Pros (+) NEARLY EVERYTHING
Cons (-) The bed was a little wonky
4 stars
Freehand Chicago
Photos of Freehand Chicago
Overview
Freehand Chicago offers guests hip and modern lodgings and an atmosphere that celebrates sociality. It's an ideal hotel for groups, business travelers, and families alike, welcoming all guests with its warm and stylish setting.
Located on the north side of Chicago near Magnificent Mile, Freehand Chicago is close to many local cultural attractions, including Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and Industry, Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago Cultural Center, as well as countless restaurants and shops.
Accommodations at Freehand Chicago are designed to suit the needs of different types of travelers. Guest can choose a King private room with bathroom, work station, and city or standard views, an ADA-compliant Queen private room with accessible bathrooms, or Quad rooms with four twin-sized bunk beds, seating areas, and mini bar that can be shared or private. Rooms are designed by Roman and Williams and feature contemporary and clean accents.
Freehand Chicago has complimentary wi-fi throughout its premises, making it an excellent spot for guests to catch up with friends and work during their stay. There's an onsite gym, so guests can keep up with their fitness routine no matter how far from home they may be. The hotel also hosts yoga happy hours, DJ events, free bingo on Saturdays, tarot Tuesdays, and much more at its café and lounge.
Speaking of its café and lounge, Freehand Chicago’s dining and drinking options are as spirited and inspired as its lodgings. Visit Broken Shaker to see why it's been dubbed Chicago’s best hotel bar and indulge in perfectly-crafted and imaginative cocktails. And for crave-worthy Nicaraguan coffees, breakfast, and lunch, stop by Café Integral, where guests can feed their bellies and their souls.
Charming surroundings and welcoming staff are only the beginning at Freehand Chicago.
Latest deals for Freehand Chicago
Superior room
Standard room
King room
Classic room
Double room
Queen room
*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.
Prices are based on 1 night, not including taxes and fees
Amenities at Freehand Chicago
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge
- Room service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Coffee shop
- Business center
- Wi-Fi available in all areas
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
Basics
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi available in all areas
- Internet
- Linens
- Towels
- Fire extinguisher
- Free toiletries
- Shampoo
- Smoke alarms
- Heating
- Body soap
- Air-conditioned
- Trash cans
- Conditioner
Accessibility and suitability
- Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
- Increased accessibility
- Elevator
- Shower chair
- Accessible by elevator
- Hypoallergenic
- No smoking
- Non-feather pillow
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
- Designated smoking area
Bathroom
- Shared toilet
- Shower
- Additional bathroom
- Additional toilet
- Hairdryer
- Toilet
- Toilet paper
- Bathrobe
- Private bathroom
- Walk-in shower
Services and conveniences
- ATM on-site
- Business center
- Wake-up service
- Safety deposit box
- Meeting/Banquet facilities
- Room service
- Key card access
- Express check-out
- 24hr front desk
General
- Family rooms
- Sofa
- Lockers
- Telephone
- Carpeted
- Tile/marble floor
- City view
- Storage available
Media and entertainment
- Radio
- Flat-screen TV
- Cable or satellite TV
- TV
Laundry
- Laundry facilities
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Iron and ironing board
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge
- Coffee shop
Things to do
- Beach access
- Evening entertainment
- Night club
Health and safety
- Daily housekeeping
- Safe
Parking and transportation
- Parking
Bedroom
- Socket near the bed
Workspace
- Laptop safe
Family friendly
- Cribs available
Fitness
- Fitness center
Reviews of Freehand Chicago
7.3
Good
4725 verified ratings
Wonderful
2074
Very good
927
Good
733
Okay
295
Fair
268
Mediocre
122
Poor
306
Summary of reviews
Guests say
Guests appreciated the hotel's location, highlighting its proximity to attractions and restaurants. However, many expressed dissatisfaction with the small room sizes, cleanliness issues, and the lack of amenities, often comparing it to a hostel rather than a traditional hotel. The vibe was noted as eclectic, appealing to younger guests, but not ideal for older visitors.AI-Generated from customer reviews
Reviews(10)
Q&A(5)
Tips(10)
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Score by provider
7.3 out of 10
701 reviews
8.1 out of 10
4 reviews
8.8 out of 10
29 reviews
All reviews
Pros (+) The atmosphere at Freehand was excellent. Everything from the decor to the staff was super welcoming. I would stay there again.
Cons (-) The only downside we’re the rooms were a little small. I don’t mind small rooms but with two people it made it a little difficult to navigate around.
Pros (+) Location is perfect. Down town close to all transportation. Price was reasonable. Staff was very pleasant and accommodating.
Cons (-) Window in room didn’t open and no air circulation.
Pros (+) Great location - within walking distance of many attractions, like The House of Blue, Chicago Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile, and eateries. Also conveniently located for public transportation - within on...
Cons (-) Our room was tight. The queen bed pretty much took up the whole space. Not a lot of surface on which to put things. Small closet had only two hangers. My husband did not find the bed comfortable - the...
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Pros (+) great location, very funky bar and set up on first floor, clean spaces and a fun experience with lots of young travelers visiting chicago so it has a great international feel to it. almost like a high...
Cons (-) got quite a bit of an attitude with first reception at desk... but next morning, a different person at front desk was terrific. free breakfast doesn't really include many options
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Pros (+) The Freehand is a place that my fiance and I visit at least once annual (anniversary) and we decided to come back again! Always a pleasant stay, really nice staff, and lovely decor and overall vibe. L...
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Pros (+) fantastic location. easy access to public transportation, especially for rides to/from o’hare. walkable to activities/locations like millennium park, river walk, shopping, etc. cleaning staff is prett...
Cons (-) front desk staff could be friendlier and more helpful. breakfast can be improved— food offerings and how it is served. it was chaotic trying to get my bread toasted and coffee poured into a cup.
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Pros (+) Best bed! Very comfortable
Pros (+) Staff was sympathetic and helpful. The location and both the restaurant and cafe in the lobby were awesome.
Cons (-) They were having a lot of maintenance issues during our stay. Pipes broke in the rooms next to us so the fire escape doors were open. Our heating/cooling system didn't work in our room and the best th...
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Cons (-) Being as I did not have a credit card I was NOT allowed to check in and my mother paid for it on line and is now being told she can not get a refund
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
What dining options are available at Freehand Chicago?
Freehand Chicago offers the Broken Shaker, dubbed Chicago’s best hotel bar, serving perfectly-crafted and imaginative cocktails. Additionally, guests can visit Café Integral for crave-worthy Nicaraguan coffees, breakfast, and lunch.
What are the common concerns about the rooms at Freehand Chicago?
Some guests have mentioned concerns about the cleanliness of the rooms, including blood stains on the bed and the presence of dust. Additionally, there were comments about the lack of room cleaning and the quality of bunk beds.
What are the hotel's unique events and activities?
Freehand Chicago hosts yoga happy hours, DJ events, free bingo on Saturdays, tarot Tuesdays, and much more at its café and lounge, creating a spirited and inspired atmosphere for guests.
What practical information should guests know about parking at Freehand Chicago?
Freehand Chicago offers parking for guests, although some visitors have mentioned that it can be expensive, with rates of $60 for one night.
When is the best time to visit Freehand Chicago?
The high season at Freehand Chicago is in June, while the low season is in February. Visitors should consider booking in advance to avoid price increases, especially if paying day by day on site.
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
Opt for a Room with a View
Several guests mentioned that the views from the rooms were spectacular. Opting for a room with a balcony facing the fountain comes highly recommended.
Take Advantage of the Onsite Events
Guests enjoyed the hotel's social events such as yoga happy hours, DJ events, and free bingo on Saturdays. Check the event schedule during your stay and join in for a fun experience.
Consider Bringing Your Pet
The hotel is pet-friendly, so if you're traveling with a furry friend, don't hesitate to inquire about the pet policy and bring them along for the trip.
Explore Nearby Cultural Attractions
The hotel's proximity to local cultural attractions like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chicago Cultural Center makes it an ideal base for exploring the city's art scene.
Request Regular Room Cleaning
Some guests were disappointed with the lack of regular room cleaning. If you prefer daily cleaning, be sure to request this service during your stay.
Check Room Configuration
If you're traveling with a group, consider the Quad rooms with four twin-sized bunk beds. However, some guests found the bunk beds uncomfortable, so it's advisable to check the room configuration beforehand.
Be Mindful of Noise Levels
A few guests mentioned thin walls and noise from other rooms. If you're sensitive to noise, consider bringing earplugs or requesting a quieter room location.
Inquire About Parking Options
While the hotel offers parking, some guests found it expensive. It's advisable to inquire about parking rates and explore alternative parking options in the area.
Stay Informed About Hotel Policies
Some guests experienced inconvenience due to unexpected hotel policies. It's recommended to thoroughly review the hotel's policies before your stay to avoid any surprises.
Double-Check Booking Details
A few guests encountered issues with booking details, such as room sharing and cancellation policies. Double-check your booking details and reach out to the hotel for any necessary clarifications.
Location
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611
What's nearby
- Michigan Avenue412 yd
- Magnificent Mile418 yd
- Michigan Avenue Bridge0.3 mi
- Museum of Contemporary Art0.5 mi
- River North0.5 mi
- Chicago Theater0.5 mi
- Millennium Park0.7 mi
- Art Institute of Chicago0.9 mi
- Willis Tower1 mi
- Chicago Board of Trade Building1 mi
- Grant Park1.2 mi
- Navy Pier1.2 mi
Policies
Check-in/Check-out | Check in anytime after 3:00 PM, check out anytime before 12:00 PM |
|---|---|
Cancellation/prepayment | Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider. |
Essential information about Freehand Chicago
Low season | February |
|---|---|
High season | October |
Average price (weeknight) | $121 |
Average price (weekend night) | $188 |
When to book a room at Freehand Chicago
Price per night. Prices are not fixed and may vary with time.
Average nightly price per month
Average nightly price
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Value for money | 7.6 |
|---|---|
Distance to city center | 1.1 mi |
Nearest Airport | Chicago Midway |
Distance to airport | 9.5 mi |
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