PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

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. The public spaces still maintain the regal grandeur of days gone by, but the guest rooms have been modernized with upscale-but-homey furniture. Most rooms include a small sitting area with couch and chairs; some have two bathrooms. The lakeview 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. The hotel's restaurants include Drake Bros., an upscale steakhouse with great views of the lake and Michigan Avenue; the Cape Cod Room, an old-timey seafood spot; and the Coq d'Or, one of Chicago's most atmospheric piano bars. Facilities: 3 restaurants (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

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Chicago 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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