Why book?
This colorful hotel brings a fresh, global perspective to the Chicago hotel landscape, with an emphasis on the arts, wellness, and warm hospitality (plus, a stunning restaurant).
Set the scene
Situated in the heart of the Loop, the hotel is within footsteps of the Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Park. That prime real estate makes it a popular choice for travelers from around the globe looking to visit some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks, while also staying centrally located for any business while in town. Find wellness touches throughout the property (i.e. Korean skincare, in-room workout equipment), and a curated contemporary art program features works from Chicago and Korean artists. Design by AvroKO brings a bright, airy, and residential feel to the 14-floor property (starting with the lobby and its work space-meets-living room vibes). Onsite restaurant PERILLA shines with its Korean-American steakhouse fare and flavor-spanning cocktail program. Accordingly, expect to see plenty of creatives, travel-savvy solos, and young families here (plus wedding parties for the occasional onsite nuptials).
The backstory
In June 2024, South Korean LOTTE Hotels and Resorts turned their eyes to Chicago for the US debut of L7, their lifestyle hotel brand geared towards experiential, in-the-know travelers. Guests can expect relaxed hospitality with elevated touches, and the same dedication to detail found across LOTTE’s 35 global properties in thoughtful amenities and charming, savvy design.
The rooms
Guest rooms are spacious, with high ceilings (trace those back to the early 1900s, when the building operated as a hat factory). Design is understated and thoughtful, underscoring South Korea’s traditional textile technique jogakbo—find those patterns in the carpeting’s handcrafted motifs to the table lamp shades. The team here understands the traveler who wants to keep active while also unwinding, helping out with in-room touches like Apotheke bath amenities, Mediheal facial sheet masks, and a wellness basket (complete with yoga mats, weights, stretch bands, and massage balls). If you need to work during your stay, a just-right task desk helps to make the process an easier one (as do comforts like a Bodum tea kettle and Nespresso machine). And for the perfect break, perch yourself on the cushioned window seats (found in several of the rooms and suites). Built to overlook the city, these spots offer a meditative pause to take in sights of Wacker Drive and the river’s water taxis.
Food and drink
Chef Andrew Lim and Partners Thomas Oh and Alvin Kang reinterpret the Chicago steakhouse with PERILLA, a Michelin-recognized homage to Korean-American cooking featuring menus all day, seven days a week. Kick off dinner with one of the cocktails (the Trilateral Summit melds Korean soju, Japanese yuzu, and Chinese baijiu), then sift through popular starters like the Rice Cake Cacio e Pepe or Monkey Bread, a cast-iron skillet of fluffy, crunchy, pull-apart goodness (amplified with gochujang honey butter). The kitchen has perfected their crispy, Korean fried chicken, and the servers show their skills, too, grilling up steakhouse sets tableside (the premium features four decadent cuts, including wagyu hanger and prime short rib). Desserts are flavorful and fun—try the Mango “Bingsu” with milk ice, mochi, and green plum caramel, or the rotating PERILLA Sundae, an ice cream trio topped with cherries and puffed rice.
The service
Service here is friendly and attentive, through and through.
Eco effort
The property uses LED lighting throughout, and in addition to a refillable water station in its lobby, the hotel has outfitted each guestroom sink with a filtration system (a convenience and a comfort). They forgo plastic room keys for reusable bamboo ones, and instead of disposable slippers, they welcome guests with cozy souvenir socks.
Accessibility
Visual alarm clocks, bed shakers, a door knock alert, visual fire alarms, TTY capabilities, and closed captioning are all available to guests upon request.
Anything left to mention?
Led by the belief that art can evoke and celebrate a sense of place, the team has embedded creative works throughout the property, from an exterior wall mural by local artist Liz Flores to Anna Cerniglia’s rotating lobby display. Culture revelers will enjoy a stay in the Art Suite, a whimsically outfitted space with several perks, including tickets to The Art Institute, suite-inspired cocktails at PERILLA, and a signed limited edition print by Chicago artist David Heo.
225 N Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60601
United States
https://www.l7chicago.com/
(312) 960-8500