Where to Stay - Chicago - page 42

suite; weekend rates from $385. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $40 with in-out
privileges; self-parking $32 with no in-out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to
Chicago. Pets accepted. Amenities: 2 restaurants (French, American); 2 lounges;
indoor pool; health club w/spa, Jacuzzi, and sauna; children's programs; concierge;
business center; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service;
same-day dry cleaning; premier suites. In room: A/C, TV/VCR w/pay movies, high-
speed Internet access, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe, CD player.
EXPENSIVE
The Drake Hotel If ever the term “grande dame” fit a
hotel, it's The Drake, which opened in 1920. Fronting East Lake
Shore Drive, this landmark building is Chicago's version of New
York's Plaza or Paris's Ritz. Despite a massive renovation in the
1990s, The Drake feels dated compared to places such as the glitzy
Peninsula—but for many, that's part of its charm.
The Drake's public spaces still maintain the regal grandeur of days
gone by, but the guest rooms have been modernized with new furni-
ture and linens. Most rooms include a small sitting area with couch
and chairs; some have two bathrooms. The lake-view rooms are
lovely, and—no surprise—you'll pay more for them. Be forewarned
that “city view” rooms on the lower floors look out onto another
building, so you'll probably be keeping your drapes shut. Rooms and
suites on the Executive Level provide such additional amenities as a
generous continental breakfast in a private lounge, free evening hors
d'oeuvres, plus a daily newspaper and private concierge assistance.
140 E. Walton Place (at Michigan Ave.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/55-DRAKE or
312/787-2200. Fax [phone]. www.thedrakehotel.com. 535 units. $199-$425
double; $279-$495 executive floor; from $545 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet park-
ing $41 with in-out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago. Amenities: 3 restau-
rants (American, steakhouse, seafood); 2 lounges; fitness center; concierge; business
center; shopping arcade (including a Chanel boutique); 24-hr. room service; in-room
massage; laundry service; 24-hr. dry cleaning; executive-level rooms. In room: A/C,
TV w/pay movies, high-speed Internet access, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
InterContinental Chicago Newer hotels might get all the
attention, but the InterContinental remains a sentimental favorite
for many Chicagoans. Built as the Medinah Athletic Club in 1929,
the building features truly grand details: marble columns, hand-sten-
ciled ceilings, and historic tapestries (for a peek, go in the southern
entrance on the corner of Illinois St.).
The guest rooms have two distinct identities, depending on loca-
tion. Rooms in what's called the Main Building (the '60s addition)
have an elegant, urban style, with lots of dark wood, deep yellow
walls, and red velvet banquettes. The bathrooms feel brand-new but
aren't particularly spacious, with small tubs. Rooms in the Historic