Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago Overview

First Impressions

Walking into Freehand Chicago, you immediately get the sense this isn’t your typical corporate hotel. The lobby has this cool, eclectic vibe — think vintage furniture mixed with modern art, and there’s always something interesting happening. It’s the kind of place where you might find yourself chatting with fellow travelers from around the world, which honestly makes the whole experience feel more authentic. The staff here actually seems to enjoy their jobs, and you can tell they know the neighborhood inside and out.

Location & Neighborhood

You really can’t beat this spot in River North — I mean, you’re literally steps away from everything that makes Chicago great. The Magnificent Mile is right there when you want to shop, but you’re also close enough to walk to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. What I love about this location is that it feels central without being touristy, you know? You can grab coffee at a local spot in the morning and still make it to Navy Pier or Millennium Park without any hassle. Couples especially seem to love wandering around this area — there’s something romantic about those tree-lined streets.

The Room Experience

The room design is where Freehand really shows its personality. Each space feels thoughtfully put together with local artwork and furnishings that actually have character — none of that generic hotel chain stuff. The beds are surprisingly comfortable (I was a bit skeptical at first), and the bathrooms are clean and modern. Some rooms have these great city views, and if you’re lucky enough to snag one facing north, the skyline shots are pretty incredible, especially at sunset.

Social Scene & Amenities

What sets this four-star hotel apart is the social atmosphere — there’s a rooftop bar that locals actually frequent, which tells you something about the quality. The common areas are designed for mingling, and there’s often live music or events happening. The restaurant downstairs serves solid food with a focus on local ingredients, and their cocktail program is honestly better than some dedicated bars I’ve been to. It’s the kind of place where you might come down for one drink and end up staying for three because you’ve struck up a conversation with someone interesting.

Why Guests Love It

This hotel works because it strikes that perfect balance between comfort and character. You’re getting quality accommodations in an unbeatable location, but you’re also getting an experience that feels uniquely Chicago. The fact that couples rate the location so highly tells you everything — when you’re exploring a city together, you want to be in the thick of things, and River North delivers on that. Plus, the staff genuinely cares about making sure you discover the best of what the neighborhood has to offer, often pointing you toward hidden gems you’d never find on your own.

Freehand Chicago Accommodations

Reviews of Freehand Chicago

• Claudia from Chile (8/10)

  If you have a visa appointment with the Chinese embassy, this is a great location. I came from a way worse hostel before, so changing to this one was very nice.

• Eun from United States (7/10)

  Convenient location right near the subway and some famous restaurants (Uno, Portillo’s), and walkable to the riverside walkway. Good for traveling as a small group, which allows you to book a private dormitory style room with your own bathroom. Bathroom was clean.

• Kathryn from United States (7/10)

  Great location, really friendly and professional staff

• Catherine from United States (7/10)

  The bed was comfortable and the bathroom was nice and everything met my expectations in terms of cleanliness.

• Susan from United States (6/10)

  It was in a good location for where we needed to be in the city. They helped us to get a new room when the first was insufficient. The shower somehow was terrific.

• Jessica from Canada (8/10)

  Great location. Comfortable beds. Nice small shower.
  Staff was really nice and welcoming.

• Nicolò from Switzerland (7/10)

  The location is amazing as well as the bar on ground floor

• Truong from Japan (7/10)

  The hostel is near the center. It is easy to walk to Chicago River and the board tour. It is also near the subway station. I can easily move to the airport even early in the morning.
  It is also near a supermarket. You will have an option to buy food, drinks here instead of having meals in restaurants. In the other hands, it is also near some of the must try food's restaurant such as Chicago Pizza or hotdog.

• Constanze from Germany (7/10)

  Location is very central, close to subway. Friendly atmosphere.

• Battulga from United States (6/10)

Facilities