The Freehand Hotel New York Review: Affordable Style in the Heart of Manhattan

The Freehand Hotel checks every box a twenty-something visiting New York could ask for. Located in the Flatiron District, it offers spacious rooms, a rooftop bar where you can watch the city lights sparkle all night (and capture a seriously good Instagram photo), and most importantly, affordability.

I stayed at The Freehand during New York Fashion Week, and the hotel kindly hosted my visit. By the time I arrived, the city was already in full NYFW chaos, and I desperately needed somewhere to decompress from the whirlwind. Freehand gave me that sense of calm and so much more.

My room was surprisingly large, complete with a full couch and sitting area, drenched in natural light (perfect for filming content). The bed was incredibly comfortable—something we don’t talk about enough when travelling. But beyond the basics, the room felt genuinely comforting. A home away from home. It was quiet, thoughtfully designed, and the bathroom featured modern, pristine fixtures. My only note? The room had carpet flooring, while the bathroom was tiled. I usually prefer hardwood throughout, but in this case, the carpet felt exceptionally clean.

What struck me most about The Freehand was its sheer beauty. You step into the lobby and are met with warm wood detailing, vibrant sofas, and striking artwork everywhere you look. Each communal floor feels curated—designed for people who appreciate aesthetics without pretence. There’s Bar Calico, all dark wood, gold accents, and “old money” charm, serving potent cocktails. There’s Broken Shaker, the rooftop bar where you can dance until dawn with the skyline as your backdrop. I even attended a New York Fashion Week show in The Georgia Room, a stunning, column-lined space that feels lifted straight from a palace. The best part? After each event, all I had to do was take the elevator straight to my room. Only in New York could a night out end that conveniently.

As the holidays approach and New York grows busier by the day, I honestly can’t recommend The Freehand Hotel enough for anyone seeking somewhere safe, spacious, and stylish to escape to. Its location is unbeatable, surrounded by endless dining options and just minutes from public transport. The staff were genuinely lovely, I lost my AirPods during my stay, and they personally searched the room until we found them.

My Freehand Hotel New York Review? It feels like a true safe haven, if that haven just so happens to be effortlessly cool, design-forward, and doubles as the perfect photoshoot backdrop.

I’ll definitely be back, there’s still so much I want to experience. Thank you, Freehand.

For more infomation and bookings, head over to freehandhotels.com

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