See all properties

Freehand Chicago

4.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Freehand Chicago

Relax in style with plush seating and a classic design, featuring a sofa, armchairs, and a bookshelf.
Book lovers can enjoy a curated collection of art and literature on display.
Step into a welcoming space with a bar area featuring a selection of beverages and lush greenery.
Welcome to our reception area, featuring a stylish counter and pendant lights above, a shelf with decorative items, and a window with a view of the street.
Relax in a cozy lounge area with a comfortable sofa, wooden cabinet, and decorative sculpture.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

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

View all photos for Private Quad

Private Quad | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Private Quad

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

View all photos for Private Female Quad

1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Private Female Quad

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Bed in Shared Quad Dorm

1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Bed in Shared Quad Dorm

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

View all photos for Queen

Queen | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Queen

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

View all photos for King

King | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, blackout drapes

King

  • 185 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Private Quad

Premium Private Quad | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Premium Private Quad

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 225 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Premium King

Premium King | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Premium King

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

View all photos for Bed in Shared Quad Female Dorm

1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Bed in Shared Quad Female Dorm

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

View all photos for Premium Queen

Premium Queen | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Premium Queen

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

Similar properties

Enjoy breathtaking views of a serene landscape featuring a large body of water, golf course, and surrounding greenery.

Congress Plaza Hotel

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
4.0 out of 5, Very Good, (8985)
$527 nightly
The price is $527 total
includes taxes & fees
Congress Plaza Hotel

About this property

Freehand Chicago

4-star hotel in Downtown Chicago
A restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, and a bar/lounge are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include a snack bar/deli, a coffee shop/cafe, and self parking.
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.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center.
The hotel offers a restaurant, a coffee shop/cafe, and a snack bar/deli. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. This Art Deco hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance. Parking is available onsite for a surcharge.

Freehand Chicago is a smoke-free property.

Broken Shaker - This cocktail bar specializes in local cuisine. Happy hour is offered.
Cafe Integral - This café serves breakfast, lunch, and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

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

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
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • 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
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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

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 allowed for an extra charge of USD 75 per pet, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 75 lbs per pet)
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
3 children, up to the age of 1, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 50 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • 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)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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
Property Registration Number 60611, 60611, Hotel License

We should mention

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

Freehand Chicago Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 938 out of 2079 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 529 out of 2079 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 270 out of 2079 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 155 out of 2079 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 187 out of 2079 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

10/10 Excellent

Lester

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Anselm

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Melvisha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
First time staying at hostel. I must say it exceeded my expectations. Place was clean, diverse, access to everything, and staff was nice. I only dislike there is not a microwave available nowhere on the property. I enjoyed my stay!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really awesome place, has a whole vibe to it
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Satya Praneeth

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

Good location and excellent service

Reasonable price ,Friendly staff and an unexpected gift by the staff,excellent breakfast which is not included with your room stay
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

michael, los angeles

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

AARON

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maryellen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All was excellent.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
I like how funky it is and the smell of air freshener in the elevators. Don't look under the beds or the cushions on the couches or the curtains. I did like the flying statues i could see out the window. I didn't like how they turn the bar/restaurant into a club at night and it was unprofessional that the desk clerks were dancing behind the desk.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sergio

Liked: Cleanliness
I liked tge safety and ease of transportation
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candice

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was so nice to all the guest! It was a vibe especially at night!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Skylar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First time in a hostel; liked the female-only option
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Breanna

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Hotel in an amazing area . We parked in the garage across the street and walked pretty much everywhere. As for the actual hotel, staff were very friendly. But I feel like the pictures put up on the booking are way more brighter an open than in real life. Our room was extremely dark, tight , fan did not work and there was a constant mildew smell. There’s no vents in the bathroom so after showering the room was just very muggy. Luckily our window opened but there was no screen. The hallways and elevator are also very dark and tight. If claustrophobic like myself I would not recommend. We stayed mostly outside of the hotel except to sleep. Please keep in mind most of your regular “hotel room amenities “ are not here either. So if you are needing a coffee maker, or even a fridge this wouldn’t be for you. But as I stated great location and staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Dennis

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
very nice and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Im an glad that everything I saw online translated in the real world: costs and directions. Expedia has increased my trust with each successful trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Durga

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Small space but clean and accessible spot
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jody lynn

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome staff!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jody lynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic staff!!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Satya Praneeth

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jody lynn

Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cool staff
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Ivan

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phillip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Meg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

convenient but loud and needs some TLC

Second time I’ve stayed at the Freehand in two months and this time was disappointing. It is generally a great value and a comfy and cozy spot to stay, but a few things bummed me out this round: -the parking pass link from the website ended up charging almost double what it was to just buy an express pass directly for 48 hours ($98 thru Freehand vs $54 through iParkit). (Both included in and out privileges) -my room this time (214) had the weirdest sounds and paper thin walls. I could hear conversations through the vent, and neighbors in the hall and adjacent rooms were incredibly loud -room service started vacuuming the hall at 8am on Sunday morning -I love the soap and shampoo that’s provided! But the bathroom towels were beyond their prime, super frayed or stained - they can use a little TLC. -the staff was friendly, and Broken Shaker fish tacos were just fine!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dwayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great experience! Love ❤️ the location! Right across the street from Ballys Casino! Had a great time!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025