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Freehand Chicago

eeee - (888) 420-1641
Freehand Chicago, 19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL -(888) 420-1641
Area: Downtown - River North
(Map)
3.6
HOTEL RATING: 
GOOD
3.6 out of 5 (2292 Ratings)
2.7 miles The Salt Shed Chicago
v8 mins driving
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - (888) 420-1641
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The Spotlight on Freehand Chicago

Stylish Hostel Vibe in the Heart of Chicago

Modern, creative, and full of character, Freehand Chicago blends boutique hotel comfort with a social hostel atmosphere. Located in the trendy River North neighborhood, it's just steps from the Magnificent Mile and within walking distance of some of the city’s best music venues and nightlife. With both private and shared rooms, it’s a flexible and budget-friendly option for music fans visiting the city.

Whether you’re here for a weekend show or a quick overnight after a concert, Freehand’s casual charm and convenience make it a solid home base for exploring Chicago’s music scene.

Why Concert-goers love it

Location is everything, and Freehand Chicago nails it. You’re just a short walk or quick rideshare from several major venues, plus the 24-hour front desk makes late arrivals a breeze. The vibe is lively but not too loud, and the communal areas offer a great way to meet fellow travelers without sacrificing sleep. Flexible check-out (by noon) means you can recover comfortably after a late night out.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for shared room options with a social vibe
  • Solo travelers catching a once-in-a-lifetime show
  • Couples wanting a cool, urban weekend escape
  • Fans needing a quiet corner to crash after the encore
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who still want style and amenities

Food and Drink Options

The on-site Broken Shaker bar is a local favorite, serving up award-winning cocktails and small bites in a relaxed setting — ideal for a pre-show drink or a nightcap. For early risers (or late sleepers), Café Integral offers high-quality Nicaraguan coffee and breakfast dishes to fuel your day. While there’s no room service, the hotel is surrounded by dozens of eateries within walking distance, many open late.

Nightlife Options

Freehand's own Broken Shaker is a destination in itself, frequently listed among Chicago’s best cocktail bars. You’re also just blocks from some of the city’s hottest lounges, rooftop bars, and live music spots — no need to go far to keep the night going.

What People Say

Guests love the hotel’s unique style, friendly staff, and unbeatable location. Reviews highlight the clean rooms, communal vibe, and great value for money. Many travelers say it’s perfect for meeting people or relaxing after a night out, and the coffee bar gets regular praise.

Areas for Improvement

Some guests note that the shared rooms can get noisy, especially on weekends — something to keep in mind if you're a light sleeper. Also, while the rooms are stylish, they’re on the cozier side, so pack light if you're sharing space.

The Bottom Line

Freehand Chicago is a hip, affordable base for concert-goers who want great location, cool vibes, and a place to crash that’s as fun as the show itself.
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4
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7
1 room
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2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
E
Fitness Center
w
Non Smoking
r
Pets Allowed
q
Accessible
x
Free Breakfast
j
Free Parking
u
Swimming Pool
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
Other Amenities
` Meeting/Banquet Facilities
` Room Service
` Safety Deposit Box
` Air Conditioning
` Bar
` 24-Hour Front Desk
` Express Check-In/Check-Out
` Elevator
` Coffee shop
` Nightclub/DJ
` Shared kitchen
` Wheelchair accessible
` vending machine
` kitchenware
` 24-hour security
` Concierge services
` Designated Smoking Area
` Family Rooms
` Fireplace
` Free Wi-Fi
` Off-Site parking
` Restaurant(s)
` Daily Housekeeping
` English
` Spanish
` Happy Hour
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Parking Available
` taxi service
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Mobile app for room service
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Invoices
` Access to health care professionals
` Hygiene certification
` Sterilizing equipment
` Staff trained in safety protocol
` Temperature check for guests and staff
` Contactless check-in/out
` ATM or cash withdraw on site
` Body thermometer available
` CCTV security in common areas
` Daily disinfection
` Entertainment services
` Facilities for disabled guests available
` Fitness center
` Ironing amenities
` Laundry services
` Luggage storage & lockers
` Non-smoking property
` Safety chain and/or latch on doors available
` Separate shower/bathtub
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Individually-wrapped food options
` Air conditioning in public area
` Heating in public area
` Cleaning products available
` Pets allowed (charges may apply)
` Parking available (charges may apply)

Freehand Chicago Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Good (3.6 out of 5)

Write a review

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Kshe Wed, 9 July 2025

Exceptional

1

Poor - 1.0 out of 5

Thornton Wed, 9 July 2025

Very poor

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Anonymous Wed, 9 July 2025

Did not stay there since...

Liked: There was nothing good about the property. The staff was rude and they said we have booked shared room. We showed them our reservation receipt where nothing was mentioned about the shared room. They said its not their concern and asked us to pay $350.
Disliked: This hotel is a scam and they will book you shared room without telling you and when you go there for checkin they ask you for a lot of money.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Marcus Tue, 8 July 2025

Exceptional

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Laura Tue, 8 July 2025

Dirty, unsafe, and overpriced.

Liked: The location was great and the staff were friendly.
Disliked: Our room was filthy. I could draw in the dust on some of the furniture. My husband found a peanut in his supposedly clean bed. My daughter found pills on the floor. The hotel did not feel safe a secure. The elevator is not visible to staff from the front desk and people travel through the main hallway past the main elevators to the bar at all hours. We saw many other guests swiping people up the elevators who did not have keys. There are no extra locks on the room doors beyond the key card lock. We left a day early because I was so uncomfortable with the hotel.

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Ricardo Tue, 8 July 2025

Disappointing

Disliked: The supervisor behaved very badly with me and gave me a bad time.

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Rebekah Mon, 7 July 2025

Would stay here again for...

Liked: The vibe, cool music playing, location
Disliked: Room was super dusty and a little dirty. The lights in the bathroom were so dim, could not apply my makeup well the whole time. Dj on Saturday night was so loud, the 13th floor still could hear the bass until 1:30 am. Some of the staff acted annoyed if you needed a coffee in the morning, or to wait on you for a quick appetizer order.

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Sarah Mon, 7 July 2025

Great vibes in a unique...

Liked: Excellent location, wonderful historic building, neat decor. The bar and restaurant are both great, and the front desk staff were so welcoming and cheerful.
Disliked: Our first morning we waited almost an hour for our breakfast to be made, only to be told that the kitchen was no longer serving food. This was the weekend of the marathon and Beyoncé concert so they were beyond busy, but better communication would have made a better experience.

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Sourabh Mon, 7 July 2025

Disappointing

Liked: I like the staff, facilities and bar.
Disliked: Some guy made out on the top bunk while I was sleeping. Wtf

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Kim Sun, 6 July 2025

Good

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Freehand Chicago 19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL