Korean L7 hotel makes U.S. debut in Chicago

There's a new Korean Lotte hotel at Wacker and Wabash.

Why it matters: L7 Chicago by Lotte marks the brand's U.S. debut and places Korean culture and hospitality in the middle of downtown for the first time.

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• Hotel officials said they chose Chicago for its famous cultural attractions but also because it shares "L7's signature lively personality and devotion to amiable hospitality."

Zoom in: The former Hotel Monaco building features 191 remodeled guest rooms (including 22 suites), along with complimentary Korean skin care products, curated Korean and Korean American art, and a refreshing hand and face towel at check in.

Cost: Rooms range from $188 to $656 this summer.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias (center) helped cut the ribbon at the recent opening of the L7 Chicago hotel where paintings of women in hats adorn the lobby as a nod to the building's history. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

What they're saying: "This building used to house D.B Fisk & Co ., the largest hat factory, for women in the U.S. at the time," L7 general manager Adam Gurgiolo explained last week in the lobby decorated with paintings of women in hats. "We are very proud of our building's history and thrilled that it's the new home of L7 Chicago."

Monica dreams of napping and people watching in this window seat one day. Photo: Courtesy of Melody Mercado

The intrigue: During a room tour, I fell in love with the giant window seats that look out onto Wabash and Wacker offering sweet people watching and a great place to nap.

Perilla Korean American Steakhouse will anchor the new L7. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

What we're watching: In coming weeks, the hotel's anchor restaurant Perrilla Korean American steakhouse will open with vibrant Korean grilled meats as well as a tasting menu chef's counter and downtown's first Korean breakfast.