5/5
Excellent
Humza
02/03/2024
Amazing
2/5
Matthew
01/31/2024
Trendy. Skews younger. Felt kind of like the beginning of a Guy Ritchie film, or the next Knives Out movie.
PAPER THIN WALLS though, and if the cleaning crew leaves for the day good luck getting moved to a new room. Rooms are small, but since it's a hostel/hotel it makes sense. If going for a specific ambiance then this could be a cool hotel. If you're looking for guaranteed relaxation and sound privacy, there are other hotels in the area at similar rates.
3/5
Sydnee
01/30/2024
We have stayed at the Freehand in the past & have always been very pleased, this time around unfortunately the room was very dirty and the 2 lamps with plugs in the room did not work. There was an immense amount of dust throughout the room, the bathroom was unswept & the carpet seemed to be not vacuumed, as well as both side tables had sticky spots that seemed to be from previous guests drinks. The bathroom was also very small & there was no where to set your items but the floor. With some cleaning and minor upgrades this hotel would be up to par with our previous stays.
5/5
Excellent
De'ja
01/29/2024
The staff was so incredibly nice and helpful!
Amanda at the front desk always asked how I was doing and helped me with the things that I needed. She really made my stay so comfortable.
1/5
Nucleus
01/27/2024
Hello,
I recently had the misfortune of staying at Freehand Chicago, and my experience was nothing short of appalling. At 7:22 AM, I encountered a front desk clerk who was not only unhelpful but also incredibly rude when I inquired about the availability of a microwave to heat up my food. To my shock, this was the first hotel I've stayed in where there wasn't a refrigerator for guest use anywhere on the premises.
The front desk was left unattended for a staggering 15 minutes before someone at the café bar reluctantly went into the private back room to inform the clerk that guests were in need of assistance. This level of negligence and lack of professionalism is unacceptable. It is evident that the staff at Freehand Chicago are in dire need of proper training in customer service.
This experience has left such a sour taste that I can confidently say I will never consider staying at Freehand Chicago again. I hope this review serves as a wake-up call for the management to address these issues promptly.
5/5
Excellent
Cameron
01/25/2024
Clean and simple hotel with good vibe / safe area!
Liked the vibe of this hotel. Simple and clean accommodations in a great location at an affordable price. Shower was excellent!
5/5
Excellent
Mingqian
01/21/2024
good
5/5
Excellent
Daniel
01/19/2024
Since everything is expensive in Chicago it was nice to find a cheap place to stay that wasn't scary.
1/5
David
01/18/2024
The room smelled, the whole building smells. The room and furniture were gross. First night somebody was in my bed and the one they were supposed to be in was “wet” so I had to switch rooms at 3:00am.
They outlets and lights on the beds don’t work and the curtains barely shield you at all.
The door to my room didn’t close properly either.
The bar was fine and the staff there were cool.
I’ve stayed in a shelter that was superior.
Would not stay again. Not even for the price.
1/5
Nina
01/18/2024
I don’t normally post reviews, but this was a really rough experience. My room had no heat. The heater wasn’t running or functioning in any way, so it wasn’t a matter of struggling to keep up. When it was mentioned, I was provided a plug in space heater that did not heat the room. Ended up sleeping in my coat and hat.
4/5
Good
Mahmud Suhaimi
01/13/2024
A bit dark all over but a very nice place stay for a day or two.
4/5
Good
Melanie
01/12/2024
This is a quirky hotel, pretty charming and in a great location if you want to be near Michigan Ave. It's a little dark on the inside and there was a weird smell, but other than that, it's a fairly cheap hotel and on the fun side.
5/5
Excellent
Chenchen
01/12/2024
Absolutely love the shared room! Met lovely people and had great convos!! Great for solo trip, highly recommend it, would personally come here again, or check out other branches in the US.
5/5
Excellent
Abhibroto
01/07/2024
For the price it great. It’s basic place to tuck yourself safely for a night
4/5
Good
Riley
01/06/2024
good vibes
5/5
Excellent
B
01/06/2024
I liked how close it was to multiple locations.
2/5
Joseph
01/02/2024
We were assigned a room, given the key cards and found the room occupied by another person and our key cards worked. We were told that the prior guest failed to move out on time and assigned a different room. Did the hotel verify that he departed? How is it possible that the key card was not changed so he could not get back in?
3/5
Siqi
01/02/2024
old and small
3/5
Kelly
01/02/2024
Window was cracked, bed sheets and curtains were stained. Hand towel was damped before we even used them.
3/5
Katelyn
01/02/2024
Overall the hotel is fine fine for an overnight trip. Elevator situation is a bit annoying as well with limited available and long waits.
5/5
Excellent
Olu
01/01/2024
I had an exceptional experience with Mathew during my stay. His outstanding service stood out when he efficiently assisted me with processing a refund. Moreover, Mathew went above and beyond by offering valuable recommendations for places to visit in Chicago, enhancing my overall stay. His professionalism and helpful demeanor truly made Mathew shine.
5/5
Excellent
Ana Paula
12/31/2023
The room 1205 was just perfect for me. Comfy&Cozy.
2/5
UTSAV
12/28/2023
The room was untidy, the bathing towels were torn, the air conditioning was faulty. Overall, the stay was not a pleasant one.
5/5
Excellent
Mike
12/17/2023
Awesome thanks again
4/5
Good
Ben
12/15/2023
Great location, plenty going around, good amenities. Only issue was that the shared rooms could get too hot at night.
4/5
Good
Verified traveler
12/11/2023
Affordable place to stay
Unique and affordable place to stay in a coveted location. FYI hotel does not have microwaves anymore after the pandemic.
4/5
Good
Jessica
12/09/2023
Other than the hotel's bar staff, the experience was overall pretty decent. Would stay again
1/5
Estevan
12/08/2023
Was the customer service was terrible
5/5
Excellent
Greg
12/08/2023
Amazing staff, clean, great location and value!
Had a great stay at Freehand. The staff is super super nice, especially Amanda at the front desk and Shelly the security staff member. Everything was in great condition and it’s in an awesome location. Only downside was I stayed in a shared room hostel and didn’t lock my belongings. When I went to pack up on the last day of my two day trip, I was missing three hats. It’s my mistake for not bringing a lock but when I told Amanda the story she was super friendly to me and made sure I left enjoying my visit. I’ll definitely be back!
5/5
Excellent
Mahamood
12/07/2023
Positive experience
Best rate with all basic facilities in good condition
4/5
Good
Clayton
12/06/2023
Everyone was friendly in a warm, cool, laid back atmosphere. Great for travelers who are new to Chicago. A very welcoming experience for all guests!
5/5
Excellent
Javier
12/03/2023
Good
4/5
Good
Ben
11/27/2023
Great place to stay for a quad hostel. Good roommates. Really enjoyed it!
1/5
Stevin
11/26/2023
I didn’t like the service when I arrived at the freehand walked in to check in they wouldn’t let me stay said due to I’m a Chicago resident I can’t share a room.
5/5
Excellent
Reynaldo
11/25/2023
Amazing place to stay
2/5
Gabriel
11/25/2023
the location
5/5
Excellent
Flemming Seede
11/24/2023
Had a great time, would recommend!
5/5
Excellent
Roberto
11/16/2023
Like it
5/5
Excellent
Samantha
11/15/2023
It was a very good property for those looking to be in a walkable area and near a train line. The bar was awesome and great for late night socializing.
The only downsides we could note were: our room got a little warm, and we weren't able to cool it down. Also the building and facilities are older so just be aware, it wasn't a problem for us but just wanted to note it.
We would definitely stay again as a couple in our late 20's exploring the city.
5/5
Excellent
Coleman
11/14/2023
Good
4/5
Good
Vaibhava Lakshmi
11/14/2023
The ambience was great
4/5
Good
Juan Pablo
11/13/2023
One elevator was broken, getting to our room took too long. During check out it took us at least 15 minutes to go down.
5/5
Excellent
Joy
11/12/2023
Only issue was one elevator out but we needed the exercise
5/5
Excellent
Thrushema
11/11/2023
It was in a very safe area. A lot of options for entertainment and dining. Parking was not an issue if you used one of the parking apps.
2/5
Verified traveler
11/10/2023
Not just rough around the edges
Service was moderate to
poor when it was available. The front desk didn’t answer the phone for an hour. Gave me the wrong type of room and then explained it away because “it’s an old building.” Pillows were lumpy and small. Room had almost no light, yet I paid for a premium room.
4/5
Good
Ria
11/07/2023
It was lovely! The bar, cafe, and other amenities are all so fun. I enjoyed my stay at Freehand.
1/5
Analyn
11/05/2023
This hotel is very close to almost everything because its in the heart of the city which is good, however, the property is not pleasant.
The front desk people are not very accomodating unfortunately. The room is dusty, dirty, dark and very hot. No fan. The AC was not working beacuse its all controlled by the property. We cannot crack the wondow open because it was so hard and too old.
The bar was good and friendly bartenders. Overall, i would not stay again to this place.
5/5
Excellent
Clare
11/03/2023
I was very happy with my big Queen bed and the lovely products and big tv .
Lovely breakfast and lounge lovely staff
3/5
Sloan
10/30/2023
Had high expectations for this hotel based on the photos, but in reality was a pretty dark and dingy, which made me think it also wasn't the cleanest. The hotel was pretty loud at a night, even on a Wednesday. :Location was great, but wouldn't recommend
2/5
Zukaa
10/29/2023
The “common area” is really noisy and super dark
2/5
Nicholas
10/29/2023
Overall pretty disappointing for the price. Room was smaller than expected and only window looked into a parking structure where car alarms went of multiple times each night. The area is nice and the bathroom was small, but nice.
2/5
Verified traveler
10/29/2023
Better hotels in same area for cheaper
Small rooms, nice meeting area downstairs/lobby/bar. Soap dispenser empty, kleenex box empty, light bulbs out in room.
4/5
Good
Nathan
10/29/2023
I liked the atmosphere of the hotel. The service to leave my case with the hotel for a few hours before going to the airport was not available which I would have appreciated. Overall good stay!
5/5
Excellent
Kyle Garrick
10/24/2023
The private rooms have a bed confidently in front of wide screen tv mounted on the wall right up in front of you.
5/5
Excellent
Wolfgang
10/22/2023
Nice hostel
First time staying in a hostel in ages. Clean, friendly place. Hadn’t shared a room like this in many years. Some snoring and alarms going off at 6am, I guess this comes with the package. Next time I’ll bring earplugs or get a private room. But overall can’t complain. Bathroom spacious and clean. Coffee shop on first floor is nice, as is the common space behind it which turns into a bar at night. Convenient near red line into the center.
4/5
Good
Muhammed M
10/22/2023
it’s fine
1/5
Maryam
10/21/2023
everything was bad
2/5
Ritcha
10/20/2023
Was comfortable but too small rooms
3/5
Lacey
10/20/2023
Super mid! Low expectations needed!
I had reserved on hotels.com and had gotten a confirmation email. When I called the hotel to double confirm that it went through, the hotel worker was SO RUDE. So we just hung up and decided to see what would happen. We got there and the location is great. But it’s so dark and dingy. We checked in and they let us go to our room early which was awesome. When we got there, it was pretty small but we didn’t really mind. Until we opened the window and a parking garage was the view. I didn’t pay extra for a view so I didn’t mind it TOO much. But man, the honking of the cars, construction in the parking garage and thin walls made it almost impossible to sleep at night. I’d stay again for the price and location, maybe pay extra for a view. But definitely a dark, dingy, loud, and mid hotel. Attached below is the view and orange construction blockage.
5/5
Excellent
Katan
10/19/2023
New
5/5
Excellent
Adam
10/18/2023
I really appreciated the walk in shower that I had access to during my stay. It made the process significantly more efficient
4/5
Good
Thomas
10/18/2023
Eco urban stay
Lidia good check-in.
Amanda helpful in cking w. Engineers on need for 2 lights
2/5
Chengchang
10/17/2023
When I checked in, the lady at the front desk was super unfriendly. She did not intend to talk with me and was very rude and impatient. The whole experience is not so good.
1/5
Yalbert
10/17/2023
staff too rude terrible attention I had a reservation for several days and I only slept one
3/5
Laura
10/17/2023
It was meh
The sheets and towels were dirty. The room was extremely tiny. I wouldn’t stay again. The staff was nice.
3/5
Olivia
10/16/2023
Be a lot cooler if people didn’t call for a domestic disturbance that weren’t having.
5/5
Excellent
Careah
10/15/2023
I liked the size and layout
4/5
Good
John
10/15/2023
👍
5/5
Excellent
Kenneth
10/15/2023
First time visitor to this property. I usually stay in the Loop. River North was nice. I wasn't sure about this place being that it was also a hostel with shared rooms. I was pleasantly surprised. The room was exactly what I wanted and it was similar to the place where I had been staying. Queen bed, clean bath, widow with a nice view, desk and chair, just enough storage area. It was quiet. Other reviewers noted that the rooms were rather dim. I agree, but I've stayed in worse. I also read reviews that staff were rude. That was not my experience. The guy who checked me in was the same one who checked me out. Quite pleasant. Others I asked for help were also nice. That bar in the back was fun and the bartender was quick and friendly. I only ask that the table tops be more thoroughly cleaned. The I sat at twice was sticky. That's it. I was able to walk to most places I wanted to visit or a quick Uber ride.
5/5
Excellent
Suzanne
10/15/2023
The guy working at the front desk was amazing the night we checked in. Even the people when we checked out were so wonderful too.
4/5
Good
Darell
10/14/2023
Great for solo traveling
3/5
mengmeng
10/14/2023
Old but decently clean. Super location in the middle of all dt fun.
No bottle water provided. No heating in room. Can hear noise from outside window. Had to use earplugs to fall asleep.
1/5
Bernay
10/14/2023
Please treat women with respect
I am a female. I was set up to share a room with 2 males and a transgender person. I thought they would place me in a share room with female. Freehand false advertise the room as shared not coed. I complained because I’m on my menstrual cycle. Please move me to another room. They would not provide customer service or care. Ps no wash cloth. I sat up the whole knight. Please refund my money. I’m too old for this type of treatment.
5/5
Excellent
Layah
10/13/2023
Great hotel! Perfectly nestled in downtown. Room was small but COZY and perfect for my weekend trip! Bar is a hotspot!! Upbeat, dimly lit. Speakeasy type environment. Very cool
5/5
Excellent
Alexis
10/12/2023
Great place to stay in the city. Can't recommend it enough. Close to the loop trains and has a nice bar inside.
3/5
Verified traveler
10/12/2023
Cheap for location, but you get what you pay for
Basically a hostel, booked a room with king size bed, ended up with 4 bunk beds due to overbooking. Room was right above the entrace so I got to enjoy loud music until midnight.
4/5
Good
ANDY
10/11/2023
It has a great location, but stuff is not very helpful.
Cleaning staff took my drinks!!!
5/5
Excellent
Verified traveler
10/10/2023
Great place to stay in Chicago for solo travelers
Such a fun and easy place to stay in Chicago. Easily walking distance from many neighborhoods and metro stations. Really cool and inviting coffee bar, lounge and nightclub in the building.
Friendly staff.
Very comfortable beds.
5/5
Excellent
Eddie
10/10/2023
A lot of people are artists and friendly travelers you can talk with at the bar which makes for great connections . Rooms are small but clean and decent.
4/5
Good
Sharon
10/08/2023
Great location, but hotel was minimal. I would stay here again if my budget required it.
2/5
Verified traveler
10/07/2023
3 Stars >> You Get What You Pay For
I had such a weird stay at the Freehand. Amazing drinks at the bar. But I could hear people partying (and more) all night long, which made sleeping difficult. Even after booking a late checkout, the cleaning ladies wouldn't leave my room or allow me to shower. :) They charged me a second late checkout fee which I had to go down to the front desk to get refunded and ask them for my room back so I could check out. The gym is tiny and maaaaaybe the dirtiest fitness center I have ever worked out in. Oh well! Three stars is about right. Otherwise, I had a fine stay. Centrally located.
5/5
Excellent
Young Ra
10/07/2023
I really like the convenient location but the room was a bit small
4/5
Good
Sophie
10/07/2023
Gods stay. Only over night. Very well located. Shared a room with 4 woman.
Very expansive for one night sharing bedroom because I guess it was because of the 45 marathon of Chicago 🙄
3/5
Antonio
10/05/2023
the bed are nice
5/5
Excellent
sara
10/03/2023
Great option for inexpensive overnight stay in downtown Chicago
5/5
Excellent
Daniel
10/02/2023
Great location, trendy aesthetics, fun bar. The parking situation could be improved upon. Your paid parking expires before normal checkout time. So checkout early and move your car or pay another $50 for a day of parking.
5/5
Excellent
Jesus
10/01/2023
.
3/5
Brendan
09/28/2023
Interesting Hotel
The Hotel is in a good location.
5/5
Excellent
Gabrieli
09/25/2023
Really cute stay close to everything! I would recommend the premium kind room
1/5
Cameran
09/25/2023
Ima keep it brief I don’t like it. It’s loud and noisy , it’s literally like an club when you walk in. Also it’s a shared room but they don’t tell you that until you get there
4/5
Good
Cheryl
09/23/2023
I loved the location. I didn’t like no shower hell
5/5
Excellent
Armando
09/23/2023
Perfect for the one day stay. Clean and staff was courteous.
5/5
Excellent
Ernestine
09/21/2023
It was great experience staying downtown near entertainment and food.
4/5
Good
Amber
09/20/2023
Perfect for what we needed. Good price point, beautiful bar and lounge area and comfortable beds.
3/5
jeffery
09/19/2023
It was a very cool place with a great atmosphere and I enjoy a more boutique style hotel. Its in a great area with a lot to do within walking distance. Unfortunately the service was pretty poor overall. Only one person seemed happy to be working there and made us feel welcome. The rest were not very helpful and made for a lot of awkward interactions with the staff.
4/5
Good
Verified traveler
09/19/2023
Checkout aervice was excellent
Staff was busy and thats why understandably when checked in it wasnt the best service but the next day service at the desk was excelent and on par what i could even hope for!
4/5
Good
Verified traveler
09/18/2023
Nice place but staff could be better
Good trip , just the front desk workers were rude .
2/5
David
09/17/2023
Some staff are quite rude at front desk... elevator is a nightmare. This is really a hostel, not suited for couple or a romantic getaway. The lobby area, bars and lounge is nice, but also very dark all around in the hotel. You get what you pay for I guess.
5/5
Excellent
Melissa
09/16/2023
Friendly staff!
5/5
Excellent
Ethan
09/16/2023
Unique, comfortable, fun atmosphere