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The Drake Chicago, Illinois
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Hotel comparison guide

The Drake vs The Peninsula Chicago

The Drake is a historic 4-star Gold Coast landmark on the north end of the Magnificent Mile, good for travelers who want classic Chicago lakefront rooms, Palm Court afternoon tea, and event spaces. The Peninsula Chicago is a polished five-star hotel steps from Michigan Avenue, aimed at guests who prioritize refined, full-service luxury and an on-site spa.

Updated · about 0.2 km apart

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

The Drake

Historic · Lake-facing · Family-friendly

Best for classic Gold Coast character, afternoon tea, and a stay directly across from Oak Street Beach.

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The Peninsula Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Peninsula Chicago

Five-star · Spa & pool · Central to Michigan Avenue

Best for travelers seeking a modern five-star service experience with an on-site full-service spa and indoor pool.

Quick Verdict: The Drake vs The Peninsula Chicago

When The Drake wins: choose The Drake if you want historic Gold Coast atmosphere, Palm Court afternoon tea, lake views and immediate access to Oak Street Beach and the northern Magnificent Mile.

When The Peninsula Chicago wins: choose The Peninsula if you prefer a contemporary five-star property with a dedicated full-service spa, an indoor pool, and highly rated polished service near Michigan Avenue shopping.

Bottom line: both anchor luxury stays on the Magnificent Mile; pick The Drake for storied, lake-facing character and events, and The Peninsula for a more modern five-star hotel experience with spa and pool facilities.

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The Drake vs The Peninsula Chicago – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for The Drake and The Peninsula Chicago
CategoryThe DrakeThe Peninsula Chicago
Overall vibeHistoric Gold Coast grandeur, traditional public rooms and afternoon teaPolished five-star, contemporary luxury and service
LocationAt the north end of the Magnificent Mile; directly across from Oak Street BeachSteps from Michigan Avenue and Water Tower Place (near Michigan Ave)
Size (rooms)535 guestrooms and 74 suites339 guestrooms
Ages / policyAll ages welcome; reservation holder must be 21+All ages welcome (not adults-only)
PoolsNo on-site poolIndoor pool (1)
Restaurants & barsCoq d'Or (historic bar), Palm Court (afternoon tea), Cafe on Oak (breakfast)2 restaurants, 1 bar/lounge including Shanghai Terrace (Chinese) and a coffee shop/cafe
Spa & wellnessNo dedicated on-site spa; in-room massages available; 24-hour fitness centerFull-service spa and health club; fitness facilities
Known forPalm Court afternoon tea, historic public rooms, wedding/event ballroomsFive-star service, rooftop terrace and a full-service spa
Family / kidsFamily-friendly; children of all ages welcome; Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea for kidsFamily-friendly; up to 2 children 11 and under stay free in existing bedding (property policy)
Nearest landmarksOak Street Beach, 360 CHICAGO, Water Tower PlaceMichigan Avenue, Chicago Water Tower, close to Water Tower Place

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 Peninsula Chicago

The Drake – Location

The Drake sits at 140 E Walton Place at the north end of the Magnificent Mile with direct access to Oak Street Beach.

  • Directly across the street from Oak Street Beach (about a 3–5 minute walk).
  • Short walk to 360 CHICAGO, Water Tower Place and the Lakefront Trail.
  • Addresses the quieter, historic Gold Coast neighborhood at the lakefront edge of the Magnificent Mile.

Choose The Drake for immediate lake/beach proximity and a classic Gold Coast location.

The Peninsula Chicago – Location

The Peninsula Chicago is on East Superior Street, a step from Michigan Avenue shopping and several downtown landmarks.

  • Centrally located on Michigan Avenue near Water Tower Place and the Chicago Water Tower.
  • Listed distances place Michigan Avenue and the Water Tower within a very short walk.
  • Close to the Chicago Riverwalk and other central downtown attractions.

Choose The Peninsula for a central Magnificent Mile address ideal for shopping and sightseeing.

Rooms: Historic rooms vs Refined contemporary rooms

The Drake – Rooms

The Drake offers 535 individually furnished guest rooms and 74 suites that emphasize Gold Coast character and lake views.

  • Room types include Room, Lake View; Suite, 1 Bedroom, Lake View (Michigan); Presidential Suite, and specialty suites like the Princess Diana Suite.
  • Rooms are individually furnished with premium bedding and laptop-compatible safes.
  • WiFi is available for a daily surcharge, complimentary for eligible loyalty members.

Choose The Drake for large classic rooms and notable signature suites with lake views.

The Peninsula Chicago – Rooms

The Peninsula Chicago has 339 guestrooms with standard five-star bedding, minibars and technology features.

  • Room types include Grand Premier King Room, Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Michigan Avenue Suite, and multiple deluxe suites.
  • Guestrooms feature pillowtop beds with down comforters, 55-inch LED TVs, minibars and complimentary wired and wireless internet.
  • Bathrooms typically have separate bathtubs and showers and designer toiletries.

Choose The Peninsula for polished, well-equipped rooms and modern suite options.

Dining & drinks: Tea and historic bars vs multi-restaurant five-star dining

The Drake – Dining & drinks

The Drake's food and drink focus centers on historic venues and classic American fare.

  • Palm Court is the hotel's celebrated afternoon tea venue (Fri–Sun, reservations encouraged).
  • Coq d'Or is a long-running historic bar that serves cocktails and elevated American fare without reservations.
  • Cafe on Oak provides lake-facing breakfast service with an à la carte menu.

Choose The Drake if you value historic dining experiences and a landmark tea service.

The Peninsula Chicago – Dining & drinks

The Peninsula Chicago offers multiple on-site dining options and a bar/lounge with room service available for limited hours.

  • Shanghai Terrace is one of two on-site restaurants offering Chinese cuisine.
  • The hotel includes a coffee shop/cafe and a bar/lounge for evening drinks.
  • Full breakfasts are available daily for a surcharge; room service operates during limited hours.

Choose The Peninsula for a broader set of on-site dining options and contemporary restaurant choices.

Pools & signature amenity: Beach access vs indoor pool and rooftop terrace

The Drake – Pools & signature amenity

The Drake does not have an on-site swimming pool but is notable for direct beach access nearby.

  • No indoor or outdoor pool on the property.
  • Oak Street Beach is essentially across the street for sun and lake access.
  • Lakefront Trail and nearby bike rentals provide outdoor activity options.

Choose The Drake if proximity to Oak Street Beach and lakefront activities matters more than an on-site pool.

The Peninsula Chicago – Pools & signature amenity

The Peninsula Chicago provides on-site indoor-pool access plus rooftop terrace seating and recreational amenities.

  • Listing shows 1 indoor pool available to guests.
  • The property advertises a rooftop terrace and close access to downtown walking routes.
  • Recreation options include health club and nearby water-based activities.

Choose The Peninsula if an on-site indoor pool and rooftop terrace are priorities.

Wellness & nightlife: Fitness and historic bars vs full-service spa and lounges

The Drake – Wellness & nightlife

The Drake provides a 24-hour fitness center and late-night historic bar options.

  • 24-hour fitness center with cardio machines, free weights, yoga mats and stretching areas.
  • Coq d'Or offers late-night cocktail hours (open to 1am on Fri–Sat).
  • The Drake does not have a dedicated on-site spa; in-room massages can be arranged.

Choose The Drake for round-the-clock fitness access and a storied late-night bar scene.

The Peninsula Chicago – Wellness & nightlife

The Peninsula Chicago emphasizes wellness through a full-service spa and health-club facilities.

  • Full-service spa offering massages and body treatments.
  • Health club and fitness facilities complement spa services.
  • Bar/lounge provides evening drinks; babysitting is available for a surcharge.

Choose The Peninsula if you want an on-site spa and a stronger wellness program.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for afternoon tea & old-school Chicago history
Ornate hotel lobby corridor at The Drake with chandelier and patterned carpet

The Drake

The Drake — Palm Court afternoon tea and historic public rooms give it a signature, traditional Chicago identity.

Best for on-site spa and indoor pool
The Peninsula Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Peninsula Chicago

The Peninsula Chicago — full-service spa plus an indoor pool and dedicated wellness facilities.

Best for lake/beach access
Staircase decorated for the holidays at The Drake flanked by toy soldier figures

The Drake

The Drake — directly across from Oak Street Beach and steps from the Lakefront Trail.

Best for five-star service and modern rooms
The Peninsula Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Peninsula Chicago

The Peninsula Chicago — five-star positioning, refined rooms, and polished guest services.

Frequently asked questions

The Drake vs The Peninsula 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 Peninsula is close to Michigan Avenue and is listed about 0.6 mi (1 km) from Lake Michigan.

Do either of these hotels have an on-site pool?

The Drake does not have an on-site pool. The Peninsula Chicago lists 1 indoor pool on the property.

Which hotel has a spa?

The Peninsula Chicago has a full-service spa. The Drake does not have a dedicated on-site spa, though in-room massages can be arranged.

Are these hotels family-friendly?

Yes. Both welcome children; The Drake explicitly offers family-oriented services like the Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea and connecting rooms, while The Peninsula's policy allows children and lists children staying free under certain ages in existing bedding.

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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