
The Drake
Best for travelers who want classic Gold Coast style, historic public rooms, and immediate access to Oak Street Beach.
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The Drake is a historic, lakefront 4-star landmark on the north end of the Magnificent Mile; read this if you want classic Chicago character, afternoon tea, and immediate access to Oak Street Beach. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is a five-star riverfront high-rise for travelers who prefer modern luxury rooms, river and skyline views, and an on-site spa and pool.
Updated · about 0.8 km apart

Best for travelers who want classic Gold Coast style, historic public rooms, and immediate access to Oak Street Beach.

Best for guests who want high-rise river or lake views, a full-service spa, and an indoor pool in downtown Chicago.
When The Drake wins: choose The Drake if you value historic character, Palm Court afternoon tea, Coq d'Or's storied bar, and being steps from Oak Street Beach and the Magnificent Mile.
When Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago wins: choose Trump if you want modern, high-floor views over the Chicago River, an on-site full-service spa plus an indoor pool, and a larger range of contemporary room/view categories.
Bottom line: both are luxury choices in prime Chicago locations; pick The Drake for history, lake access, and classic social venues, or pick Trump for high-rise views, wellness amenities, and more modern-room variety.
| Category | The Drake | Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic Gold Coast elegance, classic public rooms | Contemporary high-rise luxury with river and skyline focus |
| Location | Across the street from Oak Street Beach; northern Magnificent Mile | On the Chicago Riverwalk, steps from Michigan Avenue and Riverwalk |
| Size | 535 guestrooms, 74 suites | 339 guestrooms |
| Star rating & guest score | 4-star (landmark) — guest rating: Not published | 5-star — guest rating: 9.6 |
| Pools | No on-site pool | Indoor pool on property |
| Spa & wellness | No dedicated on-site spa (in-room massages available); 24-hour fitness center | Full-service spa, sauna, fitness center |
| Restaurants & bars | Coq d'Or, Palm Court (afternoon tea), Cafe on Oak (breakfast) | Terrace 16 (American) + 24-hour room service; 1 bar/lounge listed |
| Known for | Historic public rooms, afternoon tea, proximity to Oak Street Beach | Riverfront high-rise views, spa, indoor pool |
| Family policy | All ages welcome; reservation holder must be 21+ | |
| Parking & transport notes | Self-parking and valet available (fees); no airport shuttle | Self parking and valet (surcharge); limo/town car service available |
The Drake sits at 140 E Walton Place at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, directly across from Oak Street Beach.
Choose The Drake for direct lakefront access and classic Magnificent Mile proximity.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago occupies a riverfront high-rise on N Wabash Ave, steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue.
Choose Trump for immediate riverfront access and downtown skyline views.
The Drake has 535 individually furnished rooms and 74 suites with historic details and several lake-view categories.
The Drake’s rooms are individually furnished and lean historic; pick it for character and lake views.
Trump International lists a broad set of room types across river, lake, and city views, including several deluxe and executive categories.
Trump’s room range is focused on high-floor views and modern in-room amenities.
Dining centers on historic Palm Court afternoon tea, Coq d'Or bar and American fare, plus a lakefront breakfast cafe.
The Drake is the pick for historic dining rituals and classic bar culture.
Trump offers Terrace 16 (American) plus 24-hour room service and at least one bar/lounge on site.
Trump fits travelers who want straightforward contemporary dining and convenient room service.
The Drake does not have an on-site swimming pool.
If a pool is essential, The Drake is not the right choice.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago lists an indoor pool among its recreational amenities.
Trump is better for travelers who want an on-site pool and dedicated wellness spaces.
The Drake offers a 24-hour fitness center and traditional bars/tea rather than a full spa or nightclub scene.
The Drake suits guests who want fitness access and classic hotel bars rather than a spa-driven stay.
Trump pairs a full-service spa with a fitness center and an on-site sauna, and has a hotel bar for evening drinks.
Trump is the better choice for a spa-and-wellness-focused stay.

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

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago — on-site full-service spa, indoor pool, and sauna.

The Drake — Palm Court afternoon tea and Coq d'Or historic bar.

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago — many room categories explicitly list river, lake, or city views.
The Drake is directly across the street from Oak Street Beach; Trump International is downtown near the river and farther from the beach.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago has an indoor pool; The Drake does not have an on-site pool.
Both accept families; The Drake highlights family-friendly amenities and children’s afternoon tea options, while Trump lists family-friendly room categories and allows children.
Yes — The Drake offers lake- and beach-view room categories; Trump lists river, lake, and city-view rooms and suites.
Explore how The Drake stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·