Chicago ยท Gold Coast
The Drake
Benjamin Marshall's hotel at Lake Shore Drive, opened New Year's Eve 1920, with Palm Court afternoon tea since the 1920s.
- Built
- 1920Financed by John B. and Tracy C. Drake in 1919; opened on New Year's Eve 1920 (official history; NRHP significant year 1920).
- Architect
- Benjamin H. Marshall (Marshall & Fox)
- Type
- Grand hotel
- Area
- Gold Coast
- Credentials
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places; Local landmark
The story
Architect Benjamin Marshall designed the hotel for brothers John and Tracy Drake, who financed it in 1919; it opened on New Year’s Eve 1920 to 2,000 guests. The Palm Court (originally the Fountain Court) has served afternoon tea since the 1920s, the Cape Cod Room opened in 1932, and the Coq d’Or opened on December 6, 1933, the day after Prohibition’s repeal. The hotel says Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio carved their initials into the Cape Cod Room bar. Hilton International acquired the Drake in 1980.
The ghost story
Choose Chicago relays the lore of a 'Lady in Red' said to creep around the hotel after a tragic death and a 'Woman in Black' tied to an unsolved 1944 killing; Bobby Franks' parents are also said to wander the halls.
Source: www.choosechicago.com
Good to know
- Address: 140 E. Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611
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Last verified October 2026. Details change; confirm with the inn before you book.