Diana

Who wouldn’t want to live like a princess for a night?

Feeling all sorts of nostalgia, the historic Drake Hotel in Chicago is inviting guests to live out their royal fantasy as they recreate the lavish experience Princess Diana had when she visited the city for three days back in 1996. The special event comes in honor of the late princess’ appearance in the new season of Netflix’s hit series The Crown.

As part of the luxury hotel’s “Crowning A Lady” package, guests can go inside Princess Diana Suite — formerly the hotel’s Presidential Suite which they renamed following her visit. According to Forbes, the opulent space boasts a residential-feeling living room, a galley kitchen, dining room, a separate bedroom, a marble foyer, grand fireplace, crystal chandeliers and 14-massive windows with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the city’s skyscrapers.

The Drake Suite

The suite’s furnishings and decor remain virtually untouched apart from some minor renovations since Diana’s visit. The Drake has gone the extra mile to honor the princess, decorating the walls with photos of Diana that commemorate her visit to Chicago, as well as memorabilia in the form of her signature in the hotel’s autograph book. Other surprises guests will find in the suite include Diana’s favorites like fresh forget-me-not flowers, Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant Paris perfume, an ABBA photo book, mineral water, a Lifecycle exercise bike and in-room set-up to binge watch The Crown.

Guests will also dine like royalty. An exclusive afternoon tea service at the hotel’s Palm Court will incorporate Diana’s favorite tea, Rose Pouchong. And in the evening, a once-in-a-lifetime dinner with the three-course meal Lady Di enjoyed 24 years ago. The entree includes mixed field greens, hearts of palm, walnut, chevre croutons and sherry while the main course is a king salmon with citrus, asparagus, red pepper, ratatouille, and gnocchi romaine. For dessert, the hotel offers a cinnamon biscotti soufflé glace, with pear and berries in addition to the princess’ choice of cocktail, a Peach Bellini.

The Drake

However, traveling like a princess comes with a royal price tag. The “Crowning A Lady” package, which will set you back a whopping $32,000, will be available until December 15.

This actually isn’t the first time The Drake offered a Princess Diana-themed package. The Hilton-owned property offered a similar special back in 2018 timed with the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.