(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Walk up and down the many staircases of The Drake Hotel and you can feel its history.
"When you walk into the building, you'll notice a lot of levels, so many staircases,” Hotel Manager Leticia Phocus said.
“The property was built in 1920, so back then, the thing to do was to present yourself to society into the lobby; to present yourself going up the stairs and present yourself into society into Palm Court. We've kept all of that.”
On Dec. 31, the Chicago landmark turned 100 years old. From Walt Disney to Winston Churchill to Princess Diana, The Drake has hosted some of the most important figures over the last century.
An autograph book kept locked away in Phocus’s office showcases other famous people who have passed through the hotel's doors.
"Queen Elizabeth, July, 1959; Prince Phillip in March, 1966; Grace of Monaco in 1977; Prince Charles, 1977, and Princess Margaret in 1979. They signed this book and left their mark behind,” she said, reading from the volume.
A bookcase conceals a secret door once used by Al Capone's top lieutenant.
"Frank Nitti once had an office here,” Phocus explained. “The door was rediscovered by Secret Service when President Obama was here.”
A passageway leads to the Grand Ballroom.
Another hidden treasure is etched into the bar in the old Cape Cod Room.
"We hosted Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio. They carved their initials on our Cafe on Oak bar, which was the Cape Cod. We are doing a special promotion for Valentine's Day to have a private breakfast on the bar where they carved their initials,” Phocus said.
Coq d’Or is known for its executive pours.
"It was the second bar to pour the drink after Prohibition. We have a history of folks coming in here requesting a drink,” she said. "All of our outlets have a significant memory for a Chicagoan."
The Princess Diana Suite was created after the celebrity’s visit to Chicago in 1996.
"The colors, the fireplace that was there when she was there are still present,” the manager said. “It’s really something very special to walk into that suite and see her photos on the walls and to take it in. She loved The Drake."
The Drake is also known for its tea parties.
"You have the great grandmother, the grandmother, the mother and now the daughter having tea in the Palm Court,” Phocus said.
While COVID-19 has its silenced hallowed halls recently, the hotel is holding a few promotions to celebrate its century milestone. For example, there are $100 room rates until April.
Hotel operators are hopeful 2021 and beyond will bring even more memories for generations to come, Phocus said.
For more information on The Drake's history click here.
Related
