Millennium Knickerbocker

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163 E Walton St

Partner Reviews: Millennium Knickerbocker

A grand old hotel in a grand location

Rating: 8

This place is beautiful from the outside, but some of the rooms are quite dated. The location at the north end of Michigan Ave, with the lakefront path and Oak Street beach steps away, is perfect.

posted by mjoshea on Apr 2, 2009Read More...

Old fashioned. Just the way I like it

Rating: 10

I always stey at the Drake when visiting the windy city. You get what you pay for. One on the few classics that still stick out in a scenery with high-rises and busy streets. Comfort and luxury.

posted by anders79 on Jan 26, 2009Read More...

To much for a Drake

Rating: 6

I was expecting so high class hotel, but it did have a funky old smell to it. Maybe they need to seal the brick walls from the rooms. I dont know, all i know is it was creapy. I rather have stayed at The W.

posted by janillcarl on Dec 14, 2008Read More...

Such a Beautiful Place

Rating: 10

The Drake Hotel has been around for a very long time, and is actually a place where I enjoyed my Senior Prom. It is a very historical in its architecture, in its longevity, and all that it offers. It is very spacious, being a venue for alot of special occasions in their ballrooms. It is located close by Lake Michigan so it offers nice views.

posted by GoldenAsh on Dec 10, 2008Read More...

The Drake hotel

Rating: 10

A stay at the Drake is an experience, not just a hotel stay. Their English Tea in the afternoon is fabulous. The location is perfect for e...

posted by Citysearch User on Nov 25, 2008Read More...

Is this heaven or what?

Rating: 10

How can I describe my stay at the Drake Hotel. It's an older well established hotel. Mahogany every where, huge chandliers sparkling, huge f...

posted by Citysearch User on Apr 1, 2008Read More...

Floating on it's reputation

Rating: 6

My partner and I enjoy fine hotels, and often when we need a break we'll spend a weekend or an overnight at a fine hotel. Who doesn't want to feel luxury once in a while? We had high expectations for the Drake b/c of it's princess Diana reputation. We were EXTREMELY let down. The greeting staff was messy and rude, they make you stand in a line then call you up like cattle. The lobby is tacky, looked and smelled old. Once we got into the room, the carpet had stains on it, and the bathroom was NOT clean. The room smelled like there was mildew growing somewhere. We wanted to run away screaming, but chose to stay positive and look at another room. After our complaints and an unnecessary amount of convincing the front desk upgraded our room. We thought for sure we'd like it. But again, yuck yuck yuck. It was matted down, stained carpet, smelly old linens and a dirty bathroom. The room looked like it hadn't been touched since the early 80's. Or like a set to a 70's adult film. There was even a murphey bed in the wall...gross and creepy. We just coudn't stay. While checking out there was a prom exiting, with wild, loud, tackily dressed teenagers dominating the lobby. And they were rude to us when we requested our money back and kept saying, "Well, we know it's not a new hotel...and if you're looking for newer and more modern this isn't it." Nothing about this place is refined or even classically old. It's just gross. Like they stopped caring once Princess Diana stayed there. I suggest saving your money and staying somewhere else.

posted by kjdeds on Jan 5, 2007Read More...

Amazing Historic Hotel! Perfect Chicago Location!

Rating: 10

This is my favorite hotel in Chicago! I have stayed at over 20 different places and this one is amazing! Very historic and beautiful inside. Very romantic ambiance. Great access to Michigan Avenue too.

posted by monicalang on Nov 16, 2006Read More...

THE best hotel in town

Rating: 10

Old world charm. this is not some ny buyout and redo, this hotel is every bit of a showplace as it was 50 years ago. Stay the night or just have tea or drinks you won't be sorry

posted by bbirkholz on Nov 1, 2006Read More...

The best high tea

Rating: 10

Harp music. Comfortable chairs and tables. A magnificent tea tray, layered with sandwiches, scones and pastries. The endless pot of super...

posted by Citysearch User on May 11, 2006Read More...

a great hotel

Rating: 10

the drake is just beautiful. it's my #1 place to go for afternoon tea... especially during the holiday season when it's decked out (even though it's more packed then). i've been there with my boyfriend for afternoon tea on our anniversary... and also with my mother and sister for our ladies' day in chicago. the finger sandwiches are delicious, as well as the french pastries. the english breakfast tea is my favorite. i can't say enough about trying this hotel for afternoon tea. :)

posted by dulcita518 on Mar 14, 2006Read More...

Caveat Emptor!

Rating: 2

I attempted to cancel a room reservation with this hotel 2 months before my scheduled trip, and was told that the entire amount (which had been debited from my credit card by that time) was non-refundable. Please do not patronize this hotel, or any other hotel with such restrictive cancellation policies. As consumers, we need to stand up for our rapidly shrinking pool of rights.

posted by scullycasey on Jan 27, 2006Read More...

Beuatiful ball rooms

Rating: 10

What a perfect place for a wedding. Have been to two at this classic old hotel. Nice rooms and great location, but you will pay a boatload...

posted by Citysearch User on Jul 28, 2005Read More...

Luxury in the Windy City!

Rating: 10

My husband, daughter, and I stayed three nights at The Drake. We booked an Executive Room with access to the Executive Lounge. The superbly-decorated room had a king-sized bed, sofa, mini-bar. The Lounge had views of Lake Michigan. Breakfast was juice, bagels, eggs, lox. Evening canapes were cheeses, shrimp, chicken drumettes with homemade blue cheese sauce. Did I mention happy hour? The staff was courteous. Problems were fixed immediately. (The handle to the closet which housed my dress for dinner jammed, but maintenance came to our room within five minutes.) We paid $950--a steal considering everything. Recommended: dinner at Drake Bros.' with its mouth-watering steaks; Coq d'Or for after-dinner drinks.(Try the Executive Martini. It's $14, but one of the best I've ever had). We'll definitely stay at The Drake again. What other hotel offers mini-bathrobes, slippers, & turn-down service with milk and cookies for a two year old?

posted by toliveir on Jan 20, 2005Read More...

Drake Hotel

Rating: 10

Absolutely fabulous hotel. Large and filled with old world charm and service. A million miles away from the antiseptic chain hotels I encounter on a regular basis. Superb location by the magnificent mile and bordering on the lake.

posted by garydoyle on Dec 15, 2004Read More...

The Best of the Best

Rating: 10

The Drake Hotel is without a doubt the finest hotel in the city. The classic elegance can't be matched anywhere. Everything was perfect for my three night stay. The food was also extrodinary. The stay was a dream for the moment we entered the main lobby to see a beautifully restored regel lobby. Emploies were helpful and friendly and added to the splendor of this hotel which was one of the first on Michigan Ave. The views from our lakeside room were stunning and a delight to see after waking from an excellent sleep the night before. I thank the Drake for the greatest experience I have ever had at a hotel.

posted by rwaldmeier on May 10, 2004Read More...

Elegant and Comfortable

Rating: 8

On a little weekend getaway, we stayed at this glamorous hotel. The decor of this place left us in awe. The staff was pleasant and serving. The concierge was extremely helpful in assisting us to where and what we were looking for. We had a lake-view room and, granted it's frozen, gave us a beautiful view - what we were looking for. The room is elegant and, but, a room. The high-speed internet TV for $11 (for 24 hrs) was handy ... using it to gain access to this site :-) Mini-bar, nice bathroom, and real comfortable bed and pillows. Got good internet price to hotel. We enjoyed it.

posted by sosajoe on Feb 17, 2003Read More...

The wonderful Drake Hotel.

Rating: 10

The "Drake Hotel", is the best there is because they have good room quality,service,amenties,good value,and overall they are the best.

posted by Classy13 on Jan 22, 2003Read More...

Total Class

Rating: 10

I approached our recent stay with some trepidation, wondering whether we'd find frayed, psuedo-elegance. Wrong! The lobby is gorgeously restored, featuring a breathtaking autumn arragement. Every staff member I dealt with was competent and friendly. The room seemed tiny for what we've come to expect, but it was PERFECT--including a fabulous bed. We only spent one night, but it was so great, it felt like a real vacation!

posted by leester on Nov 4, 2002Read More...

Believe This Review

Rating: 9

I wonder what hotel other reviewers actually visited that slammed the staff at the Drake. We made our reservation through Priceline for $99. From check-in to check-out, everyone was friendly and helpful. Our bags arrived in our room about 5 min after check-in. The front-desk person was bubbly and friendly. Two other housekeeping requests also came in less than 5 minutes. When we checked-out, the bell hop was at our room in less than 5 minutes. See a pattern? Overall the staff was friendly and concerned we were enjoying our stay. That all said, our room was just OK. We did get a non-smoking King. The bathroom was very nice. The room had a walk-in closet. But the room smelled old (it is) and the climate control wasn't very effective. Had we paid $250, we probably would not have been as happy.

posted by baddawwg on Oct 23, 2002Read More...

old world style, staff

Rating: 3

The absolute worst front desk staff I have ever dealt with, they were rude beyond belief. No smiles, not friendly and probably all wish they were somewhere else. After the rude reception, I took the unairconditioned elevator to my room, the only room in the entire hotel that was available, so I was told. The room was rundown, the airconditioner rattled all night, but did keep the room cool. the public areas were nice and I had great service and a meal in the Cap Cod Room. Overall, with so many good hotels In Chicago, why bother with this dump. If you want Old world class, try the Hilton or Whitehall.

posted by raeinsocal on Aug 26, 2002Read More...

The best!

Rating: 10

The Drake is the best hotel in town! We were pampered from check in to the time we were leaving. All staff were very friendly, they took their time to talk to you and made us feel really special. Thank you! We will be back.

posted by wild106 on Aug 17, 2002Read More...

The Best!

Rating: 10

I think everything about The Drake is the best. The staff, the decor, the food, the rooms. I love it!

posted by Rebecca_Silvers on Aug 2, 2002Read More...

Keep your Cancellation #

Rating: 1

Had booked and then cancelled two rooms at the Drake. Lost cancellation number during a move and when they charged me for two no-show nights, they refused to acknowledge that they made a mistake without me "proving" it. If they treat people who stay at their hotel as poorly as they treat people who pay for *not* staying there, BEWARE.

posted by 1999 on Jul 22, 2002Read More...

sleep like a Queen...

Rating: 10

The Drake is a beautiful place. Even though I live in Chicago, I make a point to spend an occasional weekend downtown in one of the many wonderful hotels. I have to say that the Drake is one of the best. I felt like I was in Europe - great classic place.

posted by cspeering on Jun 27, 2002Read More...
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