Travel and Accommodations
The Drake Hotel
Located in the Gold Coast neighborhood, on the lake side of Michigan Avenue, the Drake Hotel is surrounded by restaurants and tourist destinations, including many of Chicago’s most prominent cultural institutions.
The Drake will offer MSA 2024 participants discounted rates for all rooms (including doubles, triples, and quadruples for those seeking to share expenses).
Click HERE to book rooms at the Regular Rate ($229/night)
Click HERE to book rooms at the Student Rate ($171.75/night)
Alternatively, you may call 1-800-55-DRAKE and refer to group code MSA to receive the conference rate. They can also answer any questions you may have regarding room and hotel amenities.
Getting to Chicago
Chicago is serviced by two international airports, O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW).
Most visitors will fly into O’Hare International Airport (ORD), which has many quick and affordable transit options to the Gold Coast.
Midway International Airport (MDW) is actually closer to our venue, and a bit easier to navigate than O’Hare, but also services fewer flight routes. It may be a particularly good option for those using regional airlines.
By “L” Train
The cheapest option for traveling from either airport to the Drake is the CTA.
From O’Hare The Blue Line provides direct transit from the airport to the Loop (downtown Chicago). In the Loop, you can either transfer to the northbound Red Line at Washington Station, disembark at the Chicago stop, and then walk 5–10 minutes northeast; or transfer to a bus (146 or 151) at Monroe Station, which will take you directly to the hotel. L-Train fare from O’Hare is $5.
The CTA’s Orange Line will get you from Midway to the Loop in about 45 minutes. You can either transfer to the northbound Red Line at Roosevelt Station, disembark at the Chicago stop, and then walk 5–10 minutes northeast; or transfer to a bus (146 or 151) at Washington/Wabash Station, which will take you directly to the hotel. L-Train fare from Midway is $2.50.
You cannot use cash to pay CTA train fares, but most transit stations (including O’Hare) have transit card vending machines. Bus fares can be paid using cash or a Ventra card. The train and bus also accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. A Ventra card is required for transfers. For more information visit the Ventra card website.
Shuttle Services
From O’Hare, The Drake provides a 10% discount to guests who book through this link. Shuttle services from Midway are also available, and can be booked here.
Taxi and Ride Share
A cab or ride share (Uber/Lyft) from O’Hare to the Drake should run $40–$50 (not including tip). Fares from Midway to the Drake should run $30–$40 (not including tip).