Freehand Chicago

4.0 star property
4-star Art Deco hotel near Chinese Consulate

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Freehand Chicago

Cocktail bar
Reception
Interior detail
Cocktail bar
Interior

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Pet friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a 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 Quad

7.8 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)
  • 225 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

Bed in Shared Quad Dorm

7.8 out of 10
Good
(64 reviews)
  • 225 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Bed in Shared Quad Female Dorm

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(28 reviews)
  • 225 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Queen

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(77 reviews)
  • 155 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

King

  • 185 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Premium Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • 165 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Premium King

7.6 out of 10
Good
(5 reviews)
  • 185 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Premium Private Quad

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 225 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

King Room

  • Sleeps 2

Private Female Quad

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin 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 neighborhood

Chicago

Central Chicago getaway .You'll be steps from Chinese Consulate and within a 10-minute walk of Holy Name Cathedral with a stay at this Downtown Chicago hotel. Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s and Northwestern Memorial Hospital are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • State Street - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Michigan Avenue - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Water Tower Place - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Chicago Riverwalk - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Grand Station (Red Line) - 2 min walk
  • Millennium Station - 14 min walk
  • Chicago O'Hare Intl. 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

4-star Art Deco hotel near Chinese Consulate
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 center, 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 is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • ATM
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Freehand Chicago offers 217 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and hair dryers. Beds feature premium bedding. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access.

Bathrooms include showers. Business-friendly amenities include phones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Hypo-allergenic bedding and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Self parking on site (USD 49 per night; includes in/out privileges)

Food and drink

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

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym

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
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Cable/satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

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 lbs 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.

Property 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 each accommodation.

Property Registration Number 60611, 60611, Hotel License

We should mention

  • Up to 3 children 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

How close is Freehand Chicago to the airport?

Freehand Chicago is 13.2 mi (31-min drive) away from the Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Freehand Chicago?

As of Dec 14, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Freehand Chicago on Jan 4, 2026 start from $50.49, excluding 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.

Does Freehand Chicago have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Freehand Chicago.

How close is Freehand Chicago to the beach?

This hotel is 1.3 mi (7-min drive) from Oak Street Beach and 1.8 mi (11-min drive) from North Avenue Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Freehand Chicago offer free breakfast?

Freehand Chicago does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Freehand Chicago?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Bally's Casino Chicago (1-min walk) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Freehand Chicago?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at Freehand Chicago?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Self parking is available for USD 49 per night.

Does Freehand Chicago have a pool?

Freehand Chicago does not have a pool.

Does Freehand Chicago have a restaurant?

Freehand Chicago is home to Broken Shaker, which features local cuisine and happy hour.

Does Freehand Chicago have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Freehand Chicago to downtown Chicago?

Freehand Chicago is 1 mi away from Chicago.

Freehand Chicago Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 1211 out of 2640 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 640 out of 2640 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 369 out of 2640 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 192 out of 2640 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 228 out of 2640 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

Chad

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location. Perfect for traveling solo
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

JANA, New York

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Love staying at Freehand Chicago! Perfect location, great food and late night DJ hangs with a cool Photo Booth that is always fun. The staff is awesome. The ONLY issue is the elevators are often out or very very sloooooooow.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose, Orlando

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruixin

Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Carson

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Quinton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was small but clean
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Freehand was an adventure. It had all of the basics without the unnecessary frills. It was reasonably clean, priced right, and amazingly close to great shopping, restaurants, and transportation. We stayed comfortably in a private quad on the 16th floor and walked everywhere we needed to go. (Metro stop was 1 block over.)
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Shelby

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Pleasantly surprised!

I stayed in one of the all female bunks. I was pleasantly surprised! I’ve never stayed in a hostel before and I’m about to go solo traveling so I stayed here to give it a test run and know what to expect. The overall vibe is really cool. I checked in right after 3 and it was very quick. I will say the staff were not very friendly at all. You see them all laughing with each other but they don’t greet you or even smile at you. Not a big deal but it threw me off. One of the elevators is down so you’ll be waiting a few minutes (especially around busy times). It’s in a great location if you’re looking to walk around that area. I felt extremely safe. You use a key card to go up the elevator and to go into your actual suite. It had two bunk beds and a clean bathroom. The shower was hot and had great pressure. There are lockers in the rooms but you need to bring your own lock. I felt perfectly fine leaving my suitcase with the other girls stuff. With any hostel, you’re waking up when your roomies alarms go off but I still slept well! This is a great place to meet cool people and get a feel for downtown Chicago at an affordable price. I would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose Carlos

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love the freehand! We have stayed so many times and will continue to do so!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emeline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great local and affordable
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Brenda

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Loved our stay ! We were close to lots of cool restaurants and shops Cozy room and very clean
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The atmosphere was great
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Delaney

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great bar staff!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roxana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Eleanor

Disliked: Amenities
the lights in the room were so dim, couldn't see anything. besides that it was fine.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place is a really nice place to stay if you traveling alone, I stayed in a quad dorm room that had its own private bathroom/shower area which is the best, the beds are also super comfortable and the bar downstairs in the lobby is a great vibe to hang out at I would definitely recommend staying at this place
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bonita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and the wifi worked very well. The hotel is great being that it is in the heart of downtown Chicago for the price. All attractions were in walking distance. Many eating and shopping places close by the hotel. I would visit again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

james

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ed

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

10/10 Excellent

NOUR

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Laura

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Good area to get to train, shopping, lake shore. Etc. I liked that they had 2 pelotons!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025