Review Author

Britney Eschelman

Contributing Writer & Editor

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Lotte Hotels has debuted its newest boutique-oriented property: L7 Chicago. Set among architectural gems like the Wrigley Building and the champagne-bottle-shaped Pendry just down the block, L7 stands out with its sleek, contemporary exterior—it’s the cool kid on the block. 

But while its shiny new façade might make it seem like the new kid in town, the building is actually steeped in history. The now 14-story high-rise once housed the circa-1912 headquarters of D.B. Fisk Co., then the largest wholesale millinery in the country. By the 1950s, it had transformed into the Oxford House Hotel, fondly remembered as “Chicago’s downtown motor hotel.”

Step through the front doors and you’re instantly welcomed by warm doormen, an art-forward aesthetic, and a refreshing hot or cold towel—a small but thoughtful gesture that signals you’ve truly arrived. At first glance, the front desk looks more like a carved wooden sculpture than a check-in counter. The adjoining foyer feels like a modern living room, with mid-century velvet furnishings, communal tables, and a sage green-tiled fireplace beneath soaring ceilings and a cascading contemporary chandelier.

A guest-only coffee bar, called the Krave Station, invites you to craft your own cappuccino using beans from local favorite Dollop Coffee Co. Sip your creation in one of the plush loungers while waiting for your room—a cozy, stylish welcome immediately sets the tone.

Once your room is ready, ride the elevator to one of the property’s 191 keys. Each hallway features a vintage telephone—a clever nod to the building’s early 20th-century past and a handy way to ring down for luggage or requests. Inside the guest rooms, muted tones and hand-selected artworks define the aesthetic. Terracotta headboards, navy chairs, and moss-green pillows provide subtle contrast, allowing oil paintings and graphic prints to take center stage.

The Corner Suite is especially expansive, with a separate living room (complete with its own TV) and an adjoining king-sized bedroom. Bathrooms feature rainfall showers and plush pinstriped bathrobes—yes, I noticed the robes, and I’ve rounded up my favorite hotel robes here.

But perhaps the most charming feature of the rooms? Built-in elevated window nooks. Imagine curling up on a cushioned banquette with a book in hand as the sun sets behind Chicago’s skyline and the river glimmers below.

When it’s time to dine, you’re spoiled for choice in the heart of downtown—but you’d be remiss not to make a reservation at Perilla, L7’s signature Korean-American steakhouse. From breakfast through dinner, the restaurant delivers a creative fusion of classic steakhouse fare and bold Korean flavors. In the morning, opt for the Korean Breakfast Tray featuring rice, soup, banchan, and your choice of prime skirt steak, garlic chicken, grilled mackerel, or roasted vegetables. Come evening, standout dishes include crispy Korean Fried Chicken and indulgent steakhouse sets like the Miyazaki A5 NY Strip, paired with kimchi fried rice and pillowy egg soufflé side plates.

After a satisfying meal (and trust us, you might go back for seconds), head to the hotel’s fitness center, which features a solid lineup of equipment—think ellipticals, treadmills, and a full weight rack. It’s not overly flashy, but it’s more than enough for a productive morning sweat. Prefer to keep things private? In-room essentials like a yoga mat, hand weights, and ankle weights are conveniently tucked beside the flat screen, ready whenever you are.

Fast Facts

Location: West Loop, Downtown Chicago

Rating: 5-Star

The vibe: A cool, creative, and art-forward stay with a residential feel in the heart of downtown.

Our favorite thing about the hotel: Give me a cozy reading nook with a view, and I’ll never leave. Here, I curled up against the window and watched the sun set over the Chicago River as the city lights began to twinkle into the night.

Food + Drink: Perilla, the hotel’s Korean-American steakhouse, serves breakfast through nightcaps. Don’t miss the Winter Wood Martini (vodka, pine needles, toasted barley) or the Oppa Sesame—a savory, sazerac-style sipper laced with soy tincture and scallion-infused vermouth.

Amenities: Fitness center, Pet-friendly, Free Wifi, Restaurant, Bar, Room service, Facilities for disabled guests

What’s nearby? The Riverwalk, The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Water Tower Chicago, and the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art

Any personal neighborhood recs? Start your morning with a matcha at Sawada Coffee, snag a table at Girl & the Goat (yes, it’s worth the hype), and stroll the cobblestone blocks of Fulton Markets for more bites, cocktails, and people-watching.

Rooms: 191

Pricing: Rates start at $161 per night.

Closest Airport: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)