Scene
A historic hotel revamped with modern energy.
Calling the Freehand Chicago a “hostel” would be a little like calling Harry Potter a “kids’” movie: the description isn’t wrong, but leaves out a lot of what makes it so special. Freehand’s Chicago outpost has become the go-to for young travelers looking for an affordable-but-interesting place to stay in the Windy City, combining modern design and conversation-starting art in a space that dates back to 1927. The prohibition-era mafia hangout is an art deco slice of history among the glass condo towers in River North; it lets guests take a look back at what the city once was through a photo exhibit and its unique architecture.
This Chicago hotel is the place to stay at if you want to meet people. Inside you’ll find guests, locals and discerning tourists packing the Broken Shaker, the landmark cocktail bar that’s regularly on lists of the city’s best. Though the bar acts as the Freehand’s social hub, you’ll also find digital nomads enjoying coffee from Café Integral while working in the avocado-green lobby and other common areas, or guests making late-night snacks in the hotel’s communal kitchen. The Freehand has the look and feel of an award-winning hotel with the social amenities of a hostel, which might just be the perfect combination for someone looking to immerse themselves in Chicago.
Location
A short walk from The Loop, Downtown and Magnificent Mile
The Freehand is in River North, which, as the name might imply, is the area just north of the Chicago River, directly across from downtown Chicago. Over the past couple of decades, modern condo high-rises have shot up, filling the area with affluent, young professionals. Make no mistake, though, River North is still teeming in history, including the 1927 Devonshire Hotel which Freehand now calls home.
Assuming the weather is cooperating (a big assumption in Chicago) you’re a short walk from The Loop. Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, tons of restaurants and even the theatre district. If the weather’s not cooperating, well, nothing is too far in a nice heated car either.
If you’re looking for the most notable and quintessential experiences in this city, see our Best Things to Do in Chicago guide.
Among the sights near the Freehand:
- Window shop (or, if you’re feeling flush, actual shop) the stores of the Magnificent Mile. Chicago’s legendary retail district along North Michigan Ave. is only about six blocks away
- Stroll across Navy Pier where you can relax in the Crystal Gardens Botanical Garden, catch some culture at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre or just enjoy a cold beer on a warm afternoon at the Miller Lite Beer Garden. All that plus a ferris wheel is six blocks away.
- Float down the Chicago River on Chicago’s First Lady and learn about the buildings in America’s most architecturally impressive city. It leaves from the river less than half a mile from the Freehand.
- Take a selfie in front of The Bean in Millenium Park, about one mile away
- While you’re at Millenium Park, be sure to take a short walk over to the Museum Campus, home to the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, and Field Museum of Natural History.
- Bar hop around Wrigley Field. Even if you’re not lucky enough to score tickets to a Cubs game, the scene around the stadium is just as electric. Especially on a summer Friday.
- Indulge in an Italian Beef sandwich at Al’s No. 1 Italian Beef, about five blocks down E. Ohio St.
- Head to the top of the Willis Tower which, while typically filled with tourists, gives you the most iconic view of the city and a chance to relive at least one scene from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” legally.
Rooms
Shared hostel rooms and a grand penthouse give you lots of options
Despite its chic Roman and Williams design, swanky cocktail bar and high-speed WiFi, the Freehand is still a hostel. You can still bunk yourself up in a quad room for a rock bottom price, meet new friends and make your own dinner at all hours of the night. But the Freehand is also a cool hotel in a major city, meaning if you want to ball out and rent a two-story penthouse, that’s there for the taking, too. As are normal-sized private rooms, all with the unmistakable 70s motif that makes the Freehand so special. Room rates begin at about $35/night for a bed in a shared Quad Room and, depending on the season, can go well over $1000/night for those interested in a penthouse lifestyle.
Quad Rooms
The 80 Quad Rooms are your traditional hostel rooms, with bunks sleeping up to four people and a shared bathroom. But don’t mistake them for shabby hostel dorms; the Freehand’s quads all come with colorful furniture and dark wood doors to keep each bunk private. The ensuite bathrooms mean you’re only sharing the WC with your roommates. And female-only rooms are available on request. Premium quads and private quads are also on the menu, which offer HD televisions and a mini bar.
Queen and King Rooms
The Freehand has 137 private rooms with king and queen beds, offering a private bathroom, desk, alarm clock and HD cable TV. Make no mistake, they’re small and not designed for hosting or for families. They boast the same Roman and Williams design as the rest of the hotel, meaning they look cool but definitely won’t be suitable if you’re looking to spread out. Think hostel vibes, with a little more privacy, and you’re on the right track.
Penthouse
The two, two-story penthouses sit on the top floors of the Freehand, offering a 65-inch flat screen TV in the spacious living room as well as two bedrooms. One bedroom has four bunk beds, and the other has either a king or queen bed, making this the ideal choice for a family. You’ll also get either a gaming area or an oversized bathroom, plus the most privacy on the property.
Amenities
Art, history and one of Chicago’s best cocktail bars
The Freehand makes sure to pay plenty of tribute to its history and the neighborhood it calls home. The building that was once the Devonshire, and later the Tokyo Hotel, has murals and pictures telling its story which can be just as fascinating as many art tours. Once you’ve grasped the history, you can readily enjoy the Broken Shaker, a cocktail bar that’s gained acclaim from more than just satisfied hotel guests.
Art
- On the hotel’s exterior wall you’ll find a 130-foot mural called “Love Me Smiles for Ella,” a towering tribute to Ella Fitzgerald’s “Blue Skies.” (Check out the video that documents the making of the mural)
- You’ll also find colorful murals from local artist Upendo Taylor in the stairwells, part of the Freehand’s efforts to encourage people to take the stairs.
- At the base of the stairs, there’s the Wheat Paste Collage, a collection of images that represent the city, interspersed with postcards found in the hotel’s mail slot when Freehand moved in.
- Over the entryway you’ll see a series of photographs from Nathan Michael, which capture the Tokyo Hotel prior to its renovation into the Freehand.
- Speaking of the Tokyo Hotel, throughout the Freehand you’ll see a samurai octopus on everything from walls to room keys. He’s a tribute to the old Ginza restaurant in the Tokyo, as he was the place’s mascot during its heyday.
Broken Shaker
Easily the Freehand’s biggest attraction, The Broken Shaker is an acclaimed cocktail lounge that was named “Best Hotel Bar” at Tales of the Cocktail. Here, you can sip on stuff like the Ginger Lavender Mule (basically a Moscow Mule with ginger, lavender, and Aleppo chili), the Cure for Sanity (mezcal, amaro, honey, ginger, and lemon) or indulge in the happy hour burger, fries and a beer for $15, all while mingling with a mixture of guests, tourists and cocktail aficionados from around the city.
Cafe Integral
Though we’d hesitate to call Cafe Integral a restaurant (coffee shop?), it is still an ideal place to grab fresh Nicaraguan coffee and a pastry to start the day. It’s also the best place at the Freehand to bust out your laptop and do some work. Unless you’re in the penthouse your room probably will feel too small for any serious productivity.
Other
Other basic amenities include: 24-hour reception, on-site ATM, air conditioning, concierge services, dry-cleaning, hair dryers and ironing boards, internet access, luggage storage, a business center, room service and a bar-lounge.
FAQ
When is check-in?
- You can check-in from 3PM CST to 2AM CST. Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
When do I need to check-out?
- Check out is at 12:00pm CST.
Is there wifi?
- Yes, the Freehand Chicago offers free wifi.
Is the Freehand Chicago a pet-friendly hotel?
- Yes, the hotel allows dogs and cats only. They must weigh 75 lbs or less. Service animals are welcome.
Does the Freehand Chicago have a fitness center?
- Yes, there is a gym on the premises.
Can I smoke at the hotel?
- The hotel is a smoke-free property. No smoking.
Does Freehand Chicago provide lockers?
- Each quad bunk has a locker and you’ll need to bring your own lock. If you forget a lock, padlocks are for sale at the front desk. Private rooms have a safe.
Is there a 24-hour front desk?
- Yes.
Is there dry cleaning or laundry services?
- Yes, they offer both.
Does Freehand Chicago offer parking?
- Yes. There’s self-parking available at Row Self Park which is a garage located a half block away. The garage is on the left side of Ohio Street at 50 E Ohio St. Row Self Park vehicle ramps are at located on Ohio Street and Rush street. The fee to park is $49 per night per vehicle and includes in and out privileges. You will need to use this link to set up your parking reservation. All payments will be paid directly through the QR code to the garage itself. Freehand Chicago is not able to charge your room reservation or discount parking further.
What’s the distance between the hotel and Millennium Park?
- The distance is .8 mile via N Michigan Avenue.
What’s the distance between the Freehand Chicago and the Art Institute of Chicago?
- The distance between the hotel and the Art Institute of Chicago is 1.2 miles.
How far is it from the Freehand Chicago to O’Hare Airport?
- It is 16 miles between the two or a 22-min drive.
What’s the address of this Freehand hotel?
- 19 East Ohio Street
Also see: Our Best of the U.S. Bucket List series for all the notable and quintessential experiences in Chicago:
