Hotel
The Plaza
Opened in 1907 at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, the Fairmont-managed Plaza is one of New York's most storied grand hotels.
Freehand New York
A boutique hotel in the former George Washington Hotel near Gramercy Park, with Roman and Williams-designed rooms and the Broken Shaker rooftop bar.
At a glance
- Type
- Boutique hotel
- Area
- Flatiron / Gramercy, New York, United States
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- freehandhotels.com
Good to know
- Broken Shaker rooftop bar
- Bar Calico
- Bunk rooms
- Suites
- Smile To Go café
Why we recommend it
Freehand New York occupies the former George Washington Hotel on Lexington Avenue, on the border of the Flatiron District and Gramercy. The building has a long history as a home for writers, musicians and creative types, and the Freehand brand, known for its hostel-meets-hotel approach, has given it a playful, art-filled interior designed by the studio Roman and Williams. It is a good choice for travellers who want character at a mid-range price.
Rooms range from compact twins and doubles to bunk rooms that sleep groups of friends, plus a small number of suites. They are simply furnished but thoughtfully designed, with original artwork throughout the building. The big bunk rooms are especially useful for groups who want to keep costs down without staying in a hostel dormitory.
The food and drink venues are part of the draw. Broken Shaker, the rooftop bar on the 18th floor, is run by Authentic Hospitality and is a James Beard Award finalist that has won Best American Hotel Bar at Tales of the Cocktail. Its creative cocktails and rooftop setting make it popular with locals, so expect a queue on warm evenings. Downstairs, Bar Calico serves inventive cocktails, and Smile To Go provides coffee and breakfast. The Georgia Room, on the mezzanine, hosts private events and cultural programmes.
Rates are moderate for Manhattan, and the hotel frequently runs offers on its own website, including discounts on longer stays and suites. It suits friends travelling together, solo travellers and young couples. The neighbourhood is mostly residential, which makes nights quieter than in Midtown, while plenty of restaurants are within a few blocks. If you plan to visit Broken Shaker, going early in the evening is the easiest way to avoid a wait, and it is worth checking the bar's current hours before you head up.
The hotel is at 23 Lexington Avenue, at East 23rd Street. The 23rd Street station on the 6 line is right outside, and Union Square, with connections to many lines, is about ten minutes' walk south. Madison Square Park, the Flatiron Building and Gramercy Tavern are all within a few minutes on foot, and Gramercy Park, a private garden square, is just south.
Freehand New York FAQs
Does Freehand have bunk rooms?
Yes. Some rooms have bunk beds, and there are big bunk rooms suited to groups.
What is Broken Shaker?
The hotel's 18th-floor rooftop cocktail bar, a James Beard Award finalist and winner of Best American Hotel Bar at Tales of the Cocktail.
What was the building before?
The George Washington Hotel.
Are there other bars?
Yes. Bar Calico serves cocktails downstairs, and Smile To Go serves coffee and breakfast.
Where is the hotel?
At 23 Lexington Avenue, at East 23rd Street between Flatiron and Gramercy.
Which subway station is nearest?
23rd Street on the 6 line, right outside.
How do you contact the hotel?
By phone on +1 212-475-1920.