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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
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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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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

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Jenny Fri, 8 August 2025

Good

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Joonas Fri, 8 August 2025

Exceptional

Liked: location, vibe
Disliked: slow elevator

2.5

Fair - 2.5 out of 5

Livernash Thu, 7 August 2025

Was an okay stay but...

Liked: Great locationComfortable bed Nice shower and shampoo/soap
Disliked: You have to pay $60 extra for parking and no breakfast. I could’ve stayed one block over for the same price and parking and breakfast were included. There was garbage behind the desk in the room. Only two of the outlets in the room worked. The bathrooms are so small you can’t open the door all the way without it hitting the sink. The staff behind the counter weren’t very helpful. Also, we believe we lost quite a valuable item while we were there and when we asked if they had found it, they told us to use a website to ask cleaning ladies. Still have never heard anything back about it either.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

John Thu, 7 August 2025

Very good

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Dsguy2 Wed, 6 August 2025

interesting and different. I didn't...

Liked: the hotel room itself was different then i expected with it being set up like a loft. it was a bit of a shock to be sharing the room with people I wasn't expecting to but it wasn't a problem for any of us. But offering combo locks to secure the lockers would be a nice piece of mind comfort that was offered. I knew my room didn't have a meal plan but i still expected a mini fridge but it just meant I had to get creative with food and i couldn't store anything that needed to be kept under room temp or long term.
Disliked: I knew my room didn't have a meal plan when i was booking but i still expected a mini fridge but it just meant I had to get creative with food and i couldn't store anything that needed to be kept under room temp or long term.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Kandice Wed, 6 August 2025

Very good

Liked: comfortable beds and quiet rooms if you request one. I also liked that each room had its own bathroom vs a communal bathroom
Disliked: rooms are really small

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Renaud Tue, 5 August 2025

Good

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Jonas Tue, 5 August 2025

Disappointing

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

B.fred Mon, 4 August 2025

Great location in Chicago

Liked: Great location. Beds are clean and comfortable. Nice common space downstairs.
Disliked: Bathroom is tiny, not well maintained, and flooded. Couch in the room is filthy. Incredibly expensive for a shared room.

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Lane Mon, 4 August 2025

Superb

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Freehand Chicago 19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL