Twinkle_in_the_sky

My partner and I are headed to Chicago for a 5 day vacation with our 11 year old daughter. We plan to fly into O'Hare and take an airport shuttle to the hotel.

Should we stay at The Drake or the Hyatt Regency Magnificent Mile on Wacker?

Thanks!

LBloom

IMHO, the Drake is more centrally located to Water Tower Place, easy access to the 151 bus, more where the action is. The HR, IIRC, is closer to the Loop. Just my 2 cents.

simpsonc510

I've stayed at the Hyatt a few times over the years. I'd pick the Drake. The Hyatt can get very busy and noisy!! People in the hallways at all hours, etc. Just my opinion.

Dukey1

I'd pick the Palmer House but to each their own.

Citylghts

The Hyatt is a large, modern convention hotel. The Drake is older, has nice public areas and a bit more charm, but some rooms can be small. They're only about a mile apart.

I'd recommend against taking a shuttle into the city. If you don't have lots of luggage, you can take the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare to Clark/Lake and a cab from there to your hotel for less than $10. Follow the signs from the baggage level of T1-3 that say "CTA Trains to City". If you'll be relying on public transit during your stay, you can purchase passes that allow unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses. They're $20 for a 3-day pass at the ORD rail station.

If you opt for the Hyatt, you could also walk as it's only about a 15 minutes from Clark/Lake if the weather is nice.

If you arrive between 9:30 am and 3 pm, a cab from ORD will cost less than a shuttle and be much faster as you won't have to wait for other passengers to be dropped-off. If you attempt a cab during rush hours, you'll sit in traffic on the Edens Expressway and watch the meter tick.

dale88

I was there with my 11 yo and 9 yo in april. hyatt looks huge, Lbloom totally right on about location. it just depends where you will be spending most of your time. we stayed in a suite at the four seasons, the rate actually was palatable and since I was flying solo with no spouse I desperately needed the space from my kids at night. This time of year, I'd stay closer to the lake and walk or take transportation elsewhere. part of what my kids thought was amazing was that the lake was actually a lake. if you need restaurant or activity recommendations, holler. we packed a lot into our three full days.

ChgoGal

Hi, twinkle.
I'd recommend the Drake over the Hyatt.
The Drake is going to feel much more family-friendly for an 11 year old. You'll be near the restaurants in the base of the John Hancock (l'Appetito, Cheesecake Factory), and a block from the Water Tower shopping mall (with Lego Store and American Girl place, plus loads other stores). Also, if you venture a block north, you can take the pedestrian underpass to the beach, which your daughter may enjoy.

The Hyatt seems fine, too, but there's something about that dreary, block-long walk from the hotel down Wacker to Michigan Avenue that is uninspiring. I've been in a room there, and the view, if it faces north/the river is very nice, but it's just not going to feel as special as the location for the Drake. Definitely more a business hotel, and you'll find the restaurants in proximity are kinda suited more for the grab-and-go business traveler/city worker.

Hope you have a good time in the city!

HappyTrvlr

The new Hyatt is the former Wyndham, across the street from Northwestern Memorial Hospital. It's a very nice area but get a room away from ER entrance if you stay there.