Yes, the press release has nothing about affiliating with a chain.

However, given that the Drake Oak Brook Hotel will primarily serve business travelers, it's likely the hotel would benefit from the marketing, website presence, and loyalty program of a major chain.

I've stayed at the Drake Oak Brook. It's a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel (notwithstanding sharing the name with Chicago's Drake Hotel) that would fit better with a "soft brand" -- such as The Autograph Collection by Marriott or Hilton's Curio -- than with a traditional signature brand like Marriott, Westin, or Hilton.

If there's no affiliation when the hotel reopens this Fall, I predict that will change within 12 months. Of course, I could be wrong.

I hope it will join The Autograph Collection by Marriott.