This post is pertinent for small plane pilots primarily. We live in North Carolina and love getting our annual "Drake" fix. From our front door in NC to the lobby of the Drake it only took 4 hours and 15 minutes. We fly into Gary Jet Center in Gary Indiana (GYY). Extremely easy and completely avoids the busy Chicago airspace. Gary Jet Center offers a one minute shuttle ride to the train stop...and the trains run on schedule (schedules available online. About 30 minutes later the train lets you off at Millenium Park. A short walk (about 1 mile) down the Magnificent Mile and you're walking in the Drake's lobby. You'll pass a Walgreens about 1 block from the hotel where you can purchase a 1-day pass ($5.25) which is good for unlimited travel on the metro trains and buses. If the Cubs are playing, you can take the redline train (1 block from Walgreens) to Wrigley Field...about a 10-15 minute ride...see the game and get back all for $5.25...and still have almost a day left on your transit pass. So easy. We then took a cab to the University of Chicaco to see their Egyption Antiquities Exhibit (mummies included) at the Oriental Museum (free admission), then took in the Museum of Science and Technology and used our transit pass for a ride back to the Drake. The Drake is, as always, fantastic. The staff is friendly and efficient. The Executive Lounge is "okay". Sodas all day. Adult beverages for sale in the evening. Breakfast equals juice, milk, coffee, hot chocolate, bagels and sweet rolls, cereals and yogurt. Some of the best fruit we've had all year. The executive lounge staff is excellent. The concierge staff was extremely helpful with sightseeing tips for kid friendly as well as pocket-friendly options. Bike rentals are available across the street. The Drake is great for most anyone...for General Aviation pilots it's a dream. Easy flight into Gary. Quick and easy train ride to downtown. Easy walk to the Drake. Reverse it all to go home.
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