The DrakevsSwissotel Chicago
Both properties are highly recommended by travel writers. On balance, The Drake Hotel scores significantly higher than Swissotel Chicago. The Drake Hotel scores 86 with accolades from 15 publications including Lonely Planet, oyster.com and Frommer's.
The Drake Show All Reviews
140 E. Walton Place, Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL 60611
From $101/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
Fodor's
"Built in 1920, the grande dame of Chicago hotels stands tall where Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive intersect in Chicago's swanky Gold Coast." Full review
Insight Guides
"Opened in 1920, the Drake keeps pace with the polished neighborhood, right off the Magnificent Mile."
Lonely Planet
"The grande dame commands a striking location at the north end of Michigan Ave, near Oak St Beach." Full review
Oyster
Upscale
"The 535-room Drake Hotel is a historic property on upscale Magnificent Mile and one of Chicago’s grande dames." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The Drake is the grande dame of Chicago hotels, with a prime location, storied history, white-glove service, and of course a distinguished guest list." Full review
i
Try to score a room facing north or east for unobstructed views of the lake and Lake Michigan’s Oak Street Beach.
Rough Guide
"Chicago’s society hotel, just off the Magnificent Mile, has been modernized without sacrificing its sedate charms."
Time Out
"A traditional "old money" stomping ground favored by Chicago socialites and celebrities, this stately icon exudes old-school style." Full review
Star Service
"This place competes with the InterContinental and Palmer House Hilton for the honor of Chicago's most iconic historic hotel." Full review
Gayot
"With sweeping views of Lake Michigan, this handsome hotel is an historic landmark that was built in 1920."
DK Eyewitness
"The grande dame of Chicago hotels, this luxurious Michigan Avenue destination still attracts luminaries from all over the world."
Swissotel Chicago
323 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
From $105/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
Fodor's
"The Swissôtel's triangular Harry Weese design allows for panoramic vistas of the city, lake, or river—and the comfortable, contemporary rooms feel like condos, with marble bathrooms." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"Swiss efficiency in downtown Chicago with services geared for business travelers (there's a new 38,000-square-foot event center)." Full review
Jetsetter
"Refined Swiss sophistication, crisp service and unmatched views of the Windy City and Lake Michigan." Full review
Time Out
"The hotel is a thoroughly high-tech operation, from the ergonomically designed furniture to the 42nd-floor state-of-the-art fitness center offering jaw-dropping views of Lake Michigan." Full review
Star Service
"At Illinois Center, next door to the larger, bustling Hyatt and across the river from the Sheraton, this Swiss treat is a standout when it comes to location and views from the amenity-rich guest rooms." Full review
Gayot
"This hotel's decor manages to be both modern and warm at the same time, with a chic limestone-floored lobby and cool, inviting colors throughout."
Zagat
4.5
"“Modern and comfy” rooms showcase “killer views” of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan at this “outstanding” “customer-oriented” property that remains “European at its core.”"
Frommer's
"Gorgeous views on all sides, including the lake to the east. The rooms are more practical than plush, with large work desks and lots of natural light coming in from the windows" Full review
Lonely Planet
"Water vistas are just part of the attraction at this triangular-shaped, mirrored-glass high-rise at the confluence of river and lake." Full review