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The Drake Chicago, Illinois
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Hotel comparison guide

The Drake vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago

The Drake is a historic 4-star landmark hotel on the north end of the Magnificent Mile, best for travelers who want a classic Chicago, lakefront experience. Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a quieter, residential-style five-star hotel in the Gold Coast for guests who prefer modern five-star service and an on-site spa and pool.

Updated · about 0.2 km apart

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

The Drake

Historic landmark · Lakefront · Family-friendly

Best for classic Chicago history, iconic afternoon tea, and being steps from Oak Street Beach and the Magnificent Mile.

See rooms & suites
Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Five-star · Residential-style · Spa & pool

Best for a quieter, residential Gold Coast stay with five-star spa facilities and an indoor pool.

Quick Verdict: The Drake vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago

When The Drake wins: Choose The Drake if you want a storied, historic building on the lakefront with iconic venues (Palm Court tea, Coq d'Or) and immediate access to Oak Street Beach and Magnificent Mile shopping.

When Waldorf Astoria Chicago wins: Pick the Waldorf if you prefer a modern five-star hotel with a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a quieter, residential Gold Coast address a short walk from Michigan Avenue.

Bottom line: Both are excellent Gold Coast luxury choices; The Drake is the choice for history and lakefront atmosphere, Waldorf Astoria Chicago for contemporary five-star comfort and on-site wellness amenities.

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The Drake vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for The Drake and Waldorf Astoria Chicago
CategoryThe DrakeWaldorf Astoria Chicago
Overall vibe1920s grand, historic landmark; public, lively spacesContemporary five-star, residential-style and quieter
LocationAt north end of Magnificent Mile, steps from Oak Street BeachGold Coast near Oak Street and Michigan Avenue (short walk)
SizeLarge: 535 rooms and 74 suitesMedium: 214 guestrooms (supplier listing)
Ages / policyAll ages welcome; reservation holder must be 21+All ages welcome (adults-only: Not published)
PoolsNo on-site poolIndoor pool on site
Spa & wellnessNo dedicated on-site spa (in-room massages available); 24-hour fitness centerFull-service on-site spa, fitness classes, 24-hour fitness facilities
Restaurants & barsMultiple historic venues: Palm Court (afternoon tea), Coq d'Or (bar), Cafe on Oak (breakfast)One main restaurant (Brass Tack), 24-hour room service, bar/lounge
Event & meeting spaceExtensive historic event spaces (multiple ballrooms; ~36,863 sq ft total; large capacities)Conference space ~7,911 sq ft with 9 meeting rooms
Known forIconic afternoon tea, historic bars, proximity to Oak Street BeachQuiet five-star service, residential feel, spa and indoor pool
Wi‑Fi & techIn-room and lobby Wi‑Fi available for a daily surcharge (complimentary for some members)Complimentary wired internet access and complimentary wireless internet access

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 Waldorf Astoria Chicago

The Drake – Location

The Drake sits at 140 E Walton Place at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, directly across from Oak Street Beach.

  • Direct access to Oak Street Beach and Lakefront Trail (about a 3–5 minute walk).
  • Immediate access to Magnificent Mile shopping and Water Tower Place.
  • Close to 360 CHICAGO and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Pick The Drake for the classic lakefront Magnificent Mile location and direct beach access.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Location

Waldorf Astoria Chicago is on E. Walton Street in the Gold Coast, a short walk from Michigan Avenue and Oak Street.

  • Steps from Oak Street and within a 5-minute walk of Michigan Avenue.
  • Short walk to 900 North Michigan Shops, Chicago Water Tower, and restaurants on Michigan Avenue.
  • Preferred airport: ORD (listed by the supplier).

Choose Waldorf for a quieter Gold Coast address that keeps you close to Michigan Avenue without the busiest crowds.

Rooms: Historic suites vs residential five-star rooms

The Drake – Rooms

The Drake has a large variety of individually furnished rooms and many specialty suites.

  • 535 guest rooms and 74 suites, including the Princess Diana Suite and multiple lake-view and Gold Coast suites.
  • Room categories include Family Room, Lake View rooms, and several suite options (many individually furnished).
  • Some suites (Gold Coast category) may include in-room jacuzzi/spa baths.

The Drake is best if you want historic character, lots of room types, and notable signature suites.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Rooms

Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers fewer rooms but emphasizes five-star finishes and residential-style layouts.

  • 214 guestrooms with refrigerators and minibars; pillowtop beds and Egyptian cotton sheets noted.
  • 55-inch Smart TVs and complimentary wired/wireless internet access.
  • Private bathrooms with separate tubs and showers and designer toiletries.

Waldorf suits travelers seeking modern five-star room standards and quieter in-room comfort.

Dining & drinks: Landmark venues vs focused five-star dining

The Drake – Dining & drinks

Dining at The Drake is a key draw for many guests because of its historic venues.

  • Palm Court afternoon tea (noted historic experience) with reserved seatings Fri–Sun.
  • Coq d'Or: a historic American bar and lounge open for cocktails and elevated fare.
  • Cafe on Oak overlooks Lake Michigan and serves an a la carte breakfast.

Choose The Drake if you value iconic dining experiences and historic hotel venues.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Dining & drinks

Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers one main restaurant and full room service, focused on contemporary five-star dining.

  • Brass Tack serves American cuisine and features a bar/lounge.
  • Full breakfasts available for a fee; 24-hour room service is offered.
  • Vegan and vegetarian options are available; couples/private dining and romance packages offered.

Waldorf is a good option for guests who want a refined, quieter dining program with in-room service.

Pools & signature amenity: Beach access vs on-site pool and spa

The Drake – Pools & signature amenity

The Drake’s signature outdoor draw is its immediate proximity to Oak Street Beach rather than an on-site pool.

  • No on-site swimming pool.
  • Oak Street Beach and Lake Michigan are a short walk away for swimming and lakefront activities.
  • Lakefront Trail and nearby bike rentals make outdoor exercise convenient.

If proximity to the lake and beach is your priority, The Drake’s location is the draw.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Pools & signature amenity

Waldorf Astoria Chicago emphasizes in-house wellness with a full-service spa and an indoor pool.

  • On-site full-service spa offering massages, body treatments, and facials (reservations required).
  • One indoor pool and health club; wheelchair-accessible pool features listed.
  • Fitness classes on site, including Pilates and yoga instruction.

Waldorf is the better pick if you want on-site spa services and an indoor pool.

Wellness & nightlife: Fitness, quiet evenings, and evening scenes

The Drake – Wellness & nightlife

The Drake gives guests 24-hour fitness access and several lively public venues for evening drinks and tea.

  • 24-hour fitness center with cardio equipment, free weights, and yoga mats.
  • Coq d'Or remains open late on weekends and is a historic late-night bar option.
  • Palm Court provides daytime tea service; evening options are more bar-focused.

The Drake suits guests who want round-the-clock workouts plus historic bars and public social spaces.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Wellness & nightlife

Waldorf balances fitness and quieter evening experiences with on-site classes and a lounge/bar.

  • 24-hour fitness facilities and scheduled fitness classes (Pilates, yoga).
  • On-site bar/lounge and quieter restaurant environment for evening dining.
  • Concierge and quieter public spaces favor low-key evenings over busy nightlife.

Waldorf works well for travelers prioritizing wellness programming and quieter evenings.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

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

The Drake

The Drake — direct access to Oak Street Beach and immediate Magnificent Mile location.

Best for on-site spa & pool
Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Waldorf Astoria Chicago — full-service spa and an indoor pool with fitness classes.

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

The Drake

The Drake — Palm Court afternoon tea and the historic Coq d'Or bar are signature experiences.

Best for quieter, residential luxury
Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Waldorf Astoria Chicago — residential-style five-star rooms and calmer public spaces.

Frequently asked questions

The Drake vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago: FAQs

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

The Drake — it sits directly across from Oak Street Beach (about a 3–5 minute walk).

Do either hotel have an on-site pool?

Waldorf Astoria Chicago has an indoor pool; The Drake does not have an on-site pool.

Which hotel is better for families?

The Drake is well known for welcoming children of all ages and family-friendly offerings like afternoon tea; Waldorf Astoria Chicago is family-friendly too but emphasizes five-star, quieter service.

Do either hotel offer spa services?

Waldorf Astoria Chicago has a full-service on-site spa (reservations recommended); The Drake does not have a dedicated on-site spa but can arrange in-room massages.

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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