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Mixing it up

By Alex Jordan 28 : 05 : 2015 Freehand : Chicago : Designer Bunks

Chicago – The Freehand combines the best elements of a hostel experience with that of a boutique hotel.

Mixes shared accommodation with upscale private rooms and penthouses
Communal areas give guests a space to relax in, while events at the Broken Shaker bar and Café Integral offer entertainment

The Freehand, Chicago

The Freehand, Chicago

The Freehand, Chicago

The Freehand, Chicago

Based in Chicago and Miami, and with another site planned for Los Angeles, The Freehand caters for a growing population of Flashpackers – travellers looking for a more luxurious social travel experience. Along with its beautifully designed Shared Quad rooms, The Freehand offers Private Quads for ‘grown-up sleepovers’, king- and queen-sized beds, and a penthouse for families. Designed by New York interior designers Roman and Williams, The Freehand is a place ‘inspired by summer camp and bunk houses’, combining a ‘mixture of naiveté and sophistication’ that speaks to a new generation of travellers.

The Big Picture: Hostels have been growing up since we first identified the Designer Bunks microtrend back in 2013, showing that even consumers on a budget understand and demand quality.

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