The Origin of The Drake Oak Brook
Built in 1961 as a suburban counterpart to the famed Drake Hotel on Michigan Avenue, this elegant property was commissioned to bring Chicago-style luxury to Oak Brook and played a significant role in shaping DuPage County’s hospitality landscape. After nearly five decades of elegance under the guidance of renowned catering manager Gino DiRenzo (1962–2009), the hotel closed following a devastating Ponzi-scheme collapse. In 2013, Elmhurst natives Jim and Tely Nagle purchased the dormant property. Rolling up their sleeves—literally—they led a hands-on, two-year renovation that honored the hotel’s historic character while restoring its grandeur. Reopened in 2015 under the management of First Hospitality Group, it initially offered 87 refreshed guest rooms. In 2019, a transformation into a full Marriott Autograph Collection property elevated the hotel to 153 rooms, complete with richly appointed interiors, expansive meeting spaces, gardens, and refined service.
A History of Distinguished Guests & Events
From its earliest days, The Drake Oak Brook welcomed luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Rock Hudson, Prince Charles, Robert Kennedy, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.
A Legacy of Excellence: Gino Direnzo
The Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection style and our hotel’s renown can be mostly attributed to bastion of hospitality Gino DiRenzo. DiRenzo is a symbol of excellence in this industry, apprenticing abroad in hotels such as the Savoy in London and the Ritz in Paris. From 1962 to 2009, he brought a class and polish to every event as The Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection's catering manager. Gino’s lasting impact on the Drake is forever engraved in the hotel’s legacy being the namesake of the beautiful Gino Boardroom.
CLASSIC DÉCOR THAT SPEAKS TO YOU
Richly carved wood pieces hailing from Tely Nagle’s home country of Mexico are sprinkled throughout the hotel. You’ll also find pieces from the same artist that crafted artwork for Pope John Paul II adorning our hotel, from the sumptuous art table in the lobby to the detailed vanity in the women’s restroom to the intricate crown molding prominently hanging in the entryway.
WHERE TIME RESTS
Ubi Tempus Quietus, meaning “where time rests,” is more than an inscription upon the building’s crest—it’s a way of life. As our guest, you’ll find the worries of the world washed away in a beautiful, detailed atmosphere. Regardless of your plans, we invite you to stroll along the verdant golf course, settle into our sumptuous leather chairs, and dine in style with us..