
The Drake
Best for travelers who value old‑Chicago character, formal afternoon tea, and immediate access to Oak Street Beach and the Magnificent Mile.
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The Drake is a landmark, 4-star Gold Coast hotel known for classic lakefront service and historic public rooms; read this if you want a traditional Chicago stay within steps of Oak Street Beach and the Magnificent Mile. The St. Regis Chicago is a contemporary five-star in a prominent lakeside skyscraper with a full-service spa — read this if you want modern luxury, skyline views, and five-star amenities.
Updated · about 1.3 km apart

Best for travelers who value old‑Chicago character, formal afternoon tea, and immediate access to Oak Street Beach and the Magnificent Mile.

Best for guests seeking contemporary five‑star rooms, a full-service spa, and an indoor pool in a dramatic modern tower.
When The Drake wins: choose The Drake if you want a historic Gold Coast experience, easy steps to Oak Street Beach, classic venues like Palm Court and Coq d'Or, and large, traditional event rooms for weddings and receptions.
When The St. Regis Chicago wins: pick The St. Regis Chicago if you prioritize a modern five‑star property with a full-service spa, indoor pool, more compact room inventory, and newer skyscraper views close to the Chicago Riverwalk and Millennium Park.
Bottom line: both put you near Chicago lakefront and shopping, but they offer different atmospheres — The Drake for time-honored character and beachside proximity; The St. Regis Chicago for contemporary five‑star luxury and wellness facilities.
| Category | The Drake | The St. Regis Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, formal Gold Coast hotel with classic public rooms and a long legacy | Contemporary five‑star skyscraper with modern design and luxury services |
| Location | At the north end of the Magnificent Mile; directly across the street from Oak Street Beach | Downtown lakeside skyscraper near the Chicago Riverwalk and Grant Park (short walk to Michigan Avenue) |
| Size | 535 guest rooms and 74 suites | 192 rooms (total rooms published in supplier listing) |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; reservation holder must be 21+ at check-in | All ages welcome (adults-only: no) |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool | At least 1 indoor pool (wheelchair-accessible pool listed) |
| Restaurants & bars | Coq d'Or (historic bar), Palm Court (afternoon tea), Cafe on Oak (breakfast) | Two restaurants (including Miru), a coffee shop, and a bar/lounge; 24-hour room service available |
| Spa & wellness | No dedicated on-site spa (in-room massage available); 24-hour fitness center | Full-service spa with treatment rooms, steam room, and 24-hour fitness center |
| Known for | Historic landmark hospitality, Palm Court afternoon tea, proximity to Oak Street Beach | New landmark skyscraper and contemporary five-star luxury with extensive ADA features |
| Meetings & events | Large historic ballrooms (Gold Coast Room, Grand Ballroom) and many meeting rooms; major wedding venue capacity | 8 meeting rooms and banquet facilities suitable for events and meetings |
| Accessibility | Accessible paths, registration desk, accessible parking and select accessible rooms | Extensive accessibility features (wheelchair-accessible public washrooms, visual alarms, accessible pool and fitness center) |
The Drake sits at 140 E Walton Place at the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, steps from Oak Street Beach.
Choose The Drake for beachside access and classic Magnificent Mile location.
The St. Regis Chicago is on East Upper Wacker Drive, placing it near the Chicago Riverwalk, Grant Park, and within walking distance of Michigan Avenue.
Choose The St. Regis Chicago for modern luxury close to the riverfront and downtown cultural attractions.
Rooms at The Drake emphasize individual furnishings and traditional Gold Coast styling, with multiple lake‑view and suite options.
Pick The Drake for larger, more varied historic rooms and signature suites with lake views.
The St. Regis Chicago offers contemporary five‑star rooms and suite categories with premium bedding and designer toiletries.
Pick The St. Regis Chicago for modern design, clearly defined suite categories, and premium in-room fittings.
The Drake's dining leans historic and formal, with iconic venues that are part of the hotel's identity.
Choose The Drake for tradition: afternoon tea, historic cocktails, and lake‑view breakfasts.
The St. Regis Chicago has multiple dining outlets, room service, and a coffee shop — contemporary hotel dining aimed at five‑star guests.
Choose The St. Regis Chicago for modern restaurant options, room service, and dietary choices.
The Drake's signature advantage is its immediate beachside position and classic public spaces rather than pool or spa facilities.
The Drake trades an on‑site pool for direct beach access and historic communal spaces.
The St. Regis Chicago emphasizes wellness: an on‑site full‑service spa and an indoor pool are part of the guest offering.
Choose The St. Regis Chicago if an on‑site spa and indoor pool are higher priorities than direct beach access.
Evening life at The Drake leans on historic bars and nearby Magnificent Mile nightlife rather than in‑house late‑night entertainment.
The Drake is for guests who want historic evening venues and walkable city nightlife.
The St. Regis Chicago supports wellness and quieter in‑house evenings with spa services and a hotel bar rather than late-night public rooms.
The St. Regis Chicago is for guests who want in‑house wellness by day and refined dining/drinks by night.

The Drake — historic ballrooms, Palm Court afternoon tea, and a century of Gold Coast presence.

The St. Regis Chicago — full-service spa, steam room, and an indoor pool.

The Drake — directly across from Oak Street Beach (short walk).

The St. Regis Chicago — contemporary luxury rooms and clearly defined suite categories.
The Drake is directly across the street from Oak Street Beach (about a 3–5 minute walk). The St. Regis Chicago is nearby to the lakefront but not immediately beachside.
The St. Regis Chicago lists a full‑service spa, steam room, and an indoor pool. The Drake does not have an on‑site spa or pool (in‑room massages can be arranged).
Yes. Both hotels welcome guests of all ages; The Drake requires the reservation holder to be 21+ at check‑in. The St. Regis Chicago is not adults‑only.
The Drake has extensive historic ballrooms and event spaces (several large ballrooms and 21 event rooms) and is a frequent choice for weddings. The St. Regis Chicago offers meeting rooms and banquet facilities but with a smaller listed meeting inventory.
Explore how The Drake stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·