The Drake Hotel History

The Drake Hotel History

Brothers John and Tracy Drake built the Drake Hotel, in 1920. From the very beginning, the Drake brothers set out to create a structure that would inspire awe and emulation. Built as one of the nation’s first urban resorts, The Drake gained in fame throughout the 1920s. The Drake was home to the famous "Amos and Andy" radio show, and to numerous big band performances of the time. In 1924, HRH the Prince of Wales (later known as the Duke of Windsor) was a guest of The Drake, establishing The Drake's 84-year tradition of serving as the Chicago home to the British royal family. Future British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was also a guest of The Drake during the 1920s, as were such notables as exiled Grand Duke Alexander of Russia and Queen Marie of Romania.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, The Drake saw a change in ownership as the Brashears family of Chicago purchased the hotel. For a period of ten years the hotel was managed by the Kikeby brothers' hotel group, however, following the return of Edwin Brashears Sr. from military service in World War II, the Brashears family set out to reestablish The Drake as the premier luxury hotel in Chicago. The Drake was the first hotel in Chicago to have all its rooms air conditioned, and was later the first to have color televisions in all guest rooms. On the other hand, The Drake's commitment to highest levels of guest service has, over the years been unwavering.
The drake seems to be a hotel that will never go away. As intense as they are to service their guest they never waver in any way in completely providing their guest a fabulous time. Many historical events go on at the Drake all the time and its so close to where we are right now how awesome is that. I think that a hotel like the Drake will always be around no matter what happens to our economy or what, since it has put such a high standard on satisfying their guest I’m sure they will have no problem shelling out a few extra bucks for a great...

Similar Essays