Freehand Chicago

19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, South Chicago, United States

4-star hotel

Guest rating: 3.8 / 5

Overview

Freehand Chicago is a funky hostel-style property set inside a historic 1927 building in River North, one of downtown Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods. Rated 4 stars with a 3.8 average from over 3,000 reviews, it blends boutique design with budget-friendly hostel accommodations. The building's early 20th-century architecture gives it character that distinguishes it from typical chain hotels in the area.

Rooms

Accommodations range from understated mixed and female-only dorms sleeping four people, complete with bunk beds, en suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and lockers, to private rooms and a 2-bedroom duplex. Most private rooms add flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and desks, with some offering city views. Guests should note that shower and luggage space in the rooms and shared quarters can run small.

Dining & Amenities

On-site amenities include an urban bar, a cafe serving coffee, sweets and sandwiches, and a communal kitchen for guests who want to prepare their own meals. Continental breakfast and on-site parking are also available, making it easy to fuel up before a day of sightseeing.

Location

The hotel sits about a mile from both Willis Tower and Millennium Park, with Cloud Gate, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago all within roughly a kilometer. The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Skydeck Chicago, and The Chicago Theatre are also within easy walking or short transit distance, and the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium are reachable within a couple of miles.

Best for

This property suits budget-conscious travelers, solo explorers, and social travelers who don't mind dorm-style or shared accommodations in exchange for a prime River North location. It's also a good fit for design-minded guests drawn to the character of a converted 1927 building with an on-site bar and cafe, and for anyone prioritizing proximity to Chicago's major landmarks over room size or luxury amenities.

Travel tips

Given the compact rooms and small showers, pack light and consider using the lockers provided in dorm rooms rather than bringing bulky luggage. The location is extremely walkable, putting Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, the Chicago Riverwalk, and The Chicago Theatre all within about a mile, so comfortable shoes go a long way. For sights further afield like the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, or Adler Planetarium, plan on a short rideshare, bus, or a longer walk along the lakefront.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the friendly, helpful staff and the excellent central location near major Chicago attractions, calling out easy check-in experiences and strong value for the price. The on-site cafe's coffee, sweets and sandwiches also draw frequent positive mention. On the downside, recurring complaints focus on small room sizes, cramped showers, and insufficient space for luggage, with a few reviewers noting that location was the standout feature while other aspects fell short of expectations.

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