Freehand Chicago

4.0 star property
Art Deco hotel with 24-hour fitness centre and 24-hour front desk

Photo gallery for Freehand Chicago

Cocktail bar
Property preview
Reception
Cocktail bar
Interior

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Parking available
The current price is NZ$131
includes taxes & fees
8 Jan - 9 Jan 2026

Explore the area

View map
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL, 60611
  • Place, Michigan Avenue
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Water Tower Place
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Room options

Private Quadruple Room, 4 Twin Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Beds

Shared Dormitory, 1 Single Bed (Co-Ed Dorm with 4 Beds)

7.8 out of 10
Good
(65 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Shared Dormitory, 1 Single Bed (Female Dorm with 4 Beds)

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(29 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Classic Queen Room (Private)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(77 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

King Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
  • 17 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Premium Queen Room (Private)

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Premium Room, 1 King Bed

7.6 out of 10
Good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • 17 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Premium Private Quadruple Room, 4 Twin Beds

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Beds

Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

King Room

  • Sleeps 2

Quadruple Room, Women only

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Beds

Premium King Room

  • Sleeps 2

Premium Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

Private Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4

Bed In Shared Quad

  • Sleeps 1

Bed In Female Shared Quad

  • Sleeps 1

Private Female Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4

Private Premium Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4

Bed In 4 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 4

Bed In Shared Quad Dorm

  • Sleeps 1

Penthouse Suite

  • Sleeps 6

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About the area

Chicago

Freehand Chicago puts you in the heart of Chicago, steps from Chinese Consulate and within a 10-minute stroll of Holy Name Cathedral. Highlights at this Art Deco hotel include a restaurant, a 24-hour gym and a bar/lounge. .Broken Shaker serves local cuisine. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a gym and a coffee shop/cafe. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Sights within a 10-minute walk of this 4-property class Downtown Chicago hotel include Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

What's nearby

  • Michigan Avenue - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Water Tower Place - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Chicago Riverwalk - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Merchandise Mart - 11 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

  • Grand Station (Red Line) - 2 min walk
  • Millennium Station - 14 min walk
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Eataly - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bally's Casino - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪UNO Pizzeria & Grill - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Weber Grill Restaurant - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Freehand Chicago

Art Deco hotel with 24-hour fitness centre and 24-hour front desk
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe and a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. A 24-hour fitness centre, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at Freehand Chicago. For a fee, parking is available.

This Art Deco Chicago hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 217 guestrooms or units
  • 17 levels
  • Built in 1927
  • Deli
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • ATM
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Freehand Chicago offers 217 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and a hairdryer. Beds feature premium bedding. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access.

Bathrooms include a shower. Business-friendly amenities include telephones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Hypo-allergenic bedding and an iron/ironing board can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site (USD 49 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Broken Shaker
  • Cafe Integral

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Lift
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 building
  • 17 floors
  • Art Deco architecture
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1927
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests booking the Standard Shared Dormitory rooms are only booking 1 bed per person, per night.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 75 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 1 (weight limit: 75 lb per pet)
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 3 children 1 year old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 50 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Self-parking fee: USD 49 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet fee: USD 75 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Only bookings from non-local guests are accepted; guests whose residence is within 50 mi (80 km) of the property will not be allowed to check in
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB International, Union Pay and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. Only bookings from non-local guests are accepted. Guests whose residence is within 50 mi (80 km) of the property will not be allowed to check in. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

Property Registration Number 60611, 60611, Hotel License

We should mention

  • Up to 3 children aged 1 year old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Freehand Chicago Hotel
Freehand Hotel
Freehand Chicago
Freehand
Freehand Hotel Chicago
Freehand Chicago Hotel
Freehand Chicago Chicago
Freehand Chicago Hotel Chicago

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Freehand Chicago?

Freehand Chicago offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Freehand Chicago?

As of 31 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Freehand Chicago on 8 Jan 2026 start from NZ$131.21, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Freehand Chicago?

Yep, Freehand Chicago has a self car park with in/out privileges for USD 49 per night. A self car park is also available, for a fee.

Are there any beaches close to Freehand Chicago?

The closest beach to Freehand Chicago is Oak Street Beach (1.3 km).

What makes Freehand Chicago a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Freehand Chicago.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Freehand Chicago?

No, Freehand Chicago does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Freehand Chicago?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves local cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Freehand Chicago?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Freehand Chicago Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 1225 out of 2673 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 651 out of 2673 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 372 out of 2673 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 192 out of 2673 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 233 out of 2673 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cody

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quirky cozy and clean. Perfect for our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bettina

Worth the try

This is my first experience with a shared room and I was pleasantly surprised. The room was very nice , and I slept so good. The room was set for four but there was only 2 of us and we both slept good . We had privacy while in bed I will go again
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Heiline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I stayed in a shared quad with females, The room wasn’t bad for the price they do however need to install more lighting in the rooms because there was only one light working in the room plus the one in the bathroom so the room was very dark. The staff are great!!! They were super helpful answered all my question and they were very friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Ross, Toronto

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

jonathan

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
(Private queen room) the room was small but very comfortable. Everyone was very nice and friendly. Would absolutely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great Experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Vanessa, Muscatine

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel, room, and hallways smelled of cigarettes and mildew. We booked a queen bed, the bed was clearly a twin xL. The floor was damp. The bedding was stained / dirty. The window shade was broken and stained / moldy. There were water stains on the wall under the window. The hot shower water was luke warm. The room was hot and the AC unit barely worked. The lamp plug in was extremely loose and did not even work. A "clean" bathroom towel had a black stain on it. The location was noisy and the walls were like paper thin because we could hear the people next to us. The bed was not comfortable, it was hard. A refund was refused. I recommend paying extra to stay elsewhere. If you do stay here, use Spot Hero to book a parking garage spot so its not $50 to park.
Blankets were dirty/stained.
Blankets were dirty/stained.
Window shade was broken.
Window shade was dirty, stained and it looked like mold.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Rodrigo, Houston

Liked: Staff & service
I was not aware that it was a motel/hostal
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Javier

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s the cheapest hotel in downtown for a reason. Everything is just passable. The staff is cool, very friendly and helpful, but the room itself was dusty and way too dark. I had to use my phone light to see in the middle of the day. But you get what you pay for. Cool vibe in the bar downstairs, but again, way too dark. Parking also sucks big time.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort

Good for 3 nights

The price was right, the location excellent for shopping, riverwalk, other attractions within walking distance. The rooms are tiny, the bar and breakfast inconsistent. The mattress was terrible and needs to be replaced. The lobby area is beautifully refurbished and a place to spend time reading, or on the computer because the rooms are too small for that. The woven light fixtures need to be vacuumed. The lighting in the bathroom was not sufficient for makeup application but the shower was wonderful. It was a good fit for a 3 night stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Lindsay

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really liked the vibe and location, easy walk to many Classic Chicago scenes. My room was very clean but small and dark. The sink faucet and shower head both leaked. Both should be monitored and repaired in order to maintain an environmental consciousness.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were clean and staff were always happy to help
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mariah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great deal, is as expected.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great walkable location to all the sights!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience. Staff is very helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ogie

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Double charged me
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

matthew

I don’t think the place was worth $200 a night. Very cramped and not that well-kept.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Esteban

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beau

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Debbie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was tiny, and decorated like a summer camp bunk. Lots of wood. A piece of trim on the bathroom door fell off and there was a wall lamp dangling as if it could fall any time. The air conditioning barely worked and the room was stuffy. The bed, while comfortable, was not a standard height -- closer to the height of an air mattress. But the biggest concern was that the door to the room was tight and VERY difficult to open and in the event of fire we would have had great difficulty getting out quickly.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

John

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
The information about shared accommodations with other people is very poor, and I didn't want to use the reserved accommodation.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025