OAK BROOK, Ill.
The Drake Hotel has returned to life in Oak Brook, Ill., following the dedicated efforts of a husband-and-wife ownership team.
Since the early 1960's, the hotel had been an integral part of the Oak Brook community, serving as a hotel and event space for locals, professionals, and guests from around the world before falling into disrepair. Seeing an opportunity to revive the town's longtime landmark to its former glory, Jim and Tely Nagle decided it was time to intervene in 2013.
They purchased the property in 2013 and have spent the last year and a half rigorously renovating it to meet the needs of modern travelers. In keeping with the hotel's crest "Ubi Tempus Quietus," which means "where time rests," they've managed to breathe fresh life into the four-story, 10 acre property while keeping its heritage and classic touches intact.
The expansive estate now offers its guests 84 chicly renovated bedrooms with club-like amenities. From business conferences to weddings both intimate and elaborate, The Drake has 11,300 square feet of flexible meeting space available. Its soaring windows, natural light, luxurious European touches, and intrepid staff are dedicated to making every event a memorable experience.
The on-site restaurant and bar provides breakfast, brunch, High Tea, or dinner amidst an classically modern atmosphere. The building's woodwork has been stripped back to the original stain, and efforts have restored the vintage dining chairs, and refreshed the Breakfast Room's grand mural depicting early American history.
In addition to all the internal reworking, Jim and Tely chose to incorporate a few other modern touches to enhance the building's European feel. Richly-tufted oversized furniture, custom art, and a 1000-flower-piece sculpture add fresh drama to the scene, while the Terrace looks out over the property and golf course.
