Three different hotels share the name “Drake,” and none of them belong to the rapper. This guide sorts through the confusion by comparing the boutique seafront property in Brighton, the arts‑driven Queen West landmark in Toronto, and the historic grand hotel on Chicago’s Gold Coast. Each offers a distinct stay, and their shared name is a coincidence of history, not celebrity ownership. The Drake Hotel Chicago, for instance, opened on New Year’s Eve 1920, financed by the Drake family long before the musician was born (The Drake Hotel official history).
Last checked: 2026-06-10
Name: Drakes Hotel Brighton · Location: Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1PE, United Kingdom · Rooms: 20 bedroom boutique hotel · Rating: 8.9/10 on Trivago from 3,563 ratings
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-10.
Sources reviewed: official hotel websites, Booking.com and TripAdvisor reviews, Wikipedia articles, Toronto Life magazine, SFGATE news coverage, Tablet Hotels profiles, and social media posts.
No on‑site visit, no staff interview, and no independent verification of historical claims.
- Top review rating for Drakes Hotel Brighton: 8.9 out of 10 on Trivago (based on 3,563 reviews).
- Number of rooms at Drakes Hotel Brighton: 20 rooms.
- Year the Drake Hotel Chicago opened: 1920.
- Notable historical event at Drake Hotel Chicago: Princess Diana stayed in June 1996.
Four key facts about the Drake hotels
- 20‑bedroom boutique hotel on Brighton seafront. (A Hotel Life)
- Reopened as a boutique design hotel and nightlife hub on February 14, 2004. (Toronto Life)
- Opened New Year’s Eve 1920, designed by Benjamin Howard Marshall. (The Drake Hotel official site)
- Drake the musician does not own any of these hotels; the name predates his career. (Wikipedia)
| Property | Location | Rooms | Notable rating | Historical highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakes Hotel Brighton | Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1PE, UK | 20 | 8.9/10 (Trivago, 3,563 reviews) | Regency townhouse conversion |
| Drake Hotel Toronto | Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario | ~19 rooms (boutique) | Strong reputation (Tablet Hotels) | Reopened 2004 after CA$6M renovation |
| Drake Hotel Chicago | 140 East Walton Place, Chicago, Illinois | 535 (full‑service hotel) | 8.3/10 (Booking.com, 522 reviews) | Princess Diana stayed June 1996 |
What is Drakes hotel?
The term “Drakes hotel” typically refers to three separate hotels: a 20‑room boutique on the Brighton seafront, an arts‑focused landmark in Toronto’s Queen West district, and a historic luxury hotel on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Despite the shared surname, each is independently owned and operated. None is connected to the rapper Drake.
Drakes Hotel Brighton
Drakes Hotel Brighton occupies a row of Regency townhouses at 43–44 Marine Parade, overlooking the English Channel. It offers 20 individually styled bedrooms, a restaurant, and a cocktail bar. Guest reviews on Trivago give it an 8.9 out of 10 from more than 3,500 ratings. The property is known for its intimate, seafront setting and is often chosen by couples seeking a quiet getaway. (A Hotel Life)
Drake Hotel Toronto
The Drake Hotel Toronto reopened in February 2004 after a CA$6 million renovation of a once‑derelict building on Queen Street West. Entrepreneur Jeff Stober purchased the property on October 31, 2001 and transformed it into a boutique nightlife and design destination. Tablet Hotels notes that rooms are compact but highly designed, with a split between vintage and contemporary furnishings. The hotel also houses a well‑regarded restaurant and bar that anchor the local cultural scene. (Toronto Life; Tablet Hotels)
Drake Hotel Chicago
The Drake, a Hilton Hotel in Chicago, stands at 140 East Walton Place at the top of the Magnificent Mile. It opened on New Year’s Eve 1920, financed by John B. Drake and Tracy Corey Drake and designed by architect Benjamin Howard Marshall. The hotel’s official history calls it “the nation’s first urban resort” and a “city within a city.” It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is marketed as offering a “Real Chicago” experience. Hilton International acquired the property in 1980 and undertook a restoration. Guests have included Emperor Haile Selassie during World War II and Princess Diana in June 1996. (The Drake Hotel official site; Wikipedia)
Does Drake own a hotel?
No. The rapper Drake, whose legal name is Aubrey Drake Graham, does not own or operate any of the hotels named Drake. All three hotels predate his fame—Chicago’s opened in 1920, Brighton’s in the 19th century, and Toronto’s in its current form in 2004. The coincidence of the name has generated persistent confusion, but none of the properties has any business ties to the musician.
The rapper’s connection to the Drake Hotel name
Online searches for “Drake hotel” often return results related to the artist, leading some to wonder whether he invested in hospitality. Toronto Life reports that the artist has never been involved with the Queen West hotel. The name “Drake” for the Toronto property was chosen decades before the rapper’s career began, derived from the original 19th‑century hotel that occupied the building. (Toronto Life)
Other hotels named Drake
Beyond the three main properties, a notable former Drake hotel is the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco. Opened in 1928 at Powell and Sutter Streets, it was rebranded as the Beacon Grand in 2022 amid reassessments of the historical figure’s involvement in the slave trade. SFGATE reports that the ownership group, Northview Hotel Group, dropped the Drake name to respect contemporary values. This property is no longer associated with the “Drake” name. (SFGATE)
What happened to the Drake hotel?
Each Drake hotel has undergone significant changes. Toronto’s evolved from a derelict building into a cultural hotspot; Chicago’s passed through multiple ownerships and hosted historic figures; San Francisco’s dropped the name entirely.
History of the Toronto Drake
Before 2001, the building that became the Drake Toronto was a neglected hotel. Jeff Stober bought it on Halloween 2001 and spent CA$6 million on renovations, reopening on Valentine’s Day 2004. Toronto Life describes it as “a Toronto nightlife and hospitality landmark” that helped transform Queen West into a destination neighbourhood. (Toronto Life)
Chicago Drake’s evolution
The Drake Chicago changed hands several times after opening in 1920. Hilton International acquired it in 1980 and restored it to luxury standards. During World War II, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie stayed there while fundraising against Mussolini’s invasion. Princess Diana visited in June 1996. The hotel remains a Hilton property and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. (The Drake Hotel official site; Downers Grove Magazine)
Key dates in Drake hotel history
- 1920 – Drake Hotel Chicago opens on New Year’s Eve.
- 1928 – Sir Francis Drake Hotel opens in San Francisco.
- 1980 – Hilton International acquires the Chicago Drake.
- 2001 – Jeff Stober buys the Toronto Drake building.
- 2004 – Current Drake Hotel Toronto reopens.
- 1996 – Princess Diana visits the Chicago Drake.
- 2020 – San Francisco Drake closes for ownership transition.
- 2022 – Sir Francis Drake rebrands to Beacon Grand.
Is the Drake still a good hotel?
Guest reviews across all three properties remain positive, though each appeals to a different traveler. We’ll look at the data from major platforms.
Drakes Hotel Brighton reviews
On Trivago, Drakes Hotel Brighton scores 8.9 out of 10 from 3,563 reviews, with guests frequently citing the seafront location and attentive service. Booking.com and TripAdvisor also show strong ratings. The small number of rooms (20) means the experience is consistently intimate. (A Hotel Life)
Drake Toronto reviews
The Drake Toronto earns praise for its art‑filled rooms, nightlife, and restaurant. Tablet Hotels describes rooms as “compact but highly designed” with “older rooms with more vintage vibes and retro furnishings” and newer rooms “equally full of personality.” A Hotel Life remarks on “very comfy beds” and the Drake General Store across the street. The hotel is best suited for travelers who prioritize culture and scene over spacious rooms. (Tablet Hotels)
Drake Chicago reviews
Booking.com shows an overall score of 8.3 out of 10 from 522 reviews. Guests note the historic character and Lake Michigan views, though some mention that rooms could use updating. Individual TripAdvisor reviewers point out that each room contains a history book about the hotel, emphasizing its heritage. Travel blogger Out and Out notes that the hotel “definitely feels like it has history” and highlights its festive holiday atmosphere. (Booking.com; Out and Out)
Comparing the three Drake hotels
| Hotel Name | Location | Number of Rooms | Unique Feature | Rating (Trivago/TripAdvisor) | Notable History |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakes Hotel Brighton | Marine Parade, Brighton, UK | 20 | Seafront Regency townhouses | 8.9/10 (Trivago, 3,563 reviews) | Boutique conversion |
| Drake Hotel Toronto | Queen Street West, Toronto, Canada | ~19 | Arts and nightlife hub | Strong (Tablet Hotels, A Hotel Life) | CA$6M renovation, reopened 2004 |
| Drake Hotel Chicago | 140 East Walton Place, Chicago, USA | 535 | Historic urban resort, Hilton | 8.3/10 (Booking.com, 522 reviews) | Opened 1920, Princess Diana 1996 |
Pros and cons of each hotel
Drakes Hotel Brighton
- Pro: Direct seafront location, high guest ratings, intimate size.
- Con: Only 20 rooms – can sell out quickly; limited on‑site facilities.
Drake Hotel Toronto
- Pro: Vibrant nightlife and art scene, well‑designed rooms, beloved restaurant.
- Con: Rooms are compact, noise from bar/street can be an issue.
Drake Hotel Chicago
- Pro: Historic landmark, great location on Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan views.
- Con: Some rooms show age; not as modern as boutique competitors.
Best for segments
- Couples on a romantic getaway: Drakes Hotel Brighton – quiet, seafront, intimate.
- History enthusiasts: Drake Hotel Chicago – historic landmark with in‑room history books.
- Solo travelers: Drake Hotel Toronto – walkable Queen West, creative vibe, easy to meet people.
- Urban explorers: Drake Toronto or Chicago – both offer distinct city experiences.
Location and getting there
Brighton: Drakes Hotel is on Marine Parade, a 10‑minute walk from Brighton Railway Station and close to the Brighton Palace Pier. Gatwick Airport is about 45 minutes by train.
Toronto: The Drake Hotel sits at 1150 Queen Street West, easily reached by streetcar from downtown. Pearson International Airport is roughly 30 minutes by car or UP Express train to Union Station then streetcar.
Chicago: The Drake is at 140 East Walton Place, at the top of the Magnificent Mile. O’Hare International Airport is about 30‑40 minutes by taxi or Blue Line train. The hotel overlooks Lake Michigan.
Alternatives in the set
If you’re considering a Drake‑named property, these three are the primary options. A fourth hotel, the Sir Francis Drake in San Francisco, is now called the Beacon Grand and no longer carries the Drake name. For travelers interested in a historic grand hotel, Chicago’s Drake is the best choice; for a boutique beachside stay, Brighton; for an arts‑driven city break, Toronto offers the most contemporary experience.
Our pick
For travelers seeking a classic urban hotel with history, our pick is the Drake Hotel Chicago. Its storied past, prime Gold Coast location, and solid guest reviews make it a reliable choice for those who value heritage and grandeur. For a boutique beachside experience, Drakes Hotel Brighton offers an intimate, highly rated retreat. Solo travelers and nightlife lovers will appreciate the Drake Toronto for its energy and design. In all cases, the name is a coincidence – but each hotel delivers a genuine stay in its own right.
Related reading: Hotel Lido Comparison: Estoril, Jesolo & Benidorm · Hotel Florence Review: Boutique Tapestry by Hilton Alabama
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rating of Drakes Hotel Brighton?
Drakes Hotel Brighton has an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 on Trivago, based on 3,563 guest reviews.
How many rooms does Drakes Hotel Brighton have?
The hotel has 20 rooms, making it a small boutique property.
Did Princess Diana stay at the Drake Hotel?
Yes, Princess Diana stayed at the Drake Hotel Chicago in June 1996.
What happened to the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco?
The hotel closed in March 2020, was purchased by Northview Hotel Group, and rebranded as the Beacon Grand in 2022, dropping the Drake name due to historical associations with the slave trade.
Does Drake the rapper own any of these hotels?
No. None of the Drake hotels is owned or operated by the musician. The name predates his career.