Independent Northwest Side hotels

"The staff was extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming. I took a chance on a hostel and I was not disappointed. Just for those in my shoes, I will save you the research: bring a lock because they do have assigned lockers for your stuff. I wasn’t sure so I “pack muled” while I was there, ending with me needing to acquire a backpack. They do not supply toiletries other than dish soap (which I used to shower with; low-key no shame). But I stayed in a shared female quad dorm. I got lucky and they were very quiet and respectful. They have laundry facilities but I will warn you, the whole city runs on card and phone pay so either bring your own quarters or do what I had to do and wander the city at 1am carrying my laundry to a Walgreens to find change for $5 because the front desk didn’t have enough and most places don’t have expenditure capita ($2.50 to wash/$2.50 to dry). They do have tide powder soap for $1 at the front desk so that was nice. I never got to utilize their bars or dining area but they looked hoppin’. I went for a concert and didn’t have time to enjoy those things. You need your keycard to use the elevators, get into the laundry room and your obviously your room. The main level is open to the public up until 0230 and if you’re out and about after that time, you need your card to enter the building. But all in all, I highly highly HIGHLY recommend Freehand!! Amazing pricing, multiple options and right next to Pizzaria UNO as it turns out. Safe Travels! 💜"

"Their version of a king bed apparently does not exist… I paid to upgrade to a king bed and was surprised to see I had to been given a queen. I went down to ask if we had been placed in the wrong room. The staff member checked and said it was a king bed… but no it was not. I went back to check and I was able to measure the bed, and confirm it was in fact a queen size bed. I was frustrated by the money grab of an upgrade that I didn’t even receive. The staff member also just seemed unwilling to help, super frustrating. "

"Decently clean, everything was very near by which was very convenient. Bar was nice inside. "

"Yes"

"Staff was great and very helpful."

"Just an old outdated hotel you know what you’re getting water pressure was a little low. Paint was cracked."

"Great breakfast. Made to order omelets. Great location. Walkable to Bean and Navy Pier. The availability of complementary wine window wax too short."

"Asked Expedia for an early check-in and was told it would be after three like it was supposed to be. It was very cold in Chicago and all we wanted to do is get in a room and begin the day. They promised they would call when our room is available and never ever did. So we walked around in cold Chicago waiting for the call that never ever came. Got the room at 6:30 pm and went to sleep a couple hours later. The heater didn’t work and it was freezing in the broom although they did bring blankets up and a tiny space eater the size of a shoebox. It was definitely not worth what we paid. (A Premium price) and feel a partial refund would be in order."

"Superb location, loved the lake view. Room very comfortable. On the smaller size. Water was lukewarm at 9 am"