rooms and notable suites.

  • 535 guestrooms and 74 suites, including the Princess Diana Suite and lake-view suites.
  • Room types include Room, 1 King Bed; Room, Lake View; Suite, 1 Bedroom, Lake View (Michigan); Room, Beach View (Oak).
  • In-room amenities: laptop-compatible safe, premium bedding; WiFi available for a daily surcharge (complimentary for some members).

Choose The Drake for variety of historic room types and signature suites with lake views.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Rooms

The Gwen offers a smaller set of contemporary rooms and suites under Luxury Collection standards.

  • 311 guestrooms with types such as Superior Room, 1 King Bed; Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds; Junior Suite, 1 King Bed.
  • In-room refrigerators and LCD TVs reported; private bathrooms with separate bathtub and shower.
  • Wireless internet access and laptop-compatible safes are noted in supplier listing (WiFi surcharge may apply).

Choose The Gwen for modern room design and compact, well-appointed accommodations near the shops.

Dining & drinks: classic versus contemporary

The Drake – Dining & drinks

The Drake’s dining is anchored in hotel history and lake views.

  • Palm Court: famed afternoon tea service (Fri–Sun 12:00–4:30pm) and Prince & Princess tea option for kids.
  • Coq d'Or: historic cocktail bar serving cocktails and American fare with no-reservation walk-in policy.
  • Cafe on Oak: breakfast corner overlooking Lake Michigan (hours vary; breakfast fee applies).

The Drake is a better fit if you want historic dining experiences and lakeview breakfast or tea.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Dining & drinks

The Gwen lists two restaurants and a bar; supplier highlights name Kostali as a Mediterranean option.

  • Kostali serves Mediterranean cuisine; 24-hour room service is available.
  • Full breakfast is available for a fee (hours published as 7:00–10:00 AM).
  • There is at least one bar/lounge for evening drinks and a rooftop terrace for views.

The Gwen suits travelers who want contemporary dining and easy access to city nightlife and shopping.

Pools / Beach or signature amenity

The Drake – Pools / Beach or signature amenity

The Drake has no on-site swimming pool but stands out for immediate beach access.

  • No indoor or outdoor pool on property.
  • Direct walk (about 3–5 minutes) to Oak Street Beach on Lake Michigan.
  • Lakefront views and beach access are primary outdoor draws.

If beach access is important, The Drake holds a clear advantage despite no pool.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Pools / Beach or signature amenity

The Gwen does not list an on-site pool in supplier amenities.

  • Amenity list does not include a pool or hot tub.
  • Rooftop terrace and garden are listed as outdoor features.
  • Boat tours and lakefront activities are noted nearby.

The Gwen offers city-facing outdoor spaces rather than a pool; nearby lakefront activities are accessible on foot.

Wellness & nightlife

The Drake – Wellness & nightlife

The Drake focuses on a 24-hour fitness center and historic bars for evening activity.

  • 24-hour fitness center with cardio machines, free weights and yoga mats.
  • Coq d'Or provides late-night drinks (hours into the night on weekends).
  • No dedicated on-site spa; in-room massage services can be arranged.

The Drake is good for active travelers and those who want classic hotel bars rather than a resort spa.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Wellness & nightlife

The Gwen lists 24-hour fitness facilities and a rooftop terrace for evening views.

  • 24-hour fitness facilities with accessible equipment.
  • At least one bar/lounge and rooftop terrace for evening socializing.
  • Supplier listing does not publish a dedicated on-site spa.

The Gwen fits guests who want modern fitness access and rooftop social spaces; spa details are not published.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for lake/beach access
Ornate hotel lobby corridor at The Drake with chandelier and patterned carpet

The Drake

The Drake — directly across from Oak Street Beach and immediate lakefront views.

Best for Michigan Avenue shopping
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen — a Luxury Collection property a step from Michigan Avenue retail.

Best for historic dining & rituals
Staircase decorated for the holidays at The Drake flanked by toy soldier figures

The Drake

The Drake — Palm Court afternoon tea and Coq d'Or’s long history.

Best for modern branded luxury
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen — contemporary Luxury Collection design with rooftop terrace and meeting rooms.

Frequently asked questions

The Drake vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago: FAQs

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Which hotel is closer to Oak Street Beach?

The Drake is directly across the street from Oak Street Beach (about a 3–5 minute walk). The Gwen is near Michigan Avenue but not described as beachfront.

Do either hotel have a pool or spa?

Neither property lists an on-site swimming pool. The Drake has no dedicated on-site spa (in-room massages are available); The Gwen’s supplier listing does not publish a dedicated on-site spa.

Which is better for shopping and dining out?

The Gwen is set as a Luxury Collection hotel directly adjacent to Michigan Avenue shopping; The Drake also sits at the north end of the Magnificent Mile but emphasizes lakefront character and historic hotel dining.

Are both hotels family-friendly?

Yes. Both hotels welcome guests of all ages; The Drake requires the reservation holder to be 21+ at check-in; The Gwen’s supplier listing shows adultsOnly: false.

More The Drake Comparison Guides

Explore how The Drake stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Panoramic shoreline and lake view with beach and treed park at The Drake
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