Like the House of Blues itself next door, the hotel is awash in colorful folk art conjuring up the Mississippi Delta, birthplace of the blues. Among musical notes, lobby TVs roll video of previous performances at HOB clubs, and room keys come in CD cases. This sophisticated urbanite is just steps from area playhouses as well as the Art Institute and State Street shopping. Don't miss sipping the city's best mai-tai at the Palmer's subterranean Trader Vic's after the show. Not that the Drake is stuffy.
Shopping bags are as at home here as business cases and evening clutches.
For a classic evening, sup at the Drake's Cape Cod Room and sip an after-dinner drink at the ornate Palm Court, site of the city's busiest tea service. It offers intimacy a room-key's throw from the action. In-suite amenities such as VCRs and CD players make staying indoors cozy. Pick up the Red Line, the north-south L train, at its Grand Avenue stop on State and Grand. Located in the Gold Coast neighborhood, it is a short walk to North Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place and Oak Street Beach.