Featuring a restaurant, Freehand Chicago is located in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Free WiFi access is available. Both the John Hancock Observatory and Millennium Park are within 0.
6 mi of the hotel. Offering both private and shared rooms, the property provides a seating area, desk and air conditioning. Linen and towels are provided as well.
Select rooms include a flat-screen TV. A 24-hour front desk welcomes guests to Freehand Chicago, which includes a shared lounge. Other amenities offered include lockers and luggage storage.
The Broken Shaker offers up signature cocktails and small bites in a relaxing and unique space. Cafe Integral serves Nicaraguan gourmet coffee and creative breakfast dishes. The hotel is a 2-minute walk away from the Magnificent Mile and a 10-minute walk from Water Tower Chicago.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is 16 mi away.
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7.2/10
Good
2403 Reviews
I love the style and atmosphere there, staff is super friendly and the location is perfect
Bathtub
Pay-per-view channels
Telephone
Fax
Hairdryer
Wake-up service/Alarm clock
Hot tub
Kitchenette
Spa tub
Refrigerator
Sitting area
DVD player
Microwave
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Walk-in closet
Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
Sauna
Private pool
Stovetop
Toaster
Game console
Game console - Xbox 360
Game console - PS3
Adapted bath
Roll-in shower
Infinity Pool
Bottle of water
Toothbrush
Shower cap
Fire extinguisher
Privacy curtain
Open-air bath
Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
Carbon monoxide detector
Free gym access
Access to private pool
Select dates to see prices
Superior Queen Room
1 large double bed
14.4mยฒ
Has window
Type: Double
Room all facilities
Bathtub
Pay-per-view channels
Telephone
Fax
Hairdryer
Wake-up service/Alarm clock
Hot tub
Kitchenette
Spa tub
Refrigerator
Sitting area
DVD player
Microwave
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Walk-in closet
Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
Sauna
Private pool
Stovetop
Toaster
Game console
Game console - Xbox 360
Game console - PS3
Adapted bath
Roll-in shower
Infinity Pool
Bottle of water
Toothbrush
Shower cap
Fire extinguisher
Privacy curtain
Open-air bath
Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
Carbon monoxide detector
Free gym access
Access to private pool
Room Description:
This room features a private en suite bathroom, work desk and flat-screen TV. It also includes free WiFi access.
Room Details
Superior King Room
1 extra-large double bed
17.19mยฒ
Type: Double
Bathtub
Pay-per-view channels
Telephone
Fax
Hairdryer
Wake-up service/Alarm clock
Hot tub
Kitchenette
Spa tub
Refrigerator
Sitting area
DVD player
Microwave
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Walk-in closet
Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
Sauna
Private pool
Stovetop
Toaster
Game console
Game console - Xbox 360
Game console - PS3
Adapted bath
Roll-in shower
Infinity Pool
Bottle of water
Toothbrush
Shower cap
Fire extinguisher
Privacy curtain
Open-air bath
Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
Carbon monoxide detector
Free gym access
Access to private pool
Select dates to see prices
Superior King Room
1 extra-large double bed
17.19mยฒ
Has window
Type: Double
Room all facilities
Bathtub
Pay-per-view channels
Telephone
Fax
Hairdryer
Wake-up service/Alarm clock
Hot tub
Kitchenette
Spa tub
Refrigerator
Sitting area
DVD player
Microwave
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Walk-in closet
Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
Sauna
Private pool
Stovetop
Toaster
Game console
Game console - Xbox 360
Game console - PS3
Adapted bath
Roll-in shower
Infinity Pool
Bottle of water
Toothbrush
Shower cap
Fire extinguisher
Privacy curtain
Open-air bath
Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
Carbon monoxide detector
Free gym access
Access to private pool
Room Description:
This room features a private en suite bathroom, work desk and flat-screen TV. It also includes free WiFi access.
Room Details
Private Quad
4 bunk beds
20.9mยฒ
Type: Quadruple
Bathtub
Pay-per-view channels
Hairdryer
Wake-up service/Alarm clock
Kitchenette
Spa tub
Sitting area
Microwave
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Walk-in closet
Sauna
Private pool
Game console
Game console - Xbox 360
Adapted bath
Roll-in shower
Infinity Pool
Bottle of water
Toothbrush
Shower cap
Fire extinguisher
Complimentary afternoon snacks and drinks in the executive lounge
Free gym access
Access to private pool
Select dates to see prices
Private Quad
4 bunk beds
20.9mยฒ
Has window
Type: Quadruple
Room all facilities
Bathtub
Pay-per-view channels
Hairdryer
Wake-up service/Alarm clock
Kitchenette
Spa tub
Sitting area
Microwave
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Walk-in closet
Sauna
Private pool
Game console
Game console - Xbox 360
Adapted bath
Roll-in shower
Infinity Pool
Bottle of water
Toothbrush
Shower cap
Fire extinguisher
Complimentary afternoon snacks and drinks in the executive lounge
Free gym access
Access to private pool
Room Description:
This quadruple room has a private en suite bathroom, air conditioning, work desk and seating area. It also includes free WiFi access.
Room Details
Bed in Quad
1 single bed
20.9mยฒ
Type: Bed in Dormitory
Bathtub
Pay-per-view channels
Hairdryer
Wake-up service/Alarm clock
Kitchenette
Spa tub
Sitting area
Microwave
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Walk-in closet
Slippers
Sauna
Private pool
Game console
Game console - Xbox 360
Adapted bath
Roll-in shower
Infinity Pool
Bottle of water
Toothbrush
Shower cap
Fire extinguisher
Complimentary afternoon snacks and drinks in the executive lounge
Free gym access
Access to private pool
Select dates to see prices
Bed in Quad
1 single bed
20.9mยฒ
Has window
Type: Bed in Dormitory
Room all facilities
Bathtub
Pay-per-view channels
Hairdryer
Wake-up service/Alarm clock
Kitchenette
Spa tub
Sitting area
Microwave
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Walk-in closet
Slippers
Sauna
Private pool
Game console
Game console - Xbox 360
Adapted bath
Roll-in shower
Infinity Pool
Bottle of water
Toothbrush
Shower cap
Fire extinguisher
Complimentary afternoon snacks and drinks in the executive lounge
Free gym access
Access to private pool
Room Description:
The 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.
Guest Score and Reviews
7.2/10
Good
2403 Reviews
Cleanliness
7.5
Facilities
7.6
Location
7.5
Service
6.9
Bailee
young couple
5.0
I love the style and atmosphere there, staff is super friendly and the location is perfect
The bed did not have a fitted sheet, there was a bandaid in the shower, also black mold everywhere. Over priced drinks at the broken shaker bar
May 2024
Bella
young couple
4.0
great location in the city
we arrive 45 minutes after our check-in and our room still wasn't ready. the man at the front desk was very rude and didn't apologize for the inconvenience or wait. we waited another 45 minutes to get into our room. we paid for a deluxe room (an upgraded cost from the queen standard) and we walked into a close-sized room. the photos online suggested there would be more room to walk around the space and settle in. with the chicken wire in the windows it felt like a prison cell. was overall very disappointed.
May 2024
Services & Facilities
Most popular facilities
Wheelchair accessible
Coffee shop
24-Hour Front Desk
Pets allowed (charges may apply)
Air conditioning in public area
Free Wi-Fi
Room Service
Air Conditioning
Hair dryer
More Amenities
Accessibility
Facilities For Disabled Guests Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Activities & Things to do
Entertainment Services
Nightclub/DJ
Fitness Activities
Fitness Center
Food & Drinks
Individually-wrapped Food Options
Bar
Restaurant(s)
Coffee Shop
Vending Machine
Happy Hour
General
24-Hour Front Desk
Express Check-In/Check-Out
Elevator
Non-smoking Property
Pets Allowed (charges May Apply)
Air Conditioning In Public Area
Heating In Public Area
Non-Smoking Rooms Available
Sanitation Procedures
Contactless Check-in/out
Daily Disinfection
Physical/social Distancing Guidelines
Protective Screen Or Physical Barriers In Appropriate Areas
Linens, Towels And Laundry Washed In Accordance With Local Authority Guidelines
Hand Sanitizer In Guest Accommodation And Key Areas
Hygiene Certification
Sterilizing Equipment
Body Thermometer Available
Staff Trained In Safety Protocol
Languages spoken
English
Spanish
Media & Technology
Mobile App For Room Service
Free Wi-Fi
Room Amenities
Cleaning Products Available
Window
Room Service
Safety Deposit Box
Air Conditioning
Hair Dryer
Shower
Room Towels Provided
Heating
Smoke Alarms
Shared Kitchen
Fire Extinguishers
Security
CCTV Security In Common Areas
Safety Chain And/or Latch On Doors Available
24-hour Security
Services and Conveniences
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Daily Housekeeping
Cashless Payment Available
Concierge Services
Designated Smoking Area
Invoices
ATM Or Cash Withdraw On Site
Laundry Services
Desk/workspace Available
Transportation
Parking Available (charges May Apply)
Parking Available
Taxi Service
Off-Site Parking
Health Services
First Aid Kit Available
Access To Health Care Professionals
Temperature Check For Guests And Staff
Business facilities
Meeting/Banquet Facilities
Show All Amenities
Property Policies
Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in:after 15:00
Check-out:before 12:00
Front Desk Hours: 24/7
Groups
When booking more than 6 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is needed) and costs USD 49 per day.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Children and extra bed policy
Children of any age are allowed.
Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
You haven't added any extra beds.
Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
Check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out can be done until 12:00.
Interesting place to explore in close proximity to the Hotel are ESPN Zone, Supernatural Chicago, Shops at Northbridge, Hard Rock Cafe, Terra Museum, Untouchable Tours, Musee Americain, Chicago Tribune Tower, Tribune Tower, McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum and others.
Protective Screen Or Physical Barriers In Appropriate Areas
Linens, Towels And Laundry Washed In Accordance With Local Authority Guidelines
Hand Sanitizer In Guest Accommodation And Key Areas
Hygiene Certification
Sterilizing Equipment
Body Thermometer Available
Staff Trained In Safety Protocol
Languages spoken
English
Spanish
Media & Technology
Mobile App For Room Service
Free Wi-Fi
Room Amenities
Cleaning Products Available
Window
Room Service
Safety Deposit Box
Air Conditioning
Hair Dryer
Shower
Room Towels Provided
Heating
Smoke Alarms
Shared Kitchen
Fire Extinguishers
Ironing Amenities
Telephone
Kitchenware
Toiletries Provided
Family Rooms
Linens
Fireplace
Security
CCTV Security In Common Areas
Safety Chain And/or Latch On Doors Available
24-hour Security
Services and Conveniences
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Daily Housekeeping
Cashless Payment Available
Concierge Services
Designated Smoking Area
Invoices
ATM Or Cash Withdraw On Site
Laundry Services
Desk/workspace Available
Transportation
Parking Available (charges May Apply)
Parking Available
Taxi Service
Off-Site Parking
Health Services
First Aid Kit Available
Access To Health Care Professionals
Temperature Check For Guests And Staff
Business facilities
Meeting/Banquet Facilities
All Guest Score and Reviews
7.2/10
Good
2403 Reviews
Cleanliness
7.5
Facilities
7.6
Location
7.5
Service
6.9
Bailee
young couple
5.0
I love the style and atmosphere there, staff is super friendly and the location is perfect
The bed did not have a fitted sheet, there was a bandaid in the shower, also black mold everywhere. Over priced drinks at the broken shaker bar
May 2024
Bella
young couple
4.0
great location in the city
we arrive 45 minutes after our check-in and our room still wasn't ready. the man at the front desk was very rude and didn't apologize for the inconvenience or wait. we waited another 45 minutes to get into our room. we paid for a deluxe room (an upgraded cost from the queen standard) and we walked into a close-sized room. the photos online suggested there would be more room to walk around the space and settle in. with the chicken wire in the windows it felt like a prison cell. was overall very disappointed.
May 2024
Zarin
with friends
4.0
The behaviour of staff
The room
May 2024
Silvana
young couple
10.0
Amazing staff! Great location! Clean room, updated bathroom and comfortable bed.
The bar drinks were outrageously expensive
May 2024
Kaleb
family with young children
7.0
Great location, beautiful bathrooms and lobby, and a great price.
This is my third time staying there. The first two times were excellent. This time, however, our room smelled. The curtains to the bunk beds were also stained. I had to body slam myself against the door for it to open or close, but I understand that it's an old building.
May 2024
Doris
family with young children
9.0
We did not eat breakfast there but the location was perfect. We really enjoyed the stay at Freehand Chicago. Staff was very nice and helpful. Thank you
Nothing all was perfect. It was a great pleasurable stay.
May 2024
Rovic
solo traveller
3.0
The location was really convenient. It was so close to everything.
There was a smell in the front lobby and downstairs. I have also been trying to refund something from them and Booking.com contacted them. Someone at the reception said sheโll put in a note to refund my female dorm room that I could not use. Nothing has come out of this. Itโs honestly annoying. Next time Iโm visiting, I wonโt pick this place and just go for a decent and more expensive location.
May 2024
Alina
solo traveller
8.0
Loved the room in terms of sectioning, really comfortable beds + room for 4 women had their own bathroom, which is great!
No fridge, kind of dirty rooms, tons of stains on everything, and lamp didn't work. Also, lots of crazy people around the hotel, so if you're a woman be cautious of men around you
May 2024
Jennifer
group
1.0
Very dirty and small. I was not aware it was a dorm style stay- wasnโt very clear. The reception staff was very rude
May 2024
Juanita
family with young children
10.0
The staff were incredibly kind and helpful, I booked the incorrect room type but was quickly given assistance with changing my reservation.
No dislikes
May 2024
Frankiemendoza
group
10.0
the bed was great, the size of the room was alright, i expected a little bigger for a "superier room" but it was okay.
the view sucked.
May 2024
Sofia
solo traveller
1.0
Bathroom was nice and clean
Good location
Worst hostel stay ever.
I've been to over 30 hostels and this one, although nice and clean, the attitude of the staff was absolutely awful.
I was sharing a room with 3 other individuals. However on the last night a new lady came in and decided that at 8am she would make a loud phone call and when asked to please talk a little quieter as there were others also sleeping an argument ensued.
After this staff came to my bed and explained there are no quiet hours and if I wanted a quiet room I should have booked a private room. I challenged this and asked if i was to make a loud call at 3am would this be acceptable as there are no quiet hours. It was absolutely ridiculous.
I have been to many hostels and courtesy and respect is pinnacle for a good stay at a hostel. The staff just continued to show attitude and say to me that I was in the wrong to tell someone who was making a loud phone call inn the early hours to pipe down.
There should be clear rules to explain to others that they should try to be quiet in the rooms as people use them to sleep in, not to socailise in. There is a lobby area for people to make loud phone calls not bedrooms.
May 2024
Esther
solo traveller
4.0
Good location
Small room, limited in-room facilities (no kettle or fridge), and very dingy. Very little space, even as a single occupant. Lamps were broken when I arrived, though were replaced as soon as I reported. The window was directly in front of a multi-storey car park, at such close proximity that cars are effectively parked gazing into your room. Not super impressed.
May 2024
Stephmurillo
young couple
5.0
Location
They help me with a fridge to storage a medication.
Room was okay for the value, however roommates were really dirty, food trash hair clothes everywhere all around the room, seems like nobody clean that room for weeks.
There is $50 deposit ( no cash) for your stay, amount its reversed within 5-7 business days.
The building it's pretty old and a bit dark ( probably part of the Hotel theme)
No microwave or fridge to storage food/drinks ( like in all other hostels)
Bed was okay
Poor internet connection.
May 2024
Hallie
solo traveller
10.0
Great staff great room
Everything was wonderful
May 2024
Mejia
family with young children
5.0
The room was clean and the person at the front desk in the morning was very nice.
We were not told to expect loud construction noises in the morning and were woken up by it at 8:30 am. They were removing the carpet and it was extremely loud, not to mention that the dust from the carpet removal is a public health hazard. It was quite disturbing. The least they could have done was warn us about it.
No ventilation in the rooms, seems like they allow homeless people to stay there so there was a decent amount of them.
May 2024
Natalie
young couple
10.0
Good price for the quality of the room
May 2024
Macully
group
7.0
Location is great, price is very low in comparison to surrounding hotels.
Very very dirty. Stains on curtains & walls, looks like they never clean under or behind the beds.
May 2024
Nadiezdas
solo traveller
10.0
I really loved the location and the vibe that the Freehand Chicago have.
May 2024
Elise
solo traveller
8.0
There are a lot of nice things to say about this hostel. Itโs clean. Itโs very cosy and in the middle of Chicago city center. It has a FREE gym downstairs.
The room is small and the bathroom doesnโt have enough light. The rest is good.
May 2024
Stanisลaw
young couple
7.0
Very good vibes in the common lobby and cafรฉ. Very nice bathroom in the room. There is also small gym in the building which is a plus.
Room was a bit small, but cosy.
May 2024
Roopali
solo traveller
7.0
Location and cleanliness
Staff and facilities
May 2024
Marica
group
7.0
Very central and comfortable beds.
Bad smell in the hallways and room, pretty dirty (you could see dust and a few hair as soon as we got in so it wasnโt our) and the shower was extremely small (Iโm 5โ3โโ and 115lbs and still had a hard time).
May 2024
Jackie
young couple
9.0
The lobby was just as cool looking as it is in photos, the staff was very nice and helpful. The room was clean and I liked the decor. The size kind of reminded me of a hotel we stayed at in Paris, smaller but nice. The bed was surprisingly comfortable and I liked all of the smaller light options. The location was very convenient for the red line and walking to other areas.
I didn't like that we couldn't control the AC unit. They gave us fresh batteries but I think the remote was broken. But this is something that can easily be fixed.
May 2024
Humberto
group
10.0
We loved the location, the staff was super friendly and it was really easy to check in and check out.
Maybe the smell of the lobby.
May 2024
Reece
family with young children
3.0
The location was excellent for our purpose.
Many things:the room was cramp, inadequate spacing to put necessary personal items. There were no windows. It was clean, but dingy. Loud music was blaring constantly on the main floor.
May 2024
Alberto
solo traveller
5.0
Location very good. Staff kind common areas well prepared.
Smell of the room!
It was a very unpleasant smell of the rooms.
May 2024
Artur
solo traveller
10.0
Excellent hotel, perfect location just right in downtown area of Chicago. The beds are very comfortable and the washroom is spacious and modern. The staff is excellent, especially the front desk team. Always friendly and ready to assist with any enquiry during the stay!
May 2024
Maciej
group
5.0
Hotel is in the good location, close to everywhere and it is a cheap option.
Rooms are very small and are not to clean. Sofa was disgusting. Bathroom was nice.
May 2024
Priscilla
young couple
4.0
Location, staff friendliness, and bar environment
Lack of cleanliness of room and elevator being slow
May 2024
Ronald
review category business travellers
1.0
I donโt like anything
They put me in the same room with a random people thatโs not good idk how I could take a shower when idk whoโs the other person
May 2024
Naradith
solo traveller
8.0
LOVE THE VIEWS
Bad smell of blanket probably is a used blanket.
May 2024
Oliveira
with friends
7.0
Easy to find, close to a lot of things
May 2024
Muriel
family with young children
9.0
It was a lively space, comfortable beds and such a convenient location for someone exploring the city for the first time. Parking was also convenient.
Even the private rooms are so dimly lit, it was hard to see sometimes! And the elevators can get pretty congested.
May 2024
Steven
solo traveller
10.0
The bunks were clean and exceedingly comfortable. The others in my room were respectful and clean - not disruptive in the least. A very good value and excellent location. I highly recommend the quad room option to all travelers.
May 2024
Lingru
young couple
6.0
Location and price
Small and Dark. Kind of going back to the year of 30โs
May 2024
Caterina
group
5.0
Strategic location a very well accommodation system.
We had a very small queen bedroom and too dark! Barely no sunlight
May 2024
Ana
group
9.0
The location was super excellent! Walkable to so many things, a train station close by, downtown a short ride or train away. Staff was super friendly and helpful. The breakfast available downstairs was also very convenient!
We stayed in a quad with only three people, even then, it was still a bit cramped in the room. The location was totally worth it though!
June 2024
Pervez
solo traveller
8.0
Itโs clean and well managed.
Very low light and no proper sitting place for guest.
June 2024
Geethika
solo traveller
3.0
Privacy curtains
Staff behavior is rude. No proper, toiletries, no lighting in the room, very congested passage for certain rooms.
June 2024
Hanneliese
solo traveller
9.0
The location
the beds could be more comfortable.
June 2024
Chris
group
7.0
2nd floor since the elevator is so slow. Clean room with just enough space. Decent sized bathroom / shower. Good not shower with good pressure.
waited all day for some housekeeping which never came. Security- really gotta check that the room door closes & locks. TV signal usually didn't work- had to try to connect a few times for it to work.
June 2024
Tae
solo traveller
8.0
Good price for the location
Two people constantly stored. Concierge should provide tape for mouth breathers or assign those people in separate rooms.
June 2024
Jason
group
9.0
The room was super cool, loved the lighting and the color of tiles for bathroom.
The cold water in the bathroom sink didnโt work so the water was always scalding hot. Shower wasnโt cleaned as there were fake eyelashes all over the shower when we showed up.
June 2024
Randy
young couple
8.0
I liked that it was convenient in location.
Room Size, Bed Not Comfortable, you hear everything and everyone in neighboring rooms.
Three tries to get me checked into a room, and had brown spots on the comforter. Try 1 was insaneโฆ Try 2 was preference of proximity to not be beside the elevator, Try 3 was better and with a few more sqft.
June 2024
Umair
solo traveller
8.0
Nice location. Good general facilities and comfortable. Pleasant staff. Smooth online check-in and check-out. Overall nice and would stay here again. Reasonable pricing wise.
Curtains, carpet, sofa/cushions need a face lift and cleaning. Noisy lobby. You get what you pay for !!!
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