20 Feb 2019
Wednesday
21 Feb 2019
Thursday
2 adults
1 room
Freehand Chicago
19 East Ohio Street, River North, Chicago (IL), United States, 60611
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Guestroom
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Guest reviews
8.9
Excellent
/10
(260 reviews)See what guests said
10.0
Exceptional"Staff was nice."
Kai R.
-
December 21, 2018
9.0
Exceptional room comfort and qualityRecommended by 95% of guests
Property highlights
100 meters to public transportation
Airport transfer
Located in heart of Chicago (IL)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
This property is in high demand!Last booked 6 hours ago | 7 travelers are looking at this property right now
Exceptional
Location
9.6
See map
Exceptional location - Inside city center
Popular neighborhood
Nearby
Popular
| Value for money | 8.8 |
| Distance to city center | 0 miles |
| Location rating | 9.6 |
| Nearest airport | Midway International Airport (MDW) |
| Distance to airport | 14.9 km |
Select your room
9.0
Excellent
Room comfort & quality
Room photos and details
Penthouse Suite
...
- Room size: 83 m²/893 ft²
- City view
- 4 single beds and 1 king be...
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Deluxe Quad
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- Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
- Non-smoking
- 4 single beds
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Classic Queen Room
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- Room size: 14.4 m²/155 ft²
- Non-smoking
- 1 queen bed
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Premium King Room
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- Room size: 17.1 m²/184 ft²
- Non-smoking
- 1 king bed
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1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with Private Bathroom - Mixed
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- Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
- Non-smoking
- 1 single bed
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Premium Quadruple Room
...
- Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
- Non-smoking
- 4 bunk beds
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Room photos and details
Classic King Room
...
- Room size: 16.2 m²/174 ft²
- Non-smoking
- 1 king bed
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Standard Quad Room
...
- Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
- Non-smoking
- 4 bunk beds
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Premium Queen Room
...
- Room size: 15.3 m²/165 ft²
- Non-smoking
- 1 queen bed
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Room photos and details
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with Private Bathroom - Female Only
...
- Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
- Non-smoking
- 1 single bed
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Have a question for Freehand Chicago?
What people love about the property
- 10.0Exceptional
"Older style hotel Good use modular space Good location and access to city ateactions"
MaryJoy
|
July 16, 2018
- 8.8Excellent
"The hotel offered good price."
Nguyen
|
August 27, 2018
- 9.6Exceptional
"The price was decent."
Yu
|
January 9, 2019
Compare to other recommended properties
Best value!  Freehand Chicago |  |  |  | |
| Guest rating | Excellent 260 reviews 8.9 Location 9.6 | Excellent 12 reviews 8.4 Location 8.7 | Exceptional 578 reviews 9.0 Location 9.3 | Excellent 100 reviews 8.1 Location 8.9 |
| Neighborhood | River North | Lake View | River North | River North |
| Breakfast | Breakfast available | Breakfast available | Breakfast available | Breakfast available |
5.6
Review score"Very good location."
Man H.
|
October 12, 2017
An overview
Opened in 2015, the Freehand Chicago guarantees guests a pleasant stay whether in Chicago (IL) for business or pleasure. The hotel lies from the city center and provides accessibility to important town facilities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.
Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Freehand Chicago is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Guests of the hotel can enjoy on-site features like free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, facilities for disabled guests, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas.
Step into one of 217 inviting rooms and escape the stresses of the day with a wide range of amenities such as internet access – wireless (complimentary), locker, air conditioning, heating which can be found in some rooms. Besides, the hotel's host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay. When you are looking for comfortable and convenient accommodations in Chicago (IL), make Freehand Chicago your home away from home.
Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Freehand Chicago is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Guests of the hotel can enjoy on-site features like free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, facilities for disabled guests, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas.
Step into one of 217 inviting rooms and escape the stresses of the day with a wide range of amenities such as internet access – wireless (complimentary), locker, air conditioning, heating which can be found in some rooms. Besides, the hotel's host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay. When you are looking for comfortable and convenient accommodations in Chicago (IL), make Freehand Chicago your home away from home.
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What they offer
8.0
Very good"Power points in our room were also strategically placed."
Maria
|
November 19, 2018
Popular facilities
- Fitness center
- Bar
- Front desk [24-hour]
Languages spoken
- English
- Chinese [Mandarin]
- Spanish
Internet access
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Wi-Fi in public areas
Things to do, ways to relax
- Fitness center
- Ticket services
- Nightclub
- Tours
Dining, drinking, and snacking
- Bar
- Restaurants
- Shared kitchen
- Coffee shop
- Room service
- Vending machine
Services and conveniences
- Cash withdrawal
- Fireplace
- Safety deposit boxes
- Concierge
- Laundromat
- Shops
- Daily housekeeping
- Laundry service
- Smoke-free property
- Doorman
- Library
- Smoking area
- Dry cleaning
- Luggage storage
For the kids
- Family room
- Kids club
Access
- Check-in/out [express]
- Front desk [24-hour]
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Pets allowed
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Security [24-hour]
Getting around
- Bicycle rental
- Car park [nearby]
- Taxi service
- Car park [charges apply]
- Car park [on-site]
Available in all rooms
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Seating area
- Desk
- Heating
- Shower
- Free bottled water
- Linens
- Towels
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Nearest essentials
Airports
Midway International Airport (MDW)
14.9 km
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
24.9 km
Public transportation
Grand/State Subway Station
100 m
State/Lake Subway Station
730 m
Hospital or clinic
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
520 m
Shopping
Magnificent Mile
400 m
Convenience store
7 Eleven
160 m
Cash withdrawal
ATM on-site
Distances shown are straight-line distances on the map. Actual travel distances may vary.
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What's nearby
Popular landmarks
- Magnificent Mile - 400 m
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck - 760 m
- Cloud Gate - 1.11 km
- Millennium Park - 1.17 km
- Art Institute of Chicago - 1.45 km
- Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower - 1.65 km
- Navy Pier - 1.92 km
- Field Museum - 3.03 km
- Wrigley Field - 6.62 km
- Museum of Science & Industry - 11.78 km
Nearby landmarks
- Crunch Fitness - 60 m
- Tree Studio Complex - 70 m
- Bloomingdale's Home + Furniture - 70 m
- P.O.S.H - 80 m
- Pistachios - 130 m
- After-Words New and Used Books - 180 m
- Nordstrom - 200 m
- Virgin Megastore - 270 m
- Kooky - 270 m
- The Magnificent Mile - 280 m
Distances shown are straight-line distances on the map. Actual travel distances may vary.
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Property's guest policies
Children and extra beds
Minimum age of guests is: 18 year(s).
Others
- A security deposit of USD 25 for shared room, USD 50 for private room and USD 200 for penthouse is required upon check-in for charges or damages during the stay and will be refunded upon departure.
- When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Extra beds are dependent on the room you choose. Please ask the property for more details.
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Some helpful facts
Check-in/Check-out
Check-in from: 03:00 PM
Check-out until: 12:00 PM
Getting around
Distance from city center: 0 miles
Travel time to airport (minutes): 45
Extras
Breakfast charge (unless included in room price): 15 USD
Daily Internet/Wi-Fi fee: 0 USD
The property
Non-smoking rooms/floors: Yes
Number of bars/lounges
: 1
Number of floors: 17
Number of restaurants: 2
Number of rooms : 215
Year property opened: 1927
Most recent renovation: 2015
Parking
Daily parking fee: 39 USD
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Announcements
Please note the total reservation may not exceed 8 rooms as additional charges apply for group bookings.
Please note guests booking from Chicago zip codes (60---) are not permitted in dormitory rooms. Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Real reviews from real guests
Agoda Reviews (260)Booking.com Reviews (3515)
8.9
/
10
Excellent
Provided by verified guests of 
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All guests (260)
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Showing 114 verified guest comments
12345
10.0
Exceptional
YU from China
Solo traveler
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with Private Bathroom - Female Only
Stayed 2 nights in February 2019
Exceptional”
excellent location, easy to go anywhere, clean quiet, sound insulation, can not hear the movement from of the corridor, the front desk service does not give people the feeling of impatience, this is great, strong recommend. This is the best hostel in my trip to the United States
Reviewed February 15, 2019
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10.0
Exceptional
LEANDRO from Brazil
Solo traveler
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with Private Bathroom - Mixed
Stayed 3 nights in February 2019
Great place”
The Hostel seems to provide Hotel facilities as well, but the rooms provided to the "hostel guests" are very good, cozy and clean, maybe a bit small, but enough to spend some days.
The staff is very nice and helpful.
Reviewed February 13, 2019
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9.6
Exceptional
Neil from United States
Solo traveler
Classic Queen Room
Stayed 1 night in November 2018
Fantastic Hotel”
I stay at Freehand for one night after arriving in Chicago O’Hare on a 14 hour flight from South Korea. I was tired, jet lagged and needed a shower and peaceful night’s rest before catching a morning train. This place was perfect! The location is great. The staff were friendly and helpful. The style and design of Freehand is very cool and cozy. A mix of retro (1950s bedside lamp) and boho crafty eclecticism. The room was spacious. The bed...omg the bed was amazing. So comfortable! Nice bathroom with shower. There’s a cozy little cocktail lounge on the 1st floor. Room service available. A mini bar with snacks. I had a great stay and a much needed peaceful night’s sleep. The price is awesome. I’ve stayed at places twice as expensive that weren’t as nice as Freehand. Did I mention the bed? Sigh... sooo comfortable.
Reviewed November 22, 2018
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9.2
Exceptional
Mei-Hsia from Taiwan
Solo traveler
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with Private Bathroom - Female Only
Stayed 2 nights in October 2018
Exceptional”
It's an excellent hostel to stay. It's close to subways, coffee shops, and markets. It was clean and the staff are really helpful and friendly. If I have to go to Chicago again, I'll choose Freehand again. Thank you very much.
Reviewed October 23, 2018
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8.8
Excellent
Karthik from India
Solo traveler
Classic Queen Room
Stayed 3 nights in October 2018
Great location, good facilities”
As the title suggests, it's located downtown in River North, within walking distance to a great number of cafes, restaurants, and bars. It's also not too far from the river, and has a couple of stations close by as well. So if you're visiting Chicago, this is a sweet spot to be nestled at.
Reviewed October 13, 2018
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9.6
Exceptional
CHAO from China
Solo traveler
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with Private Bathroom - Mixed
Stayed 2 nights in September 2018
Great place for traveller”
Location is great, 2 blocks to Michigan Ave, not far from metro and bus. Room is small, but you got everything you need, a small sofa in room, restroom shared with others in same room. Everyday housekeeping will replace bath towels and clean room. Decent breakfast, you don't need worry there is no food if late, the staff there will add food, also wash dishes for you. definitely will choose again on next trip to Chicago. :)
Reviewed September 28, 2018
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8.4
Excellent
John from Australia
Couple
Classic Queen Room
Stayed 2 nights in January 2019
Small room, big culture”
We booked the queen private room. It is small so if you have lots of luggage, prepare to struggle a little. Otherwise, the room is a nice place to lay your head at night and not run into too much trouble. Very clean and comfortable stay overall. Very accessible to the train (Red Line) and in a really clean and safe area. Would definitely stay here again.
Reviewed January 16, 2019
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8.8
Excellent
finian from Singapore
Couple
Classic Queen Room
Stayed 1 night in December 2018
Good location and clean room ”
The location was right in the middle of the loop, and very near to the metro. The room was quite neat and clean except it was rather small but with a large bathroom. Perhaps they should shrink the bathroom to make more space for the main room.
Reviewed January 06, 2019
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10.0
Exceptional
Alexander from Australia
Solo traveler
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with Private Bathroom - Mixed
Stayed 7 nights in December 2018
Best hostel experience I’ve ever had”
The location is perfect, near everything, the staff are incredible, front desk always manned, coffee downstairs is some of the best in Chicago, awesome events every night, washing, cooking and laundering facilities all great.
Gym is great as well as the bar/restaurant downstairs would have to be some of the best food and drinks I’ve had in the states.
And all this for $30 a night? Fortunately this wasn’t too good to be true...I’ll be back time and time again.
Reviewed December 21, 2018
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10.0
Exceptional
Kai from Hong Kong
Couple
Classic Queen Room
Stayed 1 night in September 2018
Romantic night in Chicago”
We watched history being made in that nice bed. Cleveland browns won their first game in centuries. It was lit.
To be serious, the bed was good. Staff was nice. Girlfriend complains about the bathroom not having a counter top. Ended up not having to pay for parking. It was a pain to drive in the city though.
Reviewed December 21, 2018
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6.0
Daisy from Philippines
Couple
Classic King Room
Stayed 5 nights in September 2018
Popcorn at the bottom of our bed”
Location was good and quiet a good hotel. The only thing that I would recommend to keep the guest on coming is to upgrade your cleanliness. Our first night, I saw a t shirt tag with price at the bed which maybe from the previous guest. I just took it off and didn't mind it. But when I went to the bathroom, I saw once piece of popcorn at the bottom of our bed which this time, I didn't dare to took off hoping that the cleaners will shove it up the next day. I stayed for 5 nights and sadly, until I check out that one piece of popcorn was still at the bottom of our bed which means, they were not able to get it off. :(
Reviewed December 02, 2018
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10.0
Exceptional
Aisyah from Indonesia
Solo traveler
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with Private Bathroom - Female Only
Stayed 2 nights in April 2018
When come back to Chicago, I will stay again”
I was atttacted by the competitive price they offer. The room is clean, spacious, and there's an ensuite bathroom. There are elevators and 24hr kitchen. The location is excellent, only one block from the metro station. Thank you very much for accepting me when i arrived at 9am and offering me a free breakfast.
Reviewed April 23, 2018
Hello, Thank you for staying with us and for taking the time to review your stay. I am so glad to hear you loved your visit and that you enjoyed the layout of the room and the bathroom. I am also glad our staff was able to take such great care of you. I hope we can see you back again very soon.
Responded April 28, 2018
Freehand Chicago
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10.0
Exceptional
Michelangelo from Italy
Solo traveler
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with Private Bathroom - Mixed
Stayed 5 nights in February 2018
Great value for a stylish and cozy hostel/hotel”
Really great if you have a tight budget but also a valid hotel if you like a very social and youthful situation. There are no real downsides to the low prices. The hotel is well equipped, in the style of a hostel, with guest kitchen, laundry, lockers in the shared rooms (you’ll have to have your own padlock), etc. For the rest feels like a hipster hotel, the bar is crowded at night and the coffee is great. The location is great, walking distance from all central sights and literally 3min form the metro station.
Reviewed March 07, 2018
Hello Michelangelo, Thank you for staying with us and for taking the time to review your stay. I am so glad to hear you loved your visit and that you found the room to be well equipped and at a great price. I hope we can see you back again very soon
Responded April 10, 2018
Freehand Chicago
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9.2
Exceptional
Meagan from United States
Couple
Classic Queen Room
Stayed 3 nights in November 2018
Good”
It wasn’t spacious, but We weren’t in the room much so this was fine. My husband didn’t like how low to the ground the bed was. Our room backed up to the parking garage which was noisy at times. On weekend the lobby area was busy and loud. Couldn’t hear it from 11th floor though. Walls aren’t soundproofed well. Good location. Bathroom super clean. I don’t think we’d bring our kids here. It would’ve been too loud and confined. It worked for our needs, kid free, located where we needed and relatively cheap. We wouldn’t stay again though. There are better options for sure.
Reviewed November 07, 2018
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8.8
Excellent
Melody from United States
Couple
Classic Queen Room
Stayed 1 night in October 2018
Compliments all around.”
The bar was fantastic! Bartenders were great. Coffee at the cafe was the best I’ve had in a loooong time. Front desk staff was extremely helpful- went above and beyond. And to top it off- Great shower in our private bath!
Reviewed October 30, 2018
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8.4
Excellent
Wayne from United Kingdom
Couple
Classic Queen Room
Stayed 3 nights in September 2018
The accommodation consists of a hotel / hostel . We stayed in a queen room with no problems ,”
The hotel has a popular small bar , free WiFi , helpful staff . The basement has a dinning / communal cooking area. We did take some food back after a night out but not a fan of communal cooking facilities. Good to have the option thought. For value for money very pleased at approx £60 per night
Reviewed September 12, 2018
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8.8
Excellent
Kaitlyn from United States
Couple
Classic Queen Room
Stayed 2 nights in August 2018
Great location, price and room”
I think that for the amount of space that is in the room, Freehand makes the most of it. I was a bit weary of staying in a hostel, but after my stay, I will be sure to look for a Freehand location before a hotel!
Reviewed August 25, 2018
Hello Kaitlyn, Thank you for staying with us and for taking the time to review your stay. I am so glad to hear you loved your visit and that you found the location and price to be exceptional. I hope we can see you back again very soon.
Responded August 28, 2018
Freehand Chicago
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9.6
Exceptional
RICHARD from Canada
Couple
Classic Queen Room
Stayed 3 nights in August 2018
Great hotel”
Staff were very friendly. Front desk let us check into a room early even though we were ready to leave our bags at the front desk check while we killed time before the 3pm check in time. Standard queen room was nice and modern. Shared kitchen in the basement had a fridge to store leftovers we ordered for take out, and also had a small free continental breakfast to choose from.
The only small complaint I would have, and it is very small, is that the hallways, common areas and lounge area is very dark. Otherwise it is a great stay.
Reviewed August 25, 2018
Hello Richard, Thank you for staying with us and for taking the time to review your stay. I am so glad to hear you loved your visit and that your team took such great care of you. I am also glad to hear you enjoyed the room and our guest kitchen. I hope we can see you back again very soon.
Responded August 28, 2018
Freehand Chicago
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10.0
Exceptional
Sheena from Philippines
Solo traveler
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory with Private Bathroom - Female Only
Stayed 5 nights in December 2017
Great”
great experience for a first time in the US. near subway, supermarket, near Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Water Tower Place, Apple Michigan, Trump Tower. oats, cereals, bread, speeds were served for breakfast. however, it's the same every day.
Reviewed January 08, 2018
Hello, Thank you for staying with us and for taking the time to review your stay. I am so glad to hear you loved your visit and that you found our location to be amazing. I hope we can see you back again very soon.
Responded February 25, 2018
Freehand Chicago
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9.6
Exceptional
CHAN from China
Couple
Classic Queen Room
Stayed 2 nights in June 2017
Stylish hotel in Chicaho”
The Queen size room is good this time with the street view. Convenient location only 3 minutes walk to CTA Red line. Stylish hotel with excellent services, the front office is flexible and willing to help, we appreciated the luggage storage service!! Definitely will come back again!!
Reviewed June 28, 2017
Hello, Thank you for staying with us and for taking the time to review your stay. I am so glad to hear you loved your visit and I hope we can see you back again very soon.
Responded March 03, 2018
Freehand Chicago
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12345
Recommendations based on your views:
Check in. Step out.
Experiences on Agoda. Because your room is just the beginning.
- Exceptional location
- Magnificent Mile
- Grand/State Subway Station is within 0.1 km