Freehand Chicago squeezes itself into a relatively slim space in the heart of River North, and, as with every other property in this brand’s collection, transforms it into an utterly gorgeous hotel that’ll leave you with enough interior design inspiration to last a lifetime. The rooms here feature plenty of mid-century furniture, jazzy wall hangings and lush, green-tiled bathrooms, creating a comfortable, chic vibe that’s echoed elsewhere in the building, including the hotel’s bar, The Broken Shaker, which is known for serving some of the city’s most creative cocktails (order their quirky old fashioned for an inventive spin on a classic). Guests looking to fix a fuzzy head rather than create one can grab a quick caffeine fix from Café Integral, which uses beans sourced exclusively from Nicaragua.
Neighborhood:
Freehand Chicago’s location in River North, just outside of the Loop, is a short stroll from some of the city’s most popular tourist spots, such as the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier, where you can jump on the Centennial Wheel and get a bird’s eye view of the city. It’s also home to some of the best places to eat in the city, making it a great area for foodies, and is a cultural hotspot too, with a number of excellent museums and theaters located nearby.
Nearby:
1. Museum of Contemporary Art: For gawping at one of the country’s best collections of modern art.
2. Headquarters Beercade: For enjoying a craft brew while playing a classic arcade game.
3. iO Theater: For long-form laughs at an improv comedy night.
Time Out tip:
The stunning Penthouse duplex might be Freehand Chicago’s priciest room, but if you can find enough buddies to share it with (it comes with four twin beds and one queen or king), it turns into an incredibly affordable way to have a luxurious getaway.
