The Drake

"Originally opened in 1920 as the country’s first “urban resort,” The Drake Hotel is a Gold Coast legend that’s keeping up with the times. Inside, guests will find elegant decor, Italian marble bathrooms, and seriously comfortable bedding. Other perks include entrance to the Equinox gym next door, direct Oak Street beach access, and a swanky high-tea service in the hotel’s majestic Palm Court. Coq D'Or is their remarkable bar with a cozy, swanky vibe. They're known for “the perfect martini,” so you might as well indulge in one (or two or three)."

"Starting at $69 per person The Drake Hotel is the epitome of old Chicago glamour, and attending afternoon tea here is like being a cast member of the Real Housewives of Gold Coast. While the Palm Court is a beautiful space—there’s a massive water feature in the middle of the room, stone statues and pillars, along with hundreds of fake flowers—the food isn’t particularly inspired. But it’s worth overlooking the flaws because of this spot’s history, great tea selection, and excellent service." - veda kilaru

"The Drake Hotel is the epitome of old Chicago glamour, and having afternoon tea there is like being a cast member of the Real Housewives of Gold Coast. While the Palm Court (where tea is served) is a beautiful space, it feels dated versus opulent. Yes, there’s a massive water feature in the middle of the room, and stone statues and pillars—along with hundreds of flowers—but all that decor feels like a distraction from uninspired food. The savories are like the type of mini-sandwiches you get from in-house catering at corporate events. And the sweets alternate between dry or greasy, with misshapen scones, generic chocolate madeleines, and little effort given to presentation. But it’s easy to overlook the flaws of the experience because of this spot’s history, great tea selection, and excellent service." - Veda Kilaru

"On her first and only visit to Chicago, in June 1996, Princess Diana spent three nights in a customized suite at the Drake. (Her special requests: A Lifecycle stationary bike and ample mineral water.) The suite has since been named after the princess, and its interiors remain unchanged in her honor. Royal wedding enthusiasts in the Windy City can make the suite their base for à la carte weekend festivities, such as a May 19 luncheon in the hotel’s grand ballroom, an evening screening of the wedding accompanied by the same three-course meal Diana enjoyed during her stay, and a live-cabaret dinner reception. The Drake’s Coq D’Or bar will be serving royal-themed cocktails, with 10 percent of proceeds from the specialty menu going to the Invictus Games Foundation, Prince Harry’s charity of choice. Additional royal activities offered throughout May include Monday night Film and Fondue gatherings and Royal Tea in the hotel’s Palm Court. Hilton Honors members can head to the Hilton Honors Auction Platform to check out three exclusive royal packages. Rates: Vary by activity. Reservations: 800-553-7253." - Lindsay Lambert