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Freehand Chicago

eeee - (888) 323-5826
Freehand Chicago, 19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL -(888) 323-5826
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) 323-5826
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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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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

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Anonymous Wed, 23 July 2025

unexpected

Liked: Goo clean and linnens were good and better than expected for the price
Disliked: The fact that there were other people in the room that I could not control is the challenge. It would be better if I had some basic information about who else is in the room For example. basic information that the person would want to share given the circumstances. This would help in choosing the room and choosing if I wanted to book or not.

2.5

Fair - 2.5 out of 5

Shu-wen Tue, 22 July 2025

Not perfect but not too...

Liked: Location, and leaving the luggage at the front desk for free after checking out.
Disliked: Everything is old, the elevator sounds dangerous. The bed is not 100% clean. Remember to bring your own lock if you need to use the locker in the room.

1

Poor - 1.0 out of 5

Jerrold Mon, 21 July 2025

Very poor

Disliked: The customers service at the desk was terrible. A young lady with an attitude. I travel frequently so I know what to expect.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Mishire Mon, 21 July 2025

Very good

Liked: The style of the bunk bed
Disliked: Dust on the bed and the air conditioner.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Priscilla Sun, 20 July 2025

Great place for a short...

Liked: Freehand is a good looking place with great character. My room was high up on the 9th floor so I barely heard anything from the streets below. The hallways were quiet during the night and the room was spacey enough for two nights.
Disliked: It felt a bit impersonal because of the size of the place.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Sophia Sun, 20 July 2025

Exceptional

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Liliana Sat, 19 July 2025

Superb

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Ezequiel Thu, 17 July 2025

A great place to stay...

Liked: It's located very close to the Magnificent Mile.
Disliked: They had one elevator broken and the remaining was very too slow, always crowded, almost 10 minutes waiting to go down.They have lockers in the room but they extra charge you for the padlock

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Gujadhur Thu, 17 July 2025

Good

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Deniz Thu, 17 July 2025

Exceptional

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Freehand Chicago 19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL