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The Drake Chicago, Illinois
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Hotel comparison guide

The Drake vs The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

The Drake is a historic 4-star Chicago landmark at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, best for travelers who want classic lakefront rooms and a storied hotel bar and tea service. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is a refined five-star property steps from Water Tower Place for travelers who prefer a full-service luxury hotel with a spa and indoor pool.

Updated · about 0.1 miles (0.2 km) apart

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

The Drake

Historic · Lakefront · Family-friendly

Best for travelers who want historic character, afternoon tea, and immediate access to Oak Street Beach and the Lakefront Trail.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

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

Best for travelers who prioritize a five-star hotel experience with a full-service spa, indoor pool, and club/club-room options near Water Tower Place.

Quick Verdict: The Drake vs The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

When The Drake wins: choose The Drake if you want a century-old, Gold Coast landmark with lake views, classic Palm Court afternoon tea, and direct access to Oak Street Beach and the Lakefront Trail.

When The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago wins: choose The Ritz-Carlton if you want a contemporary five-star hotel with a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a polished luxury program close to Michigan Avenue shopping.

Bottom line: both put you at the northern Magnificent Mile; pick The Drake for history and lakefront atmosphere, and The Ritz-Carlton for traditional five-star amenities and a hotel spa/pool.

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The Drake vs The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for The Drake and The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
CategoryThe DrakeThe Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Overall vibeHistoric, formal Gold Coast landmark with classic public roomsContemporary five-star luxury hotel with refined public spaces
Location (Magnificent Mile)At the north end of the Magnificent Mile; directly across from Oak Street BeachSteps from Michigan Avenue and Water Tower Place
Size535 guestrooms and 74 suites434 guestrooms (source listing) and multiple suite tiers
Ages / family policyAll ages welcome; reservation holder must be 21+ to check inAll ages welcome (not adults-only); reservation holder minimum age: 21 (property lists 21+ at check-in)
PoolsNo on-site swimming poolIndoor swimming pool available
Restaurants & barsCoq d'Or (historic bar/restaurant), Palm Court (afternoon tea), Cafe on Oak (breakfast)Torali Italian-Steak restaurant, coffee shop/cafe, bar/lounge, room service (limited hours)
Spa / WellnessNo dedicated on-site spa; in-room massages can be arranged; 24-hour fitness centerFull-service spa plus fitness center and wellness classes
Known forHistoric Palm Court afternoon tea, Coq d'Or bar, proximity to Oak Street BeachFive-star service, spa and indoor pool, very central Michigan Avenue location
ParkingSelf- and valet parking for a fee (self-parking and valet published)Valet parking available (surcharge)
Walking distance to Lake MichiganDirectly across from Oak Street Beach (3–5 minute walk)About a 12-minute walk to Lake Michigan (property highlight)

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 Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

The Drake – Location

The Drake sits at 140 E Walton Place at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, immediately next to Oak Street Beach.

  • Direct access to Oak Street Beach and Lakefront Trail — roughly a 3–5 minute walk.
  • Walking distance to 360 CHICAGO, Water Tower Place, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Historic Gold Coast neighborhood with quieter, residential streets a short walk away.

Choose The Drake for immediate lake access and a lakeside location at the top of the Magnificent Mile.

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago – Location

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago (160 E Pearson Street) sits steps from Michigan Avenue and Water Tower Place.

  • Centrally located on the Magnificent Mile with direct access to shopping and restaurants.
  • Approximately a short walk to cultural stops like the Museum of Contemporary Art and nearby landmarks.
  • About a 12-minute walk to Lake Michigan according to the property's highlights.

Choose The Ritz-Carlton for a central Michigan Avenue location with easy access to shopping and city sights.

Rooms: history & character vs modern five-star rooms

The Drake – Rooms

The Drake has 535 individually furnished rooms and 74 suites, many with lake views and some signature suites.

  • Room types include Room, 1 King Bed; Room, Lake View; Suite, 1 Bedroom, Lake View (Michigan); Presidential Suite, 1 Bedroom, Lake View.
  • Notable suites include the Princess Diana Suite and Gold Coast–category suites with in-room jacuzzi/spa baths.
  • WiFi in-room available for a daily surcharge; premium bedding and laptop-compatible safe standard.

Choose The Drake for individually furnished rooms with historic character and notable named suites.

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago – Rooms

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago offers a range of city- and lake-view rooms plus multiple club and suite categories.

  • Room types in the supplier listing include Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View and Club Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View, plus many suites and executive options.
  • Many rooms offer lake or Michigan Avenue views; Club rooms and suites provide elevated service options.
  • In-room amenities: minibars, Smart TVs, pillowtop beds with down comforters; wireless internet for a surcharge.

Choose The Ritz-Carlton for consistently appointed five-star rooms with a Club/club-lounge option and lake or avenue views.

Dining & drinks: classic Chicago tea and bar vs hotel fine dining

The Drake – Dining & drinks

The Drake's food and drink scene centers on historic venues tied to the hotel's century-long story.

  • Palm Court: celebrated afternoon tea (published hours Friday–Sunday).
  • Coq d'Or: historic Arcade Level bar serving cocktails and American fare with published hours and walk-in policy.
  • Cafe on Oak: breakfast nook overlooking Lake Michigan; breakfast available for an additional fee.

Choose The Drake for classic Chicago hotel dining experiences, afternoon tea and a storied hotel bar.

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago – Dining & drinks

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago offers hotel dining with a signature restaurant and bar plus room service (limited hours).

  • Torali Italian-Steak is the hotel's main restaurant specializing in Italian and steak dishes.
  • Bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe are on site; room service is available during limited hours.
  • Full breakfasts available daily for a fee (property cites daily breakfast hours).

Choose The Ritz-Carlton for a classic five-star hotel restaurant, bar and full-service dining options.

Pools & beach access: immediate beach access vs hotel pool

The Drake – Pools & beach access

The Drake is notable for its immediate proximity to Oak Street Beach but does not have an on-site pool.

  • Oak Street Beach is directly across the street (about a 3–5 minute walk).
  • The property does not have an on-site swimming pool or hot tub.
  • Beach and lakefront activities and the Lakefront Trail are within easy walking distance.

Choose The Drake if you want direct beach access rather than an on-site pool.

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago – Pools & beach access

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago provides an indoor swimming pool as part of its recreational amenities.

  • Amenities list includes an indoor pool and fitness center.
  • The property is a short walk from Michigan Avenue shopping; Lake Michigan is a longer walk compared with The Drake.
  • Pool access is part of the hotel's full-service leisure offering alongside the spa.

Choose The Ritz-Carlton for an on-site indoor pool and traditional hotel leisure amenities.

Wellness & nightlife: spa and classes vs historic bar culture

The Drake – Wellness & nightlife

The Drake lacks a dedicated on-site spa but offers a 24-hour fitness center and historic bar nightlife.

  • No dedicated spa on property; in-room massage services can be arranged.
  • 24-hour fitness center with cardio machines, free weights and yoga mats.
  • Coq d'Or provides late-night drinks and a historic cocktail culture; Palm Court offers daytime tea.

Choose The Drake if you value on-site fitness plus historic bars and tea over a dedicated spa.

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago – Wellness & nightlife

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago features a full-service spa, fitness facilities and on-site wellness programming.

  • Full-service spa offering massages, facials and body treatments (listed in amenities).
  • Fitness center and on-site yoga classes/instruction are available.
  • Bar/lounge and restaurant create evening options without leaving the hotel.

Choose The Ritz-Carlton for a hotel spa, fitness classes and evening on-site dining/drinks.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for lakefront access
Ornate hotel lobby corridor at The Drake with chandelier and patterned carpet

The Drake

Directly across from Oak Street Beach and the Lakefront Trail — easiest lake access.

Best for full-service spa & pool
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

Provides a full-service spa and an indoor pool as part of its five-star amenities.

Best for historic hotel atmosphere
Staircase decorated for the holidays at The Drake flanked by toy soldier figures

The Drake

A Gold Coast landmark since 1920 with historic public rooms, afternoon tea and a legendary bar.

Best for traditional five-star comforts
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

Refined five-star rooms, club-room options, and many luxury service features expected at a Ritz-Carlton.

Frequently asked questions

The Drake vs The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel is closer to Oak Street Beach?

The Drake is directly across from Oak Street Beach (about a 3–5 minute walk); The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is a longer walk to the lake.

Which hotel has a pool or spa?

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago has an indoor pool and a full-service spa; The Drake does not have an on-site pool or a dedicated spa (in-room massages can be arranged).

Are either of these adults-only hotels?

No. Both properties welcome guests of all ages; reservation holders typically must be 21+ to check in.

Which is better for shopping on the Magnificent Mile?

Both are excellent: The Ritz-Carlton sits steps from Michigan Avenue and Water Tower Place; The Drake anchors the northern end of the Magnificent Mile with immediate access to nearby shops.

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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