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
  • Gym

Explore the area

View in a map
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL, 60611
  • Michigan Avenue
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Water Tower Place
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Merchandise Mart
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • 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

Private Female Quad

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

Bed in Shared Quad Dorm

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

Queen

7.8 out of 10
Good
(58 reviews)
  • 155 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

King

  • 185 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Premium Private Quad

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

Premium King

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

Bed in Shared Quad Female Dorm

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

Premium Queen

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

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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

  • 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
  • Merchandise Mart - 11 min walk - 0.6 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
  • ‪Shake Shack - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Quartino Ristorante - ‬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.

Languages

English, Spanish

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

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
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 Aug 26, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Freehand Chicago on Sep 2, 2025 start from $92.49, 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 a short 14-minute walk from Ohio Street Beach and 1.3 mi (7-min drive) from Oak Street 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. 1018 out of 2241 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 570 out of 2241 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 291 out of 2241 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 162 out of 2241 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 200 out of 2241 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Ricardo, Moline

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meredith, MINNEAPOLIS

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zachary

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best hostel in Chicago
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zachary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It’s nice
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adicel

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

PRENTICE

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

PRENTICE

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pictures provided of the property are misleading and inaccurate. Property is dingy and dusty, lighting is horrible, room security bad, plaster peeling and creating holes in ceiling
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Mulugeta

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Jung

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Caitlin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
For the price, it is a decent place. The bed was comfortable and it was quiet. The room was overall clean. It smelled strange in my room and the lobby had a very strong smell of musty over-the-top perfume? No fridge, no microwave. Staff, not very friendly or helpful. Bare bones in a lot of ways. Don't pay for the parking spot. Found a $27 spot on spot hero for 24 hours.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Jacqueline Selene

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Hermelinda

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great Location! Will be staying here again in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Lori

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Mackenzie

Disliked: Room comfort

Great location, old but fine hotel

Great location. Hotel was old and room was small but otherwise fine. It was a good budget friendly option since we spent very little time in our room
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Rita

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

A cramped vibe with a little bit of noise!

This was my first time at Freehand Chicago. I've been to other Freehand properties, so I thought this would be a solid spot for my Memorial weekend trip to the Windy City. Overall, the hotel isn't terrible. The service was great and quick, and everyone was friendly. The hotel is in a good location - close to the subway and some good eats. My only gripe was the room and noise. The room is very barebones with no fridge, ice, or storage. It was very tight for 2 with carry-on luggage. The rooms are very close in proximity also, so you can hear your neighbors and Chicago traffic in the early a.m. I probably wouldn't go back unless I was passing by for a night, but if you’re an individual looking for a moody aesthetic for the weekend, check it out!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Cheryl Lynn

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

DINA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

clarence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

More light please

It was a nice hotel in great location. I just wish there was more light in the room and bathroom. It was hard for me to see
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Selena

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Kim

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful old building with much of the original architecture. We had a one queen bed room and it was extremely small but served our need to stay downtown for one night for a concert. Bar/restaurant area was very cool and had drinks and food there and it was very good. Friendly bartender. Great location.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Yuri

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Coleen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, cool atmosphere, and clean room. Walkable area, a lot nearby. Parking garage close by.
Friendly bartender and delicious cocktails at the bar in the lobby.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Bret

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would give this place ZERO stars if it wasn’t for the polite check in staff! I was under the impression that this was a “hotel”, somewhere it might be but not the “room” I chose. I picked the (private quad) room bc it was only 2 of us and I figured that 2 people could use this space easily. This space was easily used by 2 people but was more like a jail space. The pics online made the quad look nice and cozy but when we entered, the bench/couch are had stains all over the cushion, there was crayon on the wall, and the sink leg was practically falling off. There was no shampoo, conditioner, body soap, nothing. Also I found out that the bathroom door had NO lock on it. Luckily I was with my kid so no worries on getting walked in on. There is no TV in the room which is usually fine but if it was raining or just bad weather and we were stuck inside, there was nothing else to do. Overall my disappointment with this room cannot be understated! It was literally a just a place to sleep and nothing else!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025