THE VIBE
Opened last summer in Downtown LA, Freehand follows in the footsteps of its sister hotels in Miami and Chicago—and now New York City—in bringing a hip, community-driven experience to its neighborhood. The hotel sits within the old Commercial Exchange building, mixing historic charm with a polished, yet laid-back ambiance. Blending a hostel-inspired vibe with chic décor, trendy dining and drinking establishments and unique retail concepts, Freehand has all the makings to provide a distinctly unique local experience.
THE SLEEP
The 226-key hotel offers 167 private rooms and suites plus—in true Freehand fashion—an additional 59 shared rooms with bunk beds that can accommodate four to eight guests. Designed by Roman and Williams, guestrooms feature hand-woven textiles and artwork from local artists, while several rooms also provide sweeping views of Downtown LA. Digging more space? The Burroughs Suite is the largest room in the hotel, located on the top floor. Named for Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose publishing company was located in the former Commercial Exchange building, the suite provides a spacious bedroom and oversized bathroom with separate living area and panoramic views.
THE TASTE
An expansive food and beverage program is on offer with diverse flavors to suit many palates and preferences. A meal at The Exchange, from the team behind Bar Lab, takes patrons through the vibrant cuisine of urban LA with an Israeli slant, while Café Integral invites guests to energize over Nicaraguan coffees and local teas, as well as delightful, quick and casual breakfast and lunch offerings. For imbibers, Rudolph’s Bar & Tea serves unique tea-infused cocktails, while James Beard Award finalist Broken Shaker mixes up handcrafted cocktails on Freehand’s rooftop pool deck.
THE LOCALE
Located in the heart of Downtown LA, Freehand is within proximity to several of the city’s top cultural attractions including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the famed STAPLES Center, GRAMMY Museum, Pershing Square, and more. Feel like staying in house? Catch Freehand’s Live Jazz sessions at Rudolph’s Bar & Tea on Tuesday nights, featuring local artists.
THE WOW
Don’t skip on checking out designer Sean Knibb’s Flowerboy Project, whose second outpost is located at Freehand. A combination of a flower shop, retail space and creative workspace, you can snag beautiful, fresh-cut flowers while also shopping for other unique finds such as vintage clothing, candles, jewelry and more.
THE SNAP
An Instagram-worthy moment awaits on the rooftop pool deck, where inspiration ranges from that perfect pool selfie with the Downtown LA skyline in the background to that envy-inducing shot of Broken Shaker’s beautifully crafted libations.
