From the moment you walk through the wooden doors of the Freehand Hotel Chicago, you know you’ve found something special. And not the usual kind of hotel special – the type of special that makes you want to curl up with a coffee and a good book and never leave. Honestly, you could visit the windy city and spend the entire time relaxing in this beautifully eclectic hotel.
The Freehand has captured affordable luxury flawlessly.
The first thing you should know about the Freehand Chicago is how affordable it is. Affordability is often associated with cheapness, but trust me, this is one hotel that won’t make you compromise. With features of a hostel but accommodations like that of a hotel, you’ll definitely be able to find a room that fits within your travel budget. There are quad room options if you’re travelling as a group, shared rooms if you’re backpacking, private rooms for couples, and a penthouse suite for families or “high-rollers”. The rates reflect your travel style, but seriously, you can find rooms for as little as $100 USD per night.
That being said, during my stay, I never once felt like I was at a hostel or a budget hotel. Our room was extremely cozy, complete with a robe, flatscreen TV, high-end bedding, a Bluetooth speaker and our own view of the city. The bathroom was beyond words – stunning green subway tile, hardwood details, soft cotton towels and water pressure and heat that never once failed. The whole room was thoughtfully designed, from the art books on the desk to the HDMI cord behind the TV. It was cozy, comfortable, and undoubtedly hipster chic.
It’s mood lighting everywhere and the mood is fantastic.
It became very clear from our very first night, that the Freehand was all about community and atmosphere. While it did make taking pictures a bit tricky, the dimmed and romantic lighting of the hotel’s lounge was both relaxing and conversational. Whether you’re enjoying cocktails at 10 pm or coffees at 10 am, the lounge was a great place to kick back and hang out. There was constantly a flow of unique and interesting people, both locals from Chicago and travellers from out of town, making for a really cool place to meet people and socialize during your downtime.
This is one hotel that has it all under one beautiful roof.
My heart was instantly captured by the Broken Shaker – the hotel bar, that actually felt more like a hidden speakeasy from the 1920s. The menu was outstanding, from your classic wines to handmade cocktails, there’s something for everyone and it’s all delicious. My drink included mango juice brought in from Hawaii – so if that doesn’t make you feel fancy, I don’t know what would. This hidden gem is the perfect place to start your night, mingling with friends or your partner over a few cocktails and the candle-lit ambiance. It made for a fantastic date night and the cherry on top is that you’re right in your hotel – no need for cabs or long walks home. If I was from Chicago, this is the place I would spend every Saturday night and I already can’t wait to go back for more drinks.
Regardless of the excitement that comes with travel, getting moving in the morning can be tricky. Thankfully, you don’t have far to go to get some breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee. Across from the Freehand lobby sits Cafe Integral – a paradise of fresh pastries and personalized beverages made from intoxicatingly fresh Nicaraguan coffee. The smell alone will wake you up and the pastries are so fresh you’ll likely want to grab a few for the road. It was extremely convenient having breakfast and a coffee while we waited for our Uber and made the start to each morning warm and care-free.
Stay a night, or stay a while, you’ll always want to stay longer.
I’m always sad to leave cities when I visit, but for the first time, I was sad because I wanted to bring the hotel with me. The Freehand Chicago is one of those places you want to take your friends and brag about how you discovered it. It’s the place you take a date for drinks so you can impress them with your culture and taste. It’s where you grab a latte with your mom because you know she appreciates a real cup of genuine coffee. It’s so many things wrapped pleasantly under one charming roof, you’ll likely find yourself like me – never wanting to leave.
If you’re visiting Chicago, do yourself a favour and stay somewhere that’s just as stunning and unique as the city itself. No more hotels that lack flavour or personality – stay somewhere that will leave you with just as many stories and memories as the other sites you visit. I know as I continue to explore the United States, any city with a Freehand Hotel has a bed (and a cocktail) with my name on it.
