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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)
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Freehand Chicago Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Good (3.6 out of 5)

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2.5

Fair - 2.5 out of 5

Stephen Fri, 1 August 2025

Funky and friendly was not...

Liked: The hotel vibe and decor are great. The staff is super friendly. The location is excellent.
Disliked: The air conditioning was not strong enough to cool the room below the mid 70s which is too warm for me to sleep. They brought a fan but then I had a fan blowing in my face. For housekeeping you have to put a “tidy me” sign on the door but despite that no one ever came. When I asked for new towels they left them on the bed but didn’t take any of the dirty towels. The room was not super clean to begin with and there was visible mold in the shower.

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Shanawaz Fri, 1 August 2025

Bad

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Leah Thu, 31 July 2025

Very good

Liked: The property was nice, very relaxed electric atmosphere with bar and restaurant down stairs but we did not avail of them. The room was a private quad, it suited our needs for our short trip to Chicago. Room was a small space but I’m sure that’s normal for a hostel, just not a lot of room to put suitcases away. Bathroom and beds were clean, although I did find socks at the end of my bed that were not mine… it was a bit concerning. We asked for towels to our room a reception one morning, and when the staff member arrived with our towels they walked straight into our room using the key card. They did not knock. We were in our pyjamas getting prepared for the day. The hostel staff member briefly apologised and handed us our towels. But who doesn’t knock on door? As three girls travelling this made us feel a bit uncomfortable. Besides that, felt like a safe hostel with security during night hours.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Elizabeth Mon, 28 July 2025

Some Room for Improvement, but...

Liked: The decor, ambiance, staff, other guests, and location were all phenomenal. Have stayed there before, would stay there again.
Disliked: Seemed like there was a bit of mold in the hostel shower, on the ceiling. The price for a single bed in a shared room was also too high, at $140 ($170 with fees) for a single Friday night.

2.5

Fair - 2.5 out of 5

Anonymous Sun, 27 July 2025

Passable

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Erika Sun, 27 July 2025

Great for a quick stay....

Liked: Good value for money
Disliked: Only two lifts me at waiting but nothing other than that.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Mark Sun, 27 July 2025

Very good

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Anonymous Sat, 26 July 2025

Good

2.5

Fair - 2.5 out of 5

Starkley Sat, 26 July 2025

Passable

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Rachel Sat, 26 July 2025

Disappointing

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Freehand Chicago 19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
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