Freehand Chicago

Hotels
•
Generator Hostels
7.6 (4407 reviews)
19 East Ohio Street , Chicago , us

listing image 1
Show all photos
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Nightclub
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Small room size

Categories

Cleanliness
6.81
Several reviews mention issues such as dust and hair in the beds, indicating low cleanliness.
Service
8.28
Staff were mentioned as friendly, with some positive interactions despite issues.
Location
9.32
Multiple reviews highlight the great location near attractions and transport.
Room Quality
6.27
Rooms are described as small and underwhelming with maintenance issues.
Amenities
7.3
Amenities mentioned appear limited or in maintenance, affecting overall satisfaction.
Value for Money
7.76
While some found it reasonable, others mentioned double charges which impacted the perception.
Food and Beverage
7.31
Not explicitly mentioned, assumed standard quality for the hotel tier.
Overall Experience
7.78
Mixed feelings due to location and service but impacted by cleanliness and room quality.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 16:42

Property Description

Unique Boutique Hotel Experience
Located in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood, Freehand Chicago offers a blend of comfort and style. The property features a restaurant and free WiFi, ensuring a convenient stay.

Versatile Room Options
Choose between private and shared rooms, each equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and cozy seating areas. The provision of linen and towels adds to the convenience and comfort of your stay.

Exceptional Dining and Entertainment
Indulge in signature cocktails and small bites at The Broken Shaker, or savor gourmet coffee and creative breakfast dishes at Cafe Integral. The hotel's proximity to popular attractions like the Magnificent Mile and John Hancock Observatory makes it an ideal choice for travelers.

Book your stay at Freehand Chicago for a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Important information:

Please be informed that, any reservation of 10 people or more per night will be considered a group with different terms and conditions. Groups reservations can only be made through our reservations team, and Generator reserves the right to cancel it otherwise.

Additionally, we would welcome a dog on property but only when staying in a private room and subject to a fee per dog/per Stay. Please note that the property can only allow pets with a maximum weight of 34 kilos / 75 pounds.


PAYMENT: For Advance Purchase rates/Non Refundable rates, we require the payment card used for booking to be presented upon check in.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: ORD

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 6 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is needed) and costs USD 49 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.6
Based on 4407 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.81
Service: 8.28
Location: 9.32
Room Quality: 6.27
Amenities: 7.3
Value for Money: 7.76
Food and Beverage: 7.31
Overall Experience: 7.78
P
Pinju • solo_traveller • us
4
Things are rundown
Pros:

Location is awesome.

Cons:

I used to love this place, but this time I feel like it hasn’t been maintained well. First, the AC in my room didn’t work and the whole room felt like a sauna and smelled like mold. Then the curtains of my bed were missing, and my outlets didn’t work. I was only there for a short time and was too tired to report these problems, but I’m not coming back again.

2026-04-17 • via Nuitee
G
Georgia • couple • us
8
2026-04-16 • via Nuitee
J
Jana • solo_traveller • us
2
2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
K
Kelley • solo_traveller • us
5
Pros:

The affordability

Cons:

The staff

2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
P
Pavankumar • solo_traveller • us
6
2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
S
SLIM • solo_traveller • fr
2
À éviter
Pros:

L’emplacement, le design

Cons:

Le bruit, l’accueil,

2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
B
B.Fred • solo_traveller • us
8
Good location, okay rooms
Pros:

Great location, friendly staff

Cons:

Room was a bit sparse compared to some others at the property, only beds and lockers with no space to sit or anything else. Bathroom door is a big sliding one so it doesn't close properly and you get fart smells escaping.

2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
K
Kasymbekov • couple • us
8
2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
S
Shene • couple • us
2
2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
K
Kayla • couple • us
2
Disappointed
Pros:

Location was nice to walk around to various restaurants and bars.

Cons:

When we got to our floor is smelled very strongly of weed. We went into our room and could smell it in there. We requested a room change, which was given with an eye roll. Also learned that there is no AC even though there’s a split unit on the wall. The bed was decent and hopefully clean, while the walls and couch were questionable. I felt deceived by other reviews. I would never stay here again.

2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
S
Sonia • solo_traveller • us
6
Mixed rooms
Pros:

Location, lounge, bar, there was a hip hop concert it was nice

Cons:

The heating system did not work properly. The drains got stuck with the cold. The windows were too thin. Also for solo female travellers not recommended to share mixed room if they are the only woman, theres a casino nearby, maybe some guests are drinkers.

Would change to an all female specifically in this hostel

2026-04-13 • via Nuitee
N
Nicole • solo_traveller • us
10
Pros:

The whole place was amazing!!!

Cons:

The bathroom felt slanted lol

2026-04-13 • via Nuitee
S
Sánchez • solo_traveller • mx
10
2026-04-13 • via Nuitee
O
Oluwayomi • solo_traveller • gb
1
Misleading listing and refund not honoured
Pros:

Nothing to highlight as I did not stay. I arrived and immediately decided to cancel due to the condition of the property not matching the description.

Cons:

The hotel was not as described online and the environment was not acceptable on arrival. I chose to cancel immediately without checking in. The receptionist informed me that I would be refunded, however I was still charged. This was very disappointing and misleading.

2026-04-10 • via Nuitee
H
Hayman • extended_group • us
1
2026-04-10 • via Nuitee
B
Belen • family_with_children • es
4
Pros:

La ubicación

Cons:

Estaba bastante sucio y solo arreglan la habitación si lo pides en el lobby. La ventana no cerraba bien y era bastante antigua.

2026-04-09 • via Nuitee
C
Cameron • solo_traveller • us
8
Pros:

Good location within walking distance to a lot of places. Also short walk to red line subway entrance.

Cons:

Didnt like the cost of the parking garage, but it was still a deal they had with a nearby one, so it was cheaper than some, but an additional $65 per day that I didnt plan on top of the cost of the room.

2026-04-08 • via Nuitee
K
kasie • couple • us
10
2026-04-08 • via Nuitee
S
Sánchez • family_with_children • mx
8
2026-04-07 • via Nuitee
S
Serenity • couple • us
10
2026-04-07 • via Nuitee