Freehand New York

We had a great days in New York, staying at Freehand. We're a family of 4, with daughters 20 years old. The room was nice and clean and we slept well. We felt safe in the area at night and it was easy to Get around by subway or walking. We just stayed in the room for sleeping. The staff where all nice and helpfull.

“They don’t give you much, but what they do give you is pretty good,” is what my wife said after 3 nights in our room with our two kids. It’s true: the location is perfect for walking to everywhere and the bunk bed room is good value for Manhattan when your 5yr old can sleep up top and your 2yr old can sleep in a crib on the floor. There are no frills: no coffee maker, not one cup or fork or spoon or corkscrew, the tiniest fridge I’ve ever seen that is barely one canned drink deep, only two robes in a room meant for three people, etc. But the two robes were quite cozy, the bathroom soap, shampoo, etc were luxe argan oil, and there were enough seats and flat spaces to keep the kids entertained with a Lego set and some crayons and paper (bring your own!) while you have a quick shower. Did I mention the location is amazing? Skip the lobby “cafe” (more like cafeteria) and walk 2min for your morning coffee to Blank Street, Blue Bottle, or Gregory’s Coffee. The rooftop bar is also nice but kids prohibited after 6pm.

Parking is not on property. It was a block away. The room was cozy and clean. I would describe this as a lower end property for New York. Affordable, the bar next to it was very loud but it was New Year’s Eve. It was impossible to sleep. The room was also drafty and cold and no matter how high you turn the thermostat up 71-72 the room never registered more than 69 degrees and felt much colder, the blanket was very light weight and no comforter. Housekeeping was great, the room was small but thoughtfully decorated. The bunk was fun for the kids. We won’t stay at this property again. But it was fine.

Well designed, clean space to spend a weekend with my kid. Walked to the holiday market. Parking was relatively easy, as well. Just mind the signs.

I stayed in the corner deluxe king room with my 10 month old son and there were some pros and cons to this hotel. It’s affordable for a good location. They were easily able to locate a crib for my baby which worked out well. Most importantly, the room felt very clean. The customer service is severely lacking, however. the front desk staff treat you like a burden just for checking in. The guy who checked me in was rude to me before I even said 2 words to him. Then I asked him about getting a late check out fee removed since I decided to stay an extra night and he acted confused (does he not know that his hotel offers this to guests when they remotely check in?) and unwilling to help me out with that. When I pulled up to the hotel, a woman dressed in casual clothing came up to the car out of nowhere and said “hey” as if I am supposed to know she works for the hotel. Took my bag inside without me having the chance to decline. Then she insisted on taking me and my bag to the room despite me saying no and stood there waiting for a tip I wasn’t prepared to give as I hadnt pulled out cash yet & wanted to manage my own bags because of this. When I apologized for not having cash on me for a tip she quickly pulled out her Venmo which felt like such a hustle. Then at one point my key was deactivated so I went to the front desk for help and once again was treated rudely. I would stay here again in a pinch but never on vacation.

The availability of 3 beds in a room for family is excellent. If there is simple breakfast provided, that would make the stay even better.

We enjoyed having 2 bunkbeds for our family of 4. I still think there could be a bigger fridge and a microwave added to the room. There needs to be more storage in the bathroom. It was hot and the thermostat didn't change much.

We paid for a deluxe corner king, but were checked into a standard king. When we asked for the room we paid for, we were put in a regular corner king on the fourth floor *ABOVE THE HOTEL'S NIGHT CLUB!* I had told the manager when we checked in that we had a small child, so I have no idea why he would put us the floor above a disco. We called around midnight and they finally gave us the room we actually paid for -- the deluxe corner king -- on the 15th floor. The street is still quite noisy with people and traffic but at least we didn't have to feel base rock through our bodies for hours on end. The main manager was very apologetic about the experience and did give us a small refund, but I would not stay here again if I could help it.

We stayed 3 persons in the largest 4 person room, that was enough space. However, unless you were in your bed or in the bathroom, there was not really anywhere else to be in the room. Bathroom was spacious and the beds were comfortable. Location great. I would stay here again with my family, but maybe not on a romantic getaway.

The staff was very friendly and helpful. I had a private quad room with my 3 g’kids and was a perfect visit for a 1st time trip to NYC! Still waiting for my deposit back but will stay again is given the opportunity!