FOUND Hotel Chicago: A Stylish Crash Pad for the Modern Explorer
Affordable design, historic bones, and a social soul in the Windy City
History with a Hint of Edge
Housed in a 1910s cast-iron building in the heart of River North, FOUND Hotel Chicago has hospitality written into its DNA. Originally built as single-room occupancy housing, the building has always welcomed travelers of some kind. Today, after a clever transformation, it offers a hybrid model—part boutique hotel, part hostel—crafted for explorers who value character and connection over cookie-cutter luxury. The bones are historic, the vibe is youthful, and the location puts the entire city at your doorstep.
Design That Feels Lived-In, Not Overdone
FOUND doesn’t try too hard. The design leans into the building’s history and patina, mixing herringbone floors and exposed cast-iron details with deep blue wall tiles, brass accents, and curated curiosities. Nooks and niches are filled with eclectic objects that feel more like souvenirs from a friend’s travels than staged décor. It’s all intentional—but never fussy. Vintage energy with a modern edge.
Rooms for Every Kind of Traveler
One of FOUND’s biggest strengths is its flexibility. Guests can choose from private rooms with queen beds and en-suites, minimalist crash pads with shared baths, or bunk-style dorms for groups and solo wanderers. Clean lines, warm tones, and thoughtful details keep even the most basic options stylish. The idea is simple: whether you’re here to splurge on privacy or save for experiences, the design stays sharp and the comfort level high.
Social at the Core
FOUND thrives in its communal spaces. The retro-inspired lounge downstairs feels straight out of the 1970s—plush couches, patterned rugs, and board games stacked high—a backdrop for everything from quiet coffee mornings to rowdy late-night hangs. Events, pop-ups, and social programming bring both locals and travelers into the mix, creating a true sense of community. It’s not just a lobby—it’s the beating heart of the experience.
Eat, Drink, Discover
The property also connects seamlessly with Chicago’s food and nightlife culture. FOUND often partners with local vendors and dining concepts to keep its culinary offerings fresh and relevant, meaning there’s always something buzzing on-site. Beyond the walls, you’re minutes from River North’s bars, the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk. FOUND makes a point of grounding you in the city—not just housing you in it.
DNA Hotels Verdict
FOUND Hotel Chicago proves that affordability doesn’t have to mean compromise. With historic bones, design-forward interiors, and a lively social spirit, it offers exactly what modern travelers crave: character, community, and comfort in equal measure. It’s a stylish crash pad for explorers who want more than just a bed—they want a vibe, a story, and a city experience that feels plugged in from the very first step inside.
