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My Review

After staying at the hotel, L7 Chicago by Lotte for a night, here are my honest thoughts. All in all, I really liked it! The L7 feels like a step above a mid-range hotel. It’s not exactly luxury, and not quite a boutique, but its thoughtful design and playful yet contemporary decor make it feel a little higher than your average “nice” mid-range hotel. 

Watch my YouTube video review of my stay at L7 Chicago by Lotte:

Hit play on the video above to see a walkthrough of my room, as well as my post-stay thoughts, and the pros and cons of the hotel. Or, keep scrolling for my full written review.

The lobby is colorful and cozy upon entering and the hotel restaurant, Perilla, is just off the lobby. This is where guests can choose to eat dinner and breakfast, at an additional cost. There’s a small coffee station with snacks just off the lobby, and there’s a fitness center on the 2nd floor. 

I stayed in room 411, a One-Bedroom King Suite with River Views on the 4th floor. I wished my room had been slightly higher up to really take advantage of the views, but I still had a nice perspective of the city. 

The most notable thing about my king suite was how spacious it felt, with more than enough room to spread out. My favorite part of the room was the cushioned window nooks (there were four in total!) that overlooked the city. They were perfect for people-watching, and comfortable enough to sit in for hours (which my cousin and I did). 

The king bed was soft, but just a tad firmer than I would’ve liked. The bedding and linens weren’t the most luxe thing on earth and I wish the duvet was a bit fluffier, but I still got a good night’s sleep. 

I liked that there was a TV in the living room as well as the bedroom, and wellness amenities like an air purifier, yoga mat, and simple exercise equipment. 

The living room had a pullout couch and a coffee/tea station with glasses and mugs along with a Nespresso and electric kettle. There were coffee pods and tea bags as well as cream and sugar. There was a mini-fridge underneath. I didn’t find any water bottles, but that may have been because the hotel’s tap has filtered water. 

The bathroom felt clean and there was plenty of counter space. The Korean face masks and makeup wipes were a perk, alongside the Apotheke shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, lotion, and soap. There was also a hairdryer, Q-tips, ample towels, and bathrobes. I do wish there had been slippers, though. 

As far as service goes, the staff was friendly and helpful, but not overly attentive. 

Overall, I had a really pleasant stay at L7 Chicago by Lotte and I’d happily stay again. I think it’s perfect for first-timers looking for a well-designed, clean, and comfortable hotel in a great location, alongside a few extra perks (like the face masks and air purifier). Basically, if you want a little bit of style and lots of comfort in the heart of Chicago without paying luxury prices, this is the place!

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Pros & Cons

About the Location

L7 Chicago by Lotte is located in downtown Chicago (also known as “The Loop”). The hotel runs along the northern side of the Loop, right by the Chicago River. It’s a couple of blocks away from Millennium Park (home to The Bean!), right across the river from the Magnificent Mile, and the Chicago Theatre is just around the corner. Entrances to the Chicago Riverwalk are practically at your doorstep. 

Given the hotel’s prime location, plenty of attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance. With that, though, know that the area is pretty busy at most hours, but especially during the day. Nighttime will be busy as well, but the Loop tends to be a little dead at night, contrary to what you might think. 

The nearest train (“L”) stop is State/Lake Station, which is a block away. It includes the Purple, Pink, Brown, Green, and Orange Lines. Similarly, you can snag the Blue Line (which goes to and from O’Hare) and other lines at Clark/Lake Station. And you can take the Red Line at Lake Station.