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
Interior detail
Cocktail bar
Reception

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Parking available
The current price is AU$121
includes taxes & fees
2 Feb - 3 Feb

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
(11 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Designer toiletries
  • 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
Hairdryer
  • 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
Hairdryer
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Classic Queen Room (Private)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(78 reviews)

Highlights

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

Premium Queen Room (Private)

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Designer toiletries
  • 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
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 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

Quadruple Room, Women only

Highlights

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

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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 - 13 min walk
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Eataly - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bally's Casino - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Weber Grill Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪UNO Pizzeria & Grill - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Steak 48 - ‬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 64 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 64 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 19 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Freehand Chicago on 2 Feb 2026 start from AU$121.2, 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 64 per night. A self car park is also available, for a fee.

Are there any beaches close to Freehand Chicago?

Yep, Freehand Chicago is a short 14-minute walk from Ohio Street Beach.

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. 1239 out of 2703 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 654 out of 2703 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 379 out of 2703 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 195 out of 2703 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 236 out of 2703 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Fatima

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very accessible location and amazing staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Eric

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My room was not ready for check in for almost 2 hours after the official check in time. No apology. Also, TV didn’t work, the desk lamp didn’t have a lightbulb in it and the exhaust fan in the bathroom/shower didn’t work. Worst of all, there some sort of loud mechanical noise that made it hard to sleep. The mattress was comfortable and the shower was nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kent

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Love the live jazz and vibe in the cafe and cocktail lounge. Overall, as expected for an upscale youth hostel.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Jen

Travelled with partner
Elevators were not functioning, air conditioning unit in room did not function. Room was adequate but could have used a deep cleaning. Bed comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ji

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thin single pane of window that is painted shut, made room so noisy and cold. Heat didn’t work. So dusty and so dirty. A lipstick on a pig for sure. Booked thinking it’d be like the one in NYC. Basically good for young travelers as an option to a youth hostel. If you book a private room, go elsewhere. So many choices in Chicago. I ended up here due to last min work trip and city was practically sold out. They need to clean this up and Expedia needs to reduce the stars it’s listed as.
Disgusting AC unit over the door that blew out dust. This door had a weird lock and no deadbolt, just this thin chain. Didn’t feel very safe.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great Vibe!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Katrina

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Jacqueline

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
No heat in my room, no bedside table light in working order, leaking shower, screaming young adults and slamming doors all night, No room service, no refrigerator, lavender Fabuloso all over first floor including bars :-((
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rowena

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Bathroom recently redone and was fabulous, but room was old and tattered. Bed was nice and comfy. Nice crisp sheets.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jessica

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Honestly the only bad thing was the lobby and check in. The lobby smelled like weed, the rooms did not. Check in was at 3 we arrived at 445 and had to wait 20 min bc our room wasn’t ready. The hotel bar drinks are very expensive and not very good. I paid less other places in the area for really good drinks, so lesson learned there. Room was nice, a little noisy but i expected that. I would stay here again and just be prepared about checking in.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lixiao

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super clean, very good staff services, very convenient location, quiet, easy checking in and out
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Svjatoslavs

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room with decent size lockers and bunk beds ok as well.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Boon

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

Great little hotel and great location

Overall clean. Room small but cozy. Bed and pillow was comfy.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Kyle

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Germán

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is excelent. Beds are confortable and A/C fine. But, staff no friendly, cleaning room service wasn't daily, no common areas. And they didn't give me back de $50 deposit. I asked another guy who stayed there by the same time, and they didn't get it back to him either.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

charles

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Close to everything. Clean room. My husband and I got complimentary breakfasts. Thank you, Staff, who were friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Mahmoud

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Katherine

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emilie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I was there for the marathon and had a shared female room — the three others ended up being runners too, which was great. The location is fun and lively, but my room on the 9th floor was quiet. The staff were really nice — one of them even lent me his luck for the locker and gave me a card for the train. Very close to the start line. Amazing shopping and restaurants around. Loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jianchao

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
good
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Elizabeth

Excellent location. Constant background noise from air con which can’t be switched off. Basic clean rooms , small gym in basement. Good value for money
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Timothy

Liked: Staff & service
Room needs to be cleaned a little thoroughly and then repainted but generally, I like the place
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025