🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
Freehand Chicago
📍 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Photo: official website
Your stay — Freehand Chicago
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Chicago.
The Property — Freehand Chicago
Stepping into Freehand Chicago is like entering a spirited, grown-up hostel where vintage boarding-house charm meets contemporary art. The sprawling lobby, anchored by a bustling coffee bar and the acclaimed Broken Shaker cocktail den, buzzes with a creative, convivial energy. Its shared spaces and well-designed private rooms appeal to budget-conscious travellers who value social connection and local character over frills. This is a base for explorers who want to feel the pulse of the city from a converted 1920s hotel in River North.
Chronicles of Chicago
Chicago was incorporated as a town in 1833, exploding from a fur-trading outpost into a railroad hub and meatpacking powerhouse by the late 19th century. The Great Fire of 1871 razed the downtown, but sparked an unprecedented architectural renaissance, birthing the world’s first skyscraper and the Chicago School of design. Today, its skyline is a museum of modernism, from Louis Sullivan’s Carson Pirie Scott building to Mies van der Rohe’s glass towers. The city pulses with a deep blue-collar soul, mirrored in its jazz, blues, deep-dish pizza, and fiercely loyal sports culture.
Best Time to Visit
Full Chicago guide →Best months
May, June and September – warm, sunny days ideal for river walks and rooftop bars, but before the humid peak and with fewer summer tourists than July and August.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are peak season, driven by Lollapalooza (early August) and the Taste of Chicago. Hotel prices can surge 40–60% above shoulder rates during festival weekends.
Budget shoulder season
April and October offer the best value: milder weather (10–18°C), thin crowds, and discounts of 20–30% on room rates compared to summer peaks.
Weather & packing
Chicago’s lake-effect climate can swing from sunny to blustery in hours, especially in June. Pack a light waterproof jacket and layers – even on a warm day, the lake breeze can be biting.
Live City Briefing — Chicago
- The Chicago Transit Authority’s ‘Red Line Extension’ project is not expected to affect Loop or River North service in June 2026, but temporary station closures on the Blue Line near O’Hare may require shuttle buses – check the CTA website before heading to the airport.
- Navy Pier’s 2026 summer season launches with the ‘Art & Architecture Boat Tour’ featuring new audio guides from the Chicago Architecture Center, offering fresh perspectives on the lakefront skyline.
- Construction on the ‘Chicago Riverwalk West’ extension, connecting the main trail to the South Branch, is ongoing but largely cordoned off; the existing Riverwalk east of State Street remains fully open and accessible.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Freehand Chicago, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (5th–7th) facing away from Ohio Street – the rear of the building overlooks the quieter alley and neighbouring rooftops, reducing traffic rumble from the busy one-way on Ohio Street.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floors 1–3, especially those facing Ohio Street or directly above the lobby/bar area – street noise and late-night bar chatter carry. Also skip rooms near the lift banks on any floor (end of corridor) due to ding and door noise.
Best views
Rooms at the rear of the building (south side) look over the low-rise rooftops of the Near North Side – not panoramic, but calmer than the front view of Ohio Street's traffic and the shopping strip.
Quietest floors
Floors 5, 6 and 7 are the quietest – farthest from street level and above the main bar/lobby hum.
🔊 Noise notes
Ohio Street is a one-way with constant traffic, sirens from nearby fire stations (especially at night), and the hotel's own bar on the ground floor can be loud until late – especially weekends. The historic building's older windows let in more street sound than modern double-glazing.
Insider tips
1. For parking, pre-book via SpotHero at Ohio Place Garage (34 E Ohio St) – it's 2 minutes' walk and often cheaper than valet. No on-site lot. 2. The free standard WiFi is slow for streaming; if you need solid internet, pay the $9.95/day premium – or just use the lobby which has better signal.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Freehand Chicago
Free standard WiFi (10 Mbps) with login via room number and last name; premium high-speed WiFi available for $9.95/day
Two guest elevators serve all 7 floors; no stairs-only sections, but fire stairs are available
Complimentary digital PressReader access; no physical newspapers; building originally a 1927 YMCA with a notable restored ballroom and vintage architectural details
Check-in starts at 15:00; early bag drop available from 12:00; late check-out fee of $50 until 14:00, full night charge after 14:00
Complimentary luggage storage for same-day arrivals/departures at front desk
Step-free main entrance with ramps; two accessible rooms with roll-in showers; elevator to all floors; some historic doorways narrower than standard
No on-site parking; valet recommended via SpotHero or nearby garages (e.g., Ohio Place Garage at 34 E Ohio St) costing $30–$45 overnight; no EV charging on premises
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 16.5% combined Chicago hotel tax (includes 4.5% city tax, 2.5% state tax, etc.), plus a $20.84 nightly destination marketing fee, all mandatory
Deposit & card hold: Credit card pre-authorization of $50 per night for incidentals required at check-in; advance deposit of first night's room + tax for non-refundable bookings
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Holy Name Cathedral (523 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Seventeenth Church of Christ Scientist (778 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (867 m · ~11 min walk)
- Place of worship: Mathews Chapel (879 m · ~11 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
The Shops at North Bridge — 288 m · ~4 min walk
Chicago + State Park — 665 m · ~8 min walk
Richard H. Driehaus Museum — 290 m · ~4 min walk
Moody Bible Auditorium — 941 m · ~12 min walk
Eli M. Schulman Playground — 866 m · ~11 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 808 m · ~10 min walk
CVS Pharmacy — 30 m · ~1 min walk
7-Eleven — 227 m · ~3 min walk
Grand — 97 m · ~1 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →US Dollar, USD
Travellers typically withdraw from ATMs or use bank-exchange services; avoid airport and tourist-area bureaux due to poor rates.
Credit/debit cards and contactless mobile payments are widely accepted in most stores, restaurants, and transport.
Restaurants: 15-20% pre-tax; taxis: 10-15%; hotel staff: $1-2 per bag, $2-5 per night for housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Drip coffee from a diner or convenience store: around $2.50-$3.50.
A pizza slice or sandwich combo from a deli: about $8-$12.
A main course at a casual sit-down restaurant: about $14-$22.
Look for food trucks or stalls near parks and office plazas (e.g., near Michigan Avenue) for $8-$12 meals.
Chain supermarkets like Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods are common in the area.
Affordable high-street shopping includes department stores like Macy's on State Street and nearby outlet-style shops.
Cheapest is the CTA day pass ($5 for 1-day, $15 for 3-day); from O'Hare, take the CTA Blue Line ($5, about 45 min) or from Midway, take the Orange Line ($2.50, 30 min).
1. Use the CTA's unlimited-ride passes for multiple trips. 2. Eat lunch at food trucks or delis instead of full-service restaurants. 3. Visit free attractions like the Chicago Riverwalk or Lincoln Park Zoo.
Good to know — Chicago
Type A/B · 120V
safe
USD ($)
Emergency Contacts
ChicagoAll emergency services in Chicago, United States are reached by dialing 911. This is the primary emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services. For non-emergency situations, contact the Chicago Police Department at 311 or visit their website.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Chicago, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Freehand Chicago
🕒 Check-in is from 15:00. Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 808 m · ~10 min walk — pharmacy · CVS Pharmacy — 30 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Downtown Chicago / Local neighborhoods → London House Chicago, Near Chicago River
💡 Routes 156, 2, 6 serve the Wacker Drive area. Ventra card recommended for faster boarding. Best for local exploration.
Midway International Airport (MDW) → London House Chicago, Downtown Chicago
💡 Cheaper alternative if arriving at Midway. Orange Line connects to Red/Brown lines for downtown access.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → London House Chicago, 85 East Upper Wacker Drive
💡 Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM). Airport taxis offer flat rates from taxi stand on baggage claim level.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → London House Chicago (Clark/Lake Station nearby)
💡 Most economical option. Blue Line runs 24/7; transfer at Clark/Lake for walking distance to hotel. Download Ventra card app.
About Chicago
Wikipedia ↗
Chicago is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.74 million at the 2020 census. The Chicago metropolitan area has approxi...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Freehand Chicago?
Request a room on the upper floors (5th–7th) facing away from Ohio Street – the rear of the building overlooks the quieter alley and neighbouring rooftops, reducing traffic rumble from the busy one-way on Ohio Street.
Which rooms should I avoid at Freehand Chicago?
Avoid rooms on floors 1–3, especially those facing Ohio Street or directly above the lobby/bar area – street noise and late-night bar chatter carry. Also skip rooms near the lift banks on any floor (end of corridor) due to ding and door noise.
Is Freehand Chicago noisy?
Ohio Street is a one-way with constant traffic, sirens from nearby fire stations (especially at night), and the hotel's own bar on the ground floor can be loud until late – especially weekends. The historic building's older windows let in more street sound than modern double-glazing.
Which rooms have the best views at Freehand Chicago?
Rooms at the rear of the building (south side) look over the low-rise rooftops of the Near North Side – not panoramic, but calmer than the front view of Ohio Street's traffic and the shopping strip.
What are insider tips for staying at Freehand Chicago?
1. For parking, pre-book via SpotHero at Ohio Place Garage (34 E Ohio St) – it's 2 minutes' walk and often cheaper than valet. No on-site lot. 2. The free standard WiFi is slow for streaming; if you need solid internet, pay the $9.95/day premium – or just use the lobby which has better signal.
What time is check-in at Freehand Chicago?
Check-in at Freehand Chicago is from 15:00. Check-out is by 11:00.
Does Freehand Chicago have Wi-Fi?
Free standard WiFi (10 Mbps) with login via room number and last name; premium high-speed WiFi available for $9.95/day
Is there a city or tourist tax at Freehand Chicago?
16.5% combined Chicago hotel tax (includes 4.5% city tax, 2.5% state tax, etc.), plus a $20.84 nightly destination marketing fee, all mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Freehand Chicago?
A pizza slice or sandwich combo from a deli: about $8-$12.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Freehand Chicago?
Cheapest is the CTA day pass ($5 for 1-day, $15 for 3-day); from O'Hare, take the CTA Blue Line ($5, about 45 min) or from Midway, take the Orange Line ($2.50, 30 min).
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
May, June and September – warm, sunny days ideal for river walks and rooftop bars, but before the humid peak and with fewer summer tourists than July and August.
Top Attractions in Chicago
💡 Go early (before 8am) or on a weekday to get a clear photo of the Bean without crowds. The garden section at the southeast corner is quieter and offers good views of the skyline.
💡 Start at the Riverwalk entrance near Michigan Avenue bridge. Go at sunset for good lighting on the skyscrapers. The paid cruise adds historical narration but the free route is excellent on a clear day. Allow 1 hour.
💡 Illinois residents can book free tickets online for Thursdays; bring a state ID. Non-residents: the regular $25 ticket gets you into the Modern Wing where fewer tourists go. Give yourself 2-3 hours.
💡 Arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid queues at the free parking lot. The zoo is compact; two hours is enough for a thorough visit.
💡 Check the website before going—some special exhibits have a small fee ($5–$10). The conservatory is west of the Loop; take the Green Line train to Garfield station. Allow 1–2 hours.