Drake Hotel Chicago

A favorite among foreign dignitaries, royalty and celebrities alike, this old-world, Italian inspired hotel is bordered by Oak Street Beach, some of the most desirable shopping on the magnificent mile and boasts panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Award winning culinary dining and new renovations make this hotel a top pick.

The Drake Hotel is a grand hotel that reaps the rewards of unsurpassed location. A choice hotel even before its most recent renovations completed in 2011, all guest rooms are decorated with high style furniture, drapes, upholstery and Italian marble bathrooms. Technological upgrades include high speed Internet, dual-line telephone system, WebTV, video games and caller ID. There are 56 family rooms, which include two double beds and two full bathrooms making the Drake a great choice when traveling with kids.

There are four different options for dining in the hotel to meet any need:

Cape Cod Room

As the name would imply, it's all about seafood at the Cape Cod room, open for dinner featuring fresh Atlantic and Pacific seafood classics like Clams Casino, Drake Crab Cakes, and Lobster Thermidor. The land animal eaters in your dinner party will be happy with the restaurant's offering of either a New York Strip or Filet Mignon steak, or choose a "surf and turf" option with the addition of crab legs, prawns or scallops.

The Drake Bros.

For a casual breakfast or lunch option, try The Drake Bros., which features a morning offering of either à la carte breakfast items or the "Hilton Breakfast Buffet." When lunchtime rolls around, choices range from burgers and sandwiches to entrees such as Amish Chicken Breast or Niçoise Salmon.

Coq D'or

The Coq D'or came to be immediately after Prohibition ended in 1933, and the lounge is open for lunch and dinner, as well as late night entertainment featuring live music most evenings. Besides enjoying "executive-sized cocktails," the lounge has a full food menu for either noshing on "small bites" such as Duck Confit Croquette, Organic Chicken Wings or Oysters Rockefeller, or enjoy a full dinner of a Grilled New York Steak, Seasonal Pot Pie or Fish and Chips.

Palm Court

The Palm Court is famous for its traditional English afternoon tea served 365 days a year, serving an array of finger sandwiches, pastries and breads. Palm Court is also a great spot to grab a light snack and an evening cocktail.

With 1920s architecture, design and ornate grand ballrooms, you'll know why this hotel is a favorite with celebrities, politicians and statesmen such as Bill Clinton, Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher, Katie Couric, Woody Allen, Julia Roberts and many other well known personalities. The history and design have also served as a desired backdrop for movie filming including Risky Business, Hoffa, My Best Friend's Wedding, and What Woman Want.

The Drake Hotel is a local favorite because of its ability to host and cater to small family gatherings as well as large and opulent events. With all its offerings and newly renovated rooms, this hotel earns its place as one of my top picks.