Freehand New York

Freehand New York occupies the historic George Washington Hotel building at 23 Lexington Avenue, at the corner of East 23rd Street in the Gramercy area of Manhattan, New York City, United States. The building dates to the 1920s and the property is a hybrid of hostel and boutique hotel, which allows it to cover a wide price range. It is a short walk from Gramercy Park, Madison Square Park, the Flatiron Building and Union Square, and the 23rd Street station on the 6 line is very close. The interiors are warm and eclectic, with wood panelling, vintage furnishings and a residential feel that distinguishes it from purely commercial hostels. Accommodation ranges from Shared Rooms with bunk beds to Private Rooms, Queen Rooms and Suites, giving budget travellers, friends travelling in groups and couples a range of choices. Dining and drinking are a large part of the appeal. The Studio at Freehand is a cocktail lounge, and the Broken Shaker rooftop bar has become a popular spot in warm weather, offering skyline views and cocktails in a plant-filled setting. A restaurant serves breakfast and other meals, and the lobby doubles as a social space. There is a fitness centre and free wifi, and staff can advise on local sightseeing, though the concierge service is informal rather than white-glove. The hotel attracts a young, international crowd and is popular with solo travellers, groups of friends and visitors who want a sociable base at moderate prices. Nightly rates typically run from about $120 for a shared bed to $350 for a private room or suite depending on season. Rooftop nights can be busy and noisy, so quieter rooms on lower floors or away from the bar may suit light sleepers better. The location is convenient for the Flatiron District, Koreatown and Midtown by subway or on foot.