
The Drake
Best for travelers who want a historic, traditional Chicago hotel with direct access to Oak Street Beach and landmark dining (Palm Court, Coq d'Or).
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The Drake is a century-old, lakefront grande dame on the north end of the Magnificent Mile; this guide is for travelers who want classic Chicago style, easy access to Oak Street Beach, and historic ballrooms. Viceroy Chicago is a contemporary luxury lifestyle hotel in the Gold Coast; read on if you prefer a more modern, design-forward stay with a rooftop terrace and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Best for travelers who want a historic, traditional Chicago hotel with direct access to Oak Street Beach and landmark dining (Palm Court, Coq d'Or).

Best for guests seeking a modern luxury lifestyle hotel with a rooftop terrace, seasonal outdoor pool, and contemporary neighborhood feel in the Gold Coast.
When The Drake wins: choose The Drake for history, formal afternoon tea and cocktails, large historic ballrooms and a classic lakefront location right by Oak Street Beach.
When Viceroy Chicago wins: choose Viceroy for a more modern design-forward stay, a seasonal outdoor pool and rooftop terrace, plus a luxury lifestyle vibe close to Michigan Avenue.
Bottom line: both put you in the Gold Coast near shopping and the lake; pick The Drake for tradition, event spaces and lake views, or Viceroy Chicago for contemporary rooms, rooftop pool access and a neighborhood-luxe experience.
| Category | The Drake | Viceroy Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, formal, classic Gold Coast grande dame | Contemporary luxury lifestyle hotel with a neighborhood feel |
| Location | On the north end of the Magnificent Mile overlooking Lake Michigan and steps from Oak Street Beach | |
| Size | 535 guest rooms; 74 suites | 180 guestrooms |
| Age / history | Opened 1920; a longstanding Chicago landmark | Modern property positioned as a luxury lifestyle hotel |
| Pools / outdoor swim | No on-site pool | Outdoor seasonal pool (open May–October) with pool sun loungers |
| Restaurants & bars | Coq d'Or, Palm Court (afternoon tea), Cafe on Oak (breakfast) | Somerset (restaurant & bar) plus room service (limited hours) |
| Spa / wellness | No dedicated on-site spa (in-room massage services available) | Not published |
| Fitness facilities | 24-hour fitness center with cardio machines and free weights | |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive historic ballrooms and 21 event rooms; large capacities (Gold Coast Room, Grand Ballroom) | About 13,440 sq ft of conference space and 12 meeting rooms |
| Family / age policy | All ages welcome; reservation holder must be 21+ to check in | |
The Drake sits at the north end of the Magnificent Mile with direct sightlines to Lake Michigan and Oak Street Beach.
Choose The Drake if you want the most traditional lakefront Gold Coast location and immediate beach access.
Viceroy Chicago is in the Gold Coast neighborhood, a short walk from Michigan Avenue and the lake.
Choose Viceroy for a convenient Gold Coast location that feels contemporary and neighborhood-focused.
The Drake offers many individually furnished rooms and several historic suites.
Pick The Drake for high room count, historic suites and traditional, individually furnished rooms.
Viceroy Chicago has fewer rooms and focuses on contemporary design and lake-view options.
Pick Viceroy for a more modern room inventory, clear lake-view suite options and in-room espresso/minibar amenities.
The Drake is known for historic dining destinations and traditional service.
The Drake suits travelers seeking iconic Chicago dining moments and classic cocktail settings.
Viceroy Chicago offers contemporary dining and a hotel restaurant with bar/lounge service.
Viceroy fits guests who prefer modern restaurant spaces and a more current dining vibe.
The Drake does not offer an on-site pool; its shoreline location and beach access are the primary outdoor draws.
If an on-site pool is essential, The Drake is not the right choice; the lake and beach are the alternative.
Viceroy Chicago provides an outdoor seasonal pool and rooftop terrace as key amenities.
Choose Viceroy if an on-site seasonal pool and rooftop outdoor space matter to your stay.
The Drake focuses on fitness and classic evening drinks rather than a dedicated spa or nightclub.
Pick The Drake for round-the-clock fitness and historic bars rather than spa-centric wellness.
Viceroy Chicago offers fitness facilities, a rooftop terrace and contemporary bar space for nightlife.
Viceroy suits guests looking for a lively rooftop and modern evening scene; spa details should be confirmed directly.

The Drake — choose it for classic Chicago detail, Palm Court tea and a storied bar in Coq d'Or.

Viceroy Chicago — seasonal outdoor pool and rooftop terrace give you a hotel pool option in the Gold Coast.

The Drake — large historic ballrooms and many event rooms with extensive meeting capacity.

Viceroy Chicago — modern room inventory, espresso makers and contemporary design throughout.
The Drake sits directly across the street from Oak Street Beach and is the closer of the two.
Viceroy Chicago has an outdoor seasonal pool (May–October). The Drake does not have an on-site pool.
The Drake — it has extensive historic ballrooms and more overall event space and capacity than Viceroy Chicago.
Yes. Both welcome guests of all ages; the reservation holder at check-in must be at least 21.
Explore how The Drake stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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