The Vibe: Free spirited.

The Area: In Flatiron, a few blocks north of Gramercy Park on Lexington Avenue.

The DNA: Freehand New York is set in a 1928 building once home to the original George Washington Hotel – a storied venue oft frequented by writers, musicians, and artists of note. Public spaces for the hotel’s artistic community features several food & beverage outlets, including Simon & The Whale by Gabriel Stulman; the Studio Restaurant & Bar; George Washington Bar; and – synonymous with the Freehand name – the Broken Shaker. The ‘Shaker boast views over the hotel’s famous location and beyond, from which to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and small bites. Custom-commissioned artwork by Bard College students can be found throughout the hotel, and introduces a partnership with the college that enables select artists to live, work and exhibit within the property.

Suite-Me-Up: Rooms include a range of sizes and setups, from standard kings and queens to bunk rooms that accommodate groups of three or four people. While rooms at the other Freehands in Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles can be booked by the bed, like a normal hostel, New York City law doesn’t allow it, which means that the bunk rooms have to be booked by a group of people traveling together.

Seen: Wallpaper*, WeHeart

Accolades: Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2019, Wallpaper* Best Urban Hotels 2018

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 395 rooms & suites (15-60m2) (161-646 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2018 (formerly George Washington Hotel, 1928) • interior design: Roman and Williams • no parking available • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk