Freehand New York
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Hotel Details
Location
New York City
United States, North America
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Expert Review: Freehand New York
Freehand New York, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a vibrant and stylish stay in the heart of Manhattan's Flatiron District. Housed in the historic former George Washington Hotel, the hotel is celebrated for its unique design, social atmosphere, and excellent location.
Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Freehand New York is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of "very good" (8.0-8.8 out of 10) based on numerous guest reviews. Guests frequently describe it as "unapologetically hip," "stylish and affordable," and a place with "character, creativity, and comfort."
Key Highlights
Guests consistently praise several aspects of Freehand New York:
- Location: Its prime location in the Flatiron District is often cited as unbeatable, offering easy access to attractions and public transport.
- Design & Art: The hotel's "retro and modern vibe" and "not cookie-cutter" aesthetic, designed by Roman and Williams, is a significant draw. Custom artwork by Bard College students and alumni is featured throughout the property.
- Amenities & Atmosphere: The array of on-site dining and bar options, particularly the lively Broken Shaker rooftop bar, and the overall social atmosphere, are highly valued. The communal spaces, including The Gallery lounge and a game room, add to the inviting ambiance.
- Comfort: Despite some rooms being compact, guests generally find them comfortable, clean, and well-designed.
Room Quality
Rooms at Freehand New York are designed by Roman and Williams, featuring a distinctive retro-modern aesthetic with beautiful wood furniture and custom artwork. While some entry-level Queen rooms are described as "cozy" or "compact" with efficient use of space, they are generally found to be attractive, clean, and well-decorated. Beds and pillows are often highlighted as extremely comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. All rooms include private bathrooms, modern amenities like smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, powerful AC, safes, Bluetooth-enabled radios, and multiple USB chargers. Bathrobes, hairdryers, clothes steamers, mini-fridges, and Argan toiletries are also provided. The hotel also offers less traditional room types, such as three- and four-bed bunk rooms and "Three's Company" units with a queen and an overhead twin bed, catering to friend groups or families.
Dining Experience
Freehand New York boasts a variety of dynamic food and beverage options:
- Simon & the Whale: An upscale and trendy restaurant serving dinner, known for its weekend brunch with offerings like caramel-coconut pastries.
- Smile to Go: A grab-and-go counter offering breakfast items like homemade granola, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and coffee. Breakfast is available daily from 7 am to noon.
- Studio: An all-day café and restaurant serving a full menu with North African and Near Eastern flavors from early afternoon until late night, as well as a healthy-ish breakfast spread with fresh baked pastries.
- George Washington Bar (GW Bar): A classic and moody cocktail bar that opens in the evening.
- Broken Shaker: An award-winning, playful rooftop bar offering handcrafted cocktails, light bites, and breathtaking views of the city. It is closed during the winter season and reopens in April.
- Bar Calico: Another bar connected to the Georgia Room, offering cocktails in a sophisticated setting.
Service & Staff
Guest feedback generally describes the staff as friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Many appreciate the genuine hospitality received. However, one older review from 2018 noted inconsistent and sometimes unfriendly service at check-in and in dining venues, which impacted the overall guest experience. Recent employee reviews also suggest challenges with management, understaffing, and heavy workloads, which could potentially affect guest interactions.
Location & Accessibility
Freehand New York is situated at 23 Lexington Avenue in the vibrant Flatiron District, a location consistently praised as "outstanding" and "unbeatable." It offers excellent walkability to popular areas like Union Square, Midtown, and the iconic Flatiron Building. Public transportation is easily accessible, with the 23rd Street subway station (R train) just a short walk away. The 28th Street-Lexington Avenue Subway Station provides connections to multiple lines (4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W trains), making it effortless to reach attractions such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. The 14th Street-Union Square Subway Station is also nearby, offering access to even more lines. The hotel is easily accessible from all major airports: LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy (JFK), and Newark Liberty (EWR) via public transit or taxi/rideshare.
Value & Pricing
Freehand New York is considered a stylish and budget-friendly option in New York City. Average room prices hover around $224-$304 per night, though deals can start from as low as $107-$110 per night, depending on the season and room type. The hotel offers an "unbeatable deal" compared to the city's average hotel room price. A refundable deposit of $200 and a daily facility fee of $35 plus tax are applied.
Common Complaints
While generally well-received, some recurring issues and criticisms include:
- Room Size: Standard Queen rooms, particularly entry-level ones, can be quite compact or small, with limited space to move around.
- Noise: Rooms located near elevators may experience hallway noise. One guest also reported hearing sirens frequently.
- In-room Amenities: The absence of in-room coffee or tea facilities is a common observation, though electric kettles can be requested from the front desk.
- Lighting: Some guests have found the hotel hallways and bathrooms to be dimly lit.
- Service Inconsistencies: An older review highlighted occasional unfriendly or inattentive service. Employee reviews also suggest issues with management, understaffing, and unreasonable workloads, which could potentially impact the guest experience.
- Wi-Fi System: One guest mentioned having to sign up for the Wi-Fi system every 24 hours, though it worked well once connected.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While generally well-received, some recurring issues and criticisms include:
