Welcome to Freehand Chicago, a unique hotel experience nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood at 19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611. We understand you might have questions before your visit, so we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked ones to ensure your stay is seamless and enjoyable.
Checking In and Out: Making the Most of Your Time
Q. What time can I check in to Freehand Chicago located on East Ohio Street?
Check-in time begins at 3:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST). Want to start your Chicago adventure a bit earlier? Early check-in is often available from 12:00 PM CST for a nominal fee, depending on room availability that day.
Q. Is there a latest check-in time if my travel plans to East Ohio Street are delayed?
Yes, the latest you can check in is 2:00 AM CST. If you anticipate arriving after this time, please contact us to make arrangements.
Q. What is the check-out time at Freehand Chicago on East Ohio Street?
Check-out time is 12:00 PM CST. Need a bit more time to pack or enjoy a final Chicago moment? Late check-out until 3:00 PM CST can be arranged for a small fee, subject to availability.
Q. Can I store my luggage at your East Ohio Street location after checking out?
Absolutely! We offer complimentary luggage storage until 11:00 PM on your check-out day, allowing you to explore Chicago without being weighed down by bags.
Hotel Services and Policies at 19 East Ohio Street
Q. Are there any fees for receiving packages at Freehand Chicago?
The first package you receive is free of charge. For each additional package, there is a $5 fee.
Q. What is the minimum age to book a room at Freehand Chicago, East Ohio Street?
Guests must be at least 18 years old to reserve a room. Guests under 18 are welcome when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and booked in a private room.
Location and Getting Around from Freehand Chicago
Q. Exactly where is Freehand Chicago located on East Ohio Street in Chicago, IL?
You can find us in the heart of River North at 19 East Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611. Our prime location puts you in the center of it all!
Q. How close is Freehand Chicago to major Chicago attractions like Downtown, Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Park?
We are conveniently within walking distance of many iconic Chicago landmarks! We are just a short stroll, about 3 blocks, from the famous Magnificent Mile. Downtown attractions, Millennium Park, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), and Navy Pier are all easily accessible from our East Ohio Street location.
Q. What’s the best way to get to Freehand Chicago from the airport?
From O’Hare International Airport (ORD):
- Public Transit (Economical): Take the Blue Line train towards Forest Park from O’Hare. Ride for 19 stops to the Jackson station. Transfer to the Red Line towards Howard and go 3 stops to the Grand station. Exit and walk north on N. State Street towards W. Ohio Street. Turn right onto E. Ohio Street. Freehand Chicago will be on your right. The fare is approximately $5.
- Go Airport Express (Convenient): This shuttle service offers door-to-door service to and from O’Hare. Shuttles depart frequently, and the average fare is around $32. Book online or call 1-888-284-3826.
- Taxi (Direct): Taxi stands are located outside baggage claim at each terminal. A taxi to downtown Chicago, including our East Ohio Street location, will cost approximately $35-45, depending on traffic.
From Midway International Airport (MDW):
- Public Transit (Economical): Take the Orange Line train towards the Loop from Midway. Ride for 7 stops to the Roosevelt station. Transfer to the Red Line towards Howard. Take it 5 stops to the Grand station. Follow the directions above from the Grand station to Freehand Chicago. The fare is approximately $2.25.
- Go Airport Express (Convenient): Go Airport Express also serves Midway Airport with similar fares and service as from O’Hare.
- Taxi (Direct): Taxi service from Midway to downtown Chicago is also available and costs approximately $35-45.
Q. How far is Freehand Chicago from transportation hubs like Union Station, Grand Red Line Stop, and the Greyhound Station?
- Union Station (Amtrak): Union Station is about 2 miles away from Freehand Chicago. A taxi ride will take around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the #151 bus North to Michigan and Ohio.
- Grand Red Line (CTA) Stop: The Grand Red Line stop is incredibly convenient – just 2 blocks from our hotel on East Ohio Street! Follow the walking directions mentioned earlier from the Grand stop.
- Greyhound Station: The Greyhound bus station is approximately 2 miles away, about a 15-minute taxi ride from Freehand Chicago.
Parking and Breakfast at Freehand Chicago
Q. Is parking available at Freehand Chicago on East Ohio Street?
Yes, self-parking is available at Row Self Park, conveniently located half a block east of the hotel at 50 E Ohio St. The garage entrance is on Ohio Street and Rush Street. Parking is $49 per night per vehicle with in-and-out privileges. Reservations are required via Parking Reservation Link or by scanning the QR code at our front desk. Please note that parking fees are paid directly to the garage and cannot be charged to your room.
Q. Can I get breakfast at Freehand Chicago?
Yes! Breakfast is available for purchase in our lobby at Broken Shaker Café, offering a delicious way to start your day in Chicago.
Room Amenities and Policies
Q. Are lockers provided at Freehand Chicago?
Yes, in our shared quad bunk rooms, each bunk has a corresponding locker. We recommend bringing your own lock, but padlocks are available for purchase at the front desk if needed. Private rooms are equipped with a safe for your valuables.
Q. Are there resort fees at Freehand Chicago?
Yes, a resort fee applies to all stays. It is $10 for private rooms, $20 for private quad rooms, and $5 for shared beds. This fee includes valuable amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, access to our fitness center, and curated events and activities for our guests.
Q. What incidental charges should I expect at Freehand Chicago?
We require a guarantee for incidentals: $50 for standard rooms and $200 for the penthouse suite, held for the duration of your stay. If you do not incur any charges to your room, this hold is released or the deposit returned at check-out.
Pet and Service Animal Policy
Q. Can I bring my pet or service animal to Freehand Chicago?
We welcome dogs weighing 75 lbs or less in our private rooms only. There is a one-time fee of $75 plus tax per stay for bringing your dog. Unfortunately, dogs and other pets are not permitted in shared rooms. Service animals are always welcome, of course. Our Front Desk can provide information on nearby dog parks and dog-friendly restaurants.
Shared Room Details and Policies
Q. What is it like staying in a shared room at Freehand Chicago?
In our shared rooms, you will be assigned a bunk and a personal locker upon check-in. You will be sharing the room with up to 3 other guests. Each shared room includes an en-suite bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet.
Q. Is there a limit to how long I can stay in a shared room?
Yes, the maximum stay in our shared accommodations is 14 nights per calendar year. After 14 nights, we welcome you to continue your stay in one of our private rooms.
Q. Can Chicago residents stay in shared rooms at Freehand Chicago?
To ensure availability for travelers, we kindly ask Chicago residents to book private rooms when staying at Freehand Chicago.
Connectivity and Activities
Q. Is Wi-Fi available at Freehand Chicago?
Yes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Simply log in with your name and email address – no password needed!
Q. What kind of activities and events are offered at Freehand Chicago?
To discover the latest happenings at Freehand Chicago, please check our activities calendar in the lobby, visit our website, or follow us on social media. Our Front Desk team is also happy to provide information on current events and activities during your stay.
We hope this FAQ has been helpful! For any further questions, please tweet us at @freehandhotels – we’re always happy to assist you in planning your visit to Freehand Chicago on East Ohio Street!
