Chicago, 19 East Ohio Street41.892353,-87.627323(Show on Map)
7.0
Good
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+5 Photos
+ 3 Photos3
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Housed in a classic 1927 building in Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood this hotel offers innovative design and affordable shared and private rooms.
Summary of reviews
Freehand Chicago is celebrated for its exceptional central location in downtown Chicago, offering guests prime access to major attractions like Michigan Avenue, the Riverwalk, Oak Street Beach and Navy Pier. The proximity to public transportation and various dining and entertainment options makes it a favorite among both tourists and business travelers. The affordable pricing in such a prime location further enhances its appeal.
The breakfast experience receives mixed feedback; although not included in the room rate, it is available for purchase and considered convenient and delicious by some, particularly the American breakfast. Some guests, however, find it pricey and mention service delays.
Dinner options are highlighted by the chic and vibrant atmosphere of the in-house Broken Shaker bar, which receives rave reviews for its fantastic drinks, relaxing vibe, live music and friendly staff. Despite this, the absence of on-site food options and restrictions on outside food are noted drawbacks. Nevertheless, the location near renowned eateries like Eataly and Uno Pizza offers convenient alternatives.
Rooms are commended for their cleanliness, quirky decor and functionality, though the small size and limited lighting are common criticisms. The hotel's unique ambiance and prime location make it a decent option for short stays with many guests appreciating its clean facilities and comfortable beds despite some maintenance issues.
Cleanliness reviews are mixed; while many guests find the rooms and bathrooms clean and well-maintained, others report inconsistencies in housekeeping services, such as dusty surfaces and stained carpets. Friendly and accommodating staff enhance the guest experience, although there are occasional reports of unprofessional behavior from some members.
The WiFi receives generally positive feedback for being fast and reliable, particularly in the lobby area, though some guests experience slow speeds during peak hours. The gym, available 24/7, is considered useful for basic workouts, despite its small size and occasional equipment issues.
Parking is convenient with nearby garages offering easy access, though the cost is often highlighted as expensive. The hotel's family-friendly atmosphere, vibrant nightlife scene and overall welcoming environment make it a compelling option for families and those looking to enjoy Chicago's energetic nightlife.
Overall, Freehand Chicago stands out for its fantastic location, vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff, making it a great choice for visitors seeking a central and lively place to stay in Chicago.
Categories
Romantic
Choose one of the rooms with a king-size bed and a private, en suite bathroom with sapele wainscoting.
Nightlife
A hotel/hostel hybrid known for its social atmosphere and the award-winning Broken Shaker bar located on-site. Situated in River North, it's surrounded by nightlife options.
Honeymoon
Family
Parking
Accessible
Gym
4 Star
Luxury
Dog Friendly
Room Types
Private QueenThis room features a private en suite bathroom, work desk and flat-screen TV. It also includes free WiFi access.
Private KingThis room features a private en suite bathroom, work desk and flat-screen TV. It also includes free WiFi access.
Private QuadThis quadruple room has a private en suite bathroom, air conditioning, work desk and seating area. It also includes free WiFi access.
Bed in QuadThe dormitory offers a seating area to be shared with up to 4 total guests of the room, en suite bathroom, desk and air conditioning. It also includes free WiFi access. Each bed has individual dual outlets, reading light and is draped for privacy.
Please note guests booking from Chicago zip codes (60---) are not permitted in dormitory rooms.
Bed in Female QuadThis female dormitory offers a seating area to be shared by up to 4 total guests, en suite bathroom, desk and air conditioning. It also includes free WiFi access. Each bed has individual dual outlets, reading light and is draped for privacy.
Please note guests booking from Chicago zip codes (60---) are not permitted in dormitory rooms.
Premium QueenThis room features a private en suite bathroom, work desk and flat-screen TV. It also includes free WiFi access. The room offers a city view.
Premium KingFeaturing a private bathroom, the king room includes a minibar, flat-screen TV and cable. It also includes free WiFi access. The room offers a city view.
PenthouseThe spacious suite features air conditioning, a safe deposit box, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a hairdryer.
Private Premium QuadThe quadruple room provides air conditioning, a safe deposit box, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The quadruple room features a tiled floor, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 4 beds.
4-Bed Female Dormitory RoomThe dormitory room provides air conditioning, a safe deposit box, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. Rooms on the upper floors are reachable by lift. The unit offers 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.0
Good
Review Summaries
Location
Freehand Chicago boasts an exceptional location in the heart of downtown Chicago, making it a favorite among visitors. Situated near major attractions like Michigan Avenue, the Riverwalk, Oak Street Beach and Navy Pier, it offers prime access to the city's best spots for shopping, dining and entertainment. Its proximity to public transportation, including the subway and bus stations, ensures convenient travel throughout the city and easy access from the airport. The hostel's central position is often praised for being walkable to a plethora of restaurants, bars, shops and cultural sites, providing an ideal base for tourists and business travelers alike. The affordable pricing in such a central location further adds to the appeal. Overall, guests appreciate being in the midst of Chicago's vibrant downtown with everything they could need just a few steps away.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Freehand Chicago receives mixed feedback from guests. While breakfast is not included in the room rate, it is available for purchase in the hotel's bar and café. Guests who opted for breakfast found it to be convenient with some describing it as very good, delicious and affordable. The American breakfast, in particular, received high praise. However, there were also mentions of breakfast being pricey for a hostel and service delays when ordering food with some guests waiting up to 40 minutes.
On the positive side, there are various options for obtaining breakfast either on-site or conveniently nearby. For those who value a good morning meal, it may be worthwhile to explore these alternatives. Despite some service and inclusion issues, the availability of an on-site restaurant and bar offers guests the chance to enjoy a satisfying breakfast without venturing far.
Dinner
Freehand Chicago offers a chic and vibrant atmosphere, mainly through its appealing common areas spotlighted by the in-house Broken Shaker bar. Guests rave about the bar's fantastic drinks, relaxing vibe and friendly bar staff who contribute to a memorable experience. With live music and superb burgers, the bar/lounge area becomes a social hub for visitors. The cool, funky décor of the bar and cafe adds a hip touch, making it a popular choice for guests to unwind.
Despite the enthusiastic praise for the bar and its variety of drink options, some aspects require attention. Guests mention the absence of food options on-site as inconvenient, especially since the hotel restaurant is closed and only takeout is available. Additionally, there is no community kitchen or common area for socializing with other guests and outside food and drinks are not permitted in communal spaces. For those needing to heat food, the lack of microwaves means a trip to a nearby Circle K.
Overall, though the bar and café's vibe is highly acclaimed, the limited dining options and restrictions on outside food are notable constraints. Nevertheless, its prime location next to renowned local eateries like Eataly and Uno Pizza offers convenient alternatives and the helpful staff are more than willing to provide dining recommendations.
Rooms
Freehand Chicago offers a variety of rooms that guests have noted for their cleanliness and quirky decor. Many visitors appreciated the comfortable beds and found the rooms well-laid out and functional, making effective use of the limited space available. The ambiance of the hotel with its uniquely decorated rooms and compact yet efficient design, has been praised, although the lack of space was a common theme among reviews.
However, the small room size often came up as a drawback with some guests describing the quarters as tiny, dark and cramped. In fact, many found it challenging to store luggage and the limited lighting only added to the perceived constraints. Noise from thin walls and street sounds disturbed some guests' sleep and views were often less than impressive, frequently facing parking garages.
Cleanliness was noted as a positive with many guests finding their rooms tidy, equipped with clean linens and well-maintained bathrooms. On the downside, some visitors encountered issues such as unpleasant odors, dated furnishings and minor maintenance problems like broken sockets and dim lighting. Although staff interactions were generally positive with many mentioning helpful and friendly personnel, there were occasional complaints about unresponsiveness and housekeeping lapses.
The hotel's prime location, close to a variety of restaurants, public transport and attractions, added extra appeal for guests. Despite some shortcomings regarding room size and comfort, many found Freehand Chicago to be a decent option for short stays, appreciating its clean facilities, comfortable infrastructure and unique atmosphere. For those who prioritize location and quirky charm over spaciousness, this hotel could be a fitting choice.
Beds
Travelers staying at Freehand Chicago have varied but generally positive remarks about the beds. Many guests found the beds to be exceedingly comfortable, noting that they had great nights of sleep. Privacy curtains around beds, soft and clean bedding and multiple pillows add to the comfort factor. Bunk beds with sufficient support and size were particularly praised, especially for groups and those seeking a bit of privacy. The spaciousness of some beds was appreciated and private bunks were mentioned as a nice feature.
However, there were also numerous mentions of beds that did not live up to expectations. Some guests encountered issues like uncomfortable, soft or springy mattresses, sagging beds and stained bedding. Others found the beds too small or low or felt that the beds were noisy and in need of better maintenance. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus appears to favor that many guests found the beds sufficiently comfortable and appreciated the overall bedding experience, making Freehand Chicago a noteworthy option for a cozy, yet stylish stay in the heart of the city.
Cleanliness
Freehand Chicago displays a mixed record regarding cleanliness according to guest reviews. Several positive remarks highlight that numerous guests found their rooms clean, cozy, very clean and well-maintained. The bathrooms were frequently noted as clean with fresh towels and linens often replaced and many praised the overall cleanliness of the property.
However, there are notable criticisms that suggest inconsistencies in the housekeeping service. Many guests reported dusty surfaces, stained carpets and dirty curtains. Some reviews mentioned issues like mold in the showers, bedbugs and a general lack of thorough cleaning. Several areas in need of a deep clean were identified, such as sticky floors and tables in common areas, which detracted from the overall experience. Moreover, some guests felt that the hotel's cleanliness standards could benefit from improvement with more attention to detail required from the housekeeping staff.
Despite these mixed reviews, the aesthetic appeal of the rooms, combined with occasional reports of good housekeeping service, suggests that Freehand Chicago's experience could be hit or miss depending on the individual stay. The presence of friendly staff and good location are additional positives, yet consistent cleanliness appears to be an ongoing challenge.
Staff
The guest experience at Freehand Chicago is marked by a diverse range of interactions with the hotel staff. Many visitors praised the staff for being pleasant, super-friendly and accommodating. The front desk teams frequently received high marks for excellence and helpfulness with certain individuals like Matthew at reception standing out for their warmth and attentiveness. Guests appreciated the generous service standards, knowledgeable staff and the welcoming atmosphere created by genuinely kind and courteous employees.
However, there were notable inconsistencies. Several reviews mentioned unkind, rude and unprofessional behavior from some staff members, notably at check-in and from housekeeping. Incidents of housekeeping staff entering rooms without permission and language barriers also contributed to a sense of unprofessionalism among certain reviewers.
Overall, while the staff at Freehand Chicago frequently exceed expectations by being friendly, accommodating and informative, the inconsistencies in guest interactions highlight areas needing improvement, particularly in professionalism and communication.
Wi-Fi
The WiFi at Freehand Chicago generally received mixed reviews from guests. Many praised it for being good, fast, reliable and functional with some highlighting that the network worked well without any problems and was particularly strong in the lobby area. Guests often referred to the WiFi as having good connectivity, making it suitable for basic browsing activities. However, there were several complaints about the WiFi being slow, particularly during peak hours and instances of the connection being unreliable or not working at all. Despite these mixed experiences, the WiFi was consistently free, which was a notable positive for many guests. Nonetheless, occasional issues with connectivity made it challenging for some guests to work remotely, as the internet speed wasn't always up to the expectations set by the hotel's advertisement.
Gym
Freehand Chicago offers a gym facility that is available 24/7 and caters to basic workout needs. Though the gym is described as small and somewhat cramped, it is generally considered useful and sufficient for a short stay. Guests appreciate the inclusion of bikes and weights and access to free water in the fitness center. However, some have noted the lack of a treadmill and the occasional malfunctioning air conditioning. Overall, the gym is seen as a convenient amenity, particularly when considering it's free to use, but it may not meet the expectations of those seeking a more spacious or advanced workout area.
Parking
Freehand Chicago offers a convenient parking experience with a range of nearby options, mainly situated in parking garages close to the hotel. Many guests noted the ease of parking and the large spaces available, though the cost was often highlighted as being quite expensive. Some reviews mentioned that the parking arrangements can be confusing and are managed separately via apps, requiring knowledge in advance to claim any discounts.
Despite these challenges, the location of the parking garages was generally appreciated as being accessible within walking distance and easy to reserve online. Guests also found the parking garage massive, although some described it as unorganized. However, the parking was not on-site, which disappointed some visitors who expected it based on the hotel’s advertisements.
Several reviews mentioned the disappointing views of the parking lots from their rooms with car alarms occasionally causing disturbance. Overall, while parking at Freehand Chicago is convenient and well-located, the high costs and external management are factors that travelers should consider.
Family
Freehand Chicago is a compelling option for families seeking a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the city. The hotel is consistently noted for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for family reunions or visits with children of various ages, including older teens and even grandkids. Guests have found the setup of the rooms, particularly those with four single beds, to be very convenient for family accommodations. Despite some noting the rooms might be smaller for groups of four, the cozy and pleasing decor more than makes up for it, providing a charming and affordable stay. The hotel’s central location is an added bonus, allowing easy access to Chicago's attractions, making it all the more fun for family adventures. Additionally, the friendly environment, including both the staff and fellow guests, enhances the overall stay, ensuring a welcoming experience for all family members.
Nightlife
Freehand Chicago boasts a vibrant nightlife scene in and around the hotel, making it a prime choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the city's energetic atmosphere. The central location offers convenient access to numerous nightlife options and popular restaurants, all within a short walking distance.
The lobby bar at Freehand Chicago, known as The Broken Shaker, is highly praised for its cool environment and great cocktails. It serves as a social hub where guests can enjoy live music, a fun vibe and friendly interactions with fellow travelers. The bar's cozy and nicely furnished lounge area is perfect for hanging out and meeting new people with DJs often providing relaxing music.
While some guests noted noise and room issues, the overall consensus highlights the hotel's welcoming staff, clean rooms and the lively bar scene as the main draw. The combination of a great bar, convenient location and a social atmosphere makes Freehand Chicago a standout option for those seeking both comfort and vibrant nightlife.
4 Star
Freehand Chicago, boasting an excellent location, offers a superior quality stay that many guests are eager to highly recommend. This establishment provides four-star service and facilities, often being lauded as the best four-star hotel by its visitors. Its value for money is frequently highlighted, especially when compared to other four-star places. The rooms are consistently described as great, clean, stylish and small, providing good quality for the price paid.
Although some guests noted the absence of a swimming pool and questioned how it received its four-star rating, the hotel's cleanliness, decor, ambiance and friendly staff repeatedly earn top marks. For those seeking a reasonably priced four-star experience in Chicago with the core amenities and charm, Freehand certainly seems to fit the bill. While it may lack some of the luxuries associated with higher-end hotels, for what you pay, Freehand Chicago is commendably satisfying.
Accessible
Freehand Chicago receives high marks for its accessibility features, catering well to guests with disabilities. The lobby is conveniently laid out for wheelchair users, accompanied by a disabled ramp for smooth entry. The accessible rooms are noted for their suitability with appropriately large bathrooms, although the shower could be easier to use without a step.
The hotel's central location is another significant advantage, making it incredibly accessible to many of Chicago's main attractions and public transportation options. The ease of access to downtown and the train system enhances the experience, allowing travelers with disabilities to explore the city effortlessly.
Despite some challenges, such as slow elevators, difficulty navigating without guidance and inconveniently placed power outlets, guests can count on helpful staff to assist with their needs. The stairway requires a key card for access, but overall, the site is well-prepared to accommodate its diverse clientele. With its great accessibility and prime location, Freehand Chicago stands out as a reliable option for travelers with disabilities visiting the city.
Honeymoon
Freehand Chicago is highly recommended for those planning a honeymoon with many guests selecting it specifically for their romantic getaway. The rooms are described as beautiful and cozy, suitable for such a special occasion. The ambiance at the hotel exudes a romantic vibe, making it an ideal location for honeymooners. Attention to detail, such as private lighting and sockets, further enhances the intimate and romantic atmosphere of the stay. Overall, it appears to be a perfect place for creating memorable honeymoon experiences.
Romantic
Freehand Chicago offers a romantic and private retreat ideal for couples. Guests consistently mention the romantic ambiance, especially highlighting the honeymoon suite and the overall romantic atmosphere of the hotel. The hotel provides a nice romantic view from certain rooms, adding a special touch to the experience. Although some rooms might be small, they still manage to maintain a cozy and intimate feel. The queen rooms particularly stand out for their coziness, making them perfect for a relaxing stay. Additionally, the hotel is described as the perfect place to chill with a drink, enhancing the laid-back and intimate vibe that many couples appreciate.
FAQ
No, Freehand Chicago doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Freehand Chicago.
Yes, Freehand Chicago welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Freehand Chicago.
