South Korea’s largest luxury hotel chain, Lotte Hotel & Resorts, has opened its first American hotel, the L7 Chicago by Lotte, situated near downtown Michigan Avenue. The company, acquired the Kimpton Hotel Monaco at 225 N. Wabash Ave. in 2022 for $36 million, took advantage of the reduced real estate prices following the COVID-19 pandemic. To imbue the resort with its signature Korean hospitality, Lotte spent two years renovating the ground floor restaurant, lobby, and guest rooms. The grand opening on June 13, 2024, was attended by Lotte executives, the Korean Consulate General in Chicago, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and representatives from various local organizations.
Lotte Hotel & Resorts is part of the multinational Lotte Corporation, which operates across diverse sectors in South Korea and Asia. The L7 Chicago features 191 redesigned guestrooms and 22 suites, many overlooking the Chicago Riverwalk. The rooms are equipped with amenities such as window-perched seating, drinkable tap water, complimentary coffee and tea stations, air purifiers, Korean skincare products, and light workout equipment. The contemporary lobby provides a lounge with natural light and modern art, while the forthcoming Perilla Korean American Steakhouse will offer a unique dining experience with traditional Korean flavors.
