$15M Makeover At Drake Hotel

CHICAGO— The Drake is embarking on a $15 million expansion that includes the addition of a fitness center and spa and an executive conference center with business center. In addition, the hotel’s 537 rooms and suites will receive new oversized desks and luxury bedding. The 4,600-square-foot fitness center and spa, scheduled to open in September, will be located on the hotel’s first floor and include state-of-the-art exercise equipment, sauna and three treatment rooms for massages, wraps and other specialty spa services. The fitness center and spa also will feature natural light emanating from 20 windows. Set to open in 2006, the executive conference center will be located on the hotel’s 10th floor, offering views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s Gold Coast. The 7,500-square-foot facility will have eight boardrooms of various sizes, a fully equipped business center and an executive lounge. The oversized desks that will be added to each guestroom and suite are designed to ensure that business travelers have all the space necessary to work productively in their rooms.