A year ago, in June 2024, L7 Chicago Hotel by Lotte opened its doors on Wabash Avenue, just steps away from Chicago’s Riverwalk and only a few blocks from the Miraculous Mile. The staff was festive on the anniversary day, offering champagne to guests and well-wishers who stopped by to congratulate the hotel’s success.

Lotte, a well-known Korean lifestyle brand, chose Chicago as its first L7 hotel because of the city’s growing appreciation for Korean food, skincare, pop culture, and hospitality. This factors closely with the city’s culturally diverse population, notably eager to embrace international brands, especially those with authentic offerings.

Nestled in Chicago’s vibrant Loop district, the boutique hotel dazzles with its 191 guest rooms—including 22 suites—and adjoining Perilla Korean-American Steakhouse. Dramatic exterior floor‑to‑ceiling windows showcase views of the Chicago River and skyline. The building’s exterior blends into the area’s early 20th century architecture, with exterior brick masonry and terra cotta trim.

That’s where the typical ends and the stunning begins. Warm wood tones welcome you upon arrival and you’re greeted upon check-in with a refreshing hand towel, another nod to traditional Korean hospitality. You soon become aware of, but not overcome with, a fresh scent reminiscent of ginger and ginseng. The Korean and Korean‑American art adorning the walls of reception and lobby cheers the setting with expressive composition and vibrant colors.

“I believe Korean hospitality, or Jeong, which translates to heartfelt care and attention to detail, is at the core of everything we do,” says Andrew Eck, general manager. “It’s more than service; it’s about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests truly feel seen and valued. This is recognized in our personalized touches, like anticipating guest needs, offering authentic Korean-inspired culinary experiences, and designing spaces that celebrate both Korean culture and the vibrant energy of Chicago.”

Korean hospitality extends beyond the guest room to the Krave Station adjacent to the lobby. Here you’ll find select snacks, alongside an upscale coffee/cappuccino/expresso machine which, at the touch of a button, you can make a wide selection of tea, coffee and mocha. This machine truly elevated my stay at L7 because the coffee supplied for the in-room Nespresso machine, Dollop Coffee, tasted scorched and bitter.

Your Guest Room, Your Sanctuary

My stay at L7 Chicago provided a respite from the demands of a large trade show. After four days of meetings, appointments, and pulsating evening events, I looked forward to the serenity of L7 and a good night’s sleep. I awoke each morning refreshed and ready for a new day of press conferences, interviews, and trade show appointments. L7’s proximity to other large hotels and downtown attractions made taxis and ride-share options quick. A pet-friendly hotel, I even got some puppy love from several of the canine guests.

Each room at L7 Chicago delivers on its promise of a sanctuary of luxury and comfort, combining local artistry with impressive city views. Guest rooms and suites are expansive, with oversized windows and window‑seat nooks you can crawl into with a good book, or just to relax with the city sprawling beneath your gaze. Beds are comfortable and set with hypoallergenic down comforters and posh Egyptian cotton bedding by Frette. Molekule air purifiers and in‑room water filtration systems promote wellness and offer guest assurance of pure drinking water direct from the tap.

Guest rooms feature a range of thoughtful Korean‑inspired amenities, including bath robes, a wellness basket equipped with yoga mats, light weights, and stretch bands to encourage in‑room workouts, Nespresso machines and coffee pods, electric kettles with teabags, large screen televisions, bluetooth speakers, clothes steamers, and mini‑fridges.

Bathing amenities include Mediheal facial sheet masks and Apotheke toiletries in every room. Oversized ceramic tile showers with dual showerheads and plush cotton towels lend a spa-like experience.