Drake Hotel Oak Brook brings the feel of royalty to the suburbs

An interview with Steven M. Mansmith, general manager at The Drake Oak Brook.

Q: Tell us a little bit about the Drake.

A: The Drake Oak Brook is one of the premier properties not only in Oak Brook but also in all of DuPage County. We are an iconic independent run hotel that differentiates itself from the competition not only by the history and beauty of the facility and its 10 acres but also by the warmth and hospitality of the team members.

Q: Tell us about the history.

A: The Drake Oak Brook was built in 1962 as the suburban counterpart to the Drake on Michigan Avenue. Back then everyone lived in the Chicago and there was not much to the suburbs. So the founding of the Drake was a key factor in the development of the village of Oak Brook and the western suburbs. To highlight that fact the Drake was the place that celebrities stayed and the premier events were held from the likes of Prince Charles and Frank Sinatra to 130 weddings and other high end social events yearly.

Q: Describe the atmosphere.

A: The feel of the Drake is rich, historic, uplifting and a little royal. From before you walk into the front doors you are already feeling that this is not your normal cookie cutter hotel. There are three fountains at the entrance and 10 acres of grounds feature beautiful landscaping, gazebos, stonework and pillars and there is still much more planned. Inside you are welcomed by custom made woodworking in the lobby, chandeliers, warm fireplaces, exquisite artwork, sculptures and much more.

Q: What are people in your industry taking about?

A: I think the No. 1 thing currently in the hospitality industry that we professionals are focusing on is the experience. In the past it might have been the amenities or the physical building. There can be many good locations or nice facilities but having a team that is well trained and has the heart to go above and beyond for the guest is something to cherish and be proud of.

Q: What attracts corporate clients?

A: A worry free stay. Guests and especially corporate clientele want to stay in a place where they can be confident that they won't have any issues or if they do have a tiny blip that the team is there to not only fix it but go above what is required to solve it. Business travelers have enough to focus on so our job is to give them a care free stay with no surprises or distraction.

Q: What about relaxation?

A: I don't think there could be a better location than here in Oak Brook. We are less than 15 miles from almost everything with major expressways in all directions. Plus right here within a couple miles we have luxury malls, high end golf courses, spas, great restaurants, movie theaters, zoos, dinner theatres, and so much more. There is never a dull moment unless you want there to be one.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your past experience in the industry?

A: I started in the industry at 15 years of age as a busboy at a family restaurant chain in Michigan. Then over the next 7 years of high school and through college I pretty much worked every position available at the restaurant and then at a local family owned hotel in the Philadelphia suburbs. Upon Graduation I accepted a Management position with Hilton Hotels here in Chicago. I worked my way through the Food and Beverage division at numerous properties and then onto the executive team over those 20 years. I was blessed to be able to have the mentors I did and the opportunities I was afforded at these premier properties. It truly prepared me well for this opportunity to lead the Drake team.

Q: Tell us one interesting fact about the Drake that most people may not know.

A: The reason our owners bought the Drake when it became available in 2013 was due to the fact that Jim used to come here when he was a child with his grandparents. Therefore this is not just an investment for them. It's much more. It's a true passion and it helps create the culture of care, love and service that we represent here every day.

The Drake Oak Brook

<b>2301 York Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523 </b>Phone: (630) 571-0000

Owners: Jim & Tely Nagle

Number of employees: 80

When business reopened: 2015

Web: thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com