The Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel has welcomed guests since 1920, and it is a historic name in Chicago hospitality. It stands on East Walton Place, describing itself as having a Magnificent Mile address, and its main selling points are its history, its classic public rooms and its location between the city's main shopping street and the lake.

The hotel offers direct access to Oak Street Beach, which makes it unusual among downtown hotels: in summer you can walk from your room to the sand. The Palm Court is one of the hotel's best-known rooms, and it hosts seasonal events such as themed teas. Check the website for current dining options and times before you arrive, as events change through the year.

As with many historic hotels, it is worth asking about the room options when you book, particularly if you want a particular view.

The Drake suits couples, families and travellers who enjoy staying somewhere with a sense of history. Prices are in the upper-middle range for downtown Chicago.

The Loop is a taxi ride away. Closer to hand, the Hendrickx bakery on East Walton Street is handy for breakfast, and in summer the beach is the obvious place for a morning walk. A few points help with planning. A midweek stay is often calmer than a weekend. If you are visiting in summer, ask the hotel how its beach access works and bring the right clothing, and in winter allow for cold walks along the lakefront and Michigan Avenue, where wind off the lake is strong. Travellers arriving by train or plane will find a taxi or ride-share the simplest way to reach the hotel with luggage. Those who want a quieter base will appreciate the location at the edge of the main shopping district, close to the lake rather than in the middle of the Loop. It is also worth checking the hotel website for seasonal packages that combine a room with events in the Palm Court.

To book or make enquiries, call the hotel on +1 312-787-2200; a toll-free reservations line, 800 553 7253, is also listed. Book well ahead for summer weekends and holiday periods, when the hotel is in demand, and check the website for current packages and seasonal events in the Palm Court.