Freehand New York
The spirit of old New York, reimagined for today’s creative class
23 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10010, United States
Type: design hotel, historic hotel, lifestyle & creative hotel
Style: art & culture, retro & vintage, big & bold, boho chic
Vibe: lively, fabulous hotel bars, music, rooftop bar
Where Artistic Legacy Meets Modern Mischief
Set inside the historic 1928 George Washington Hotel, Freehand New York revives the bohemian heart of Manhattan with a bold, youthful edge. Once a haunt for poets, painters, and provocateurs, the building’s legacy lives on—now filled with dynamic art, thoughtful design, and a cultural program that crackles with creative energy.
The Vibe: Creative Commune, Reinvented
From the moment you enter, it’s clear Freehand New York doesn’t play it safe. Designed in collaboration with Roman and Williams, the interiors are warm, eclectic, and unmistakably alive—mixing pre-war architectural bones with global influences, quirky art, and lived-in textures. The lobby is a living room, a workspace, a meeting point. Public areas hum with possibility: commissioned works by Bard College students line the walls, while visiting artists live and create on site, adding layers of narrative to every floor.
Eat, Drink, Repeat
The hotel’s culinary scene is shaped by a thoughtful mix of New York hospitality names. Restaurateur Gabriel Stulman oversees the hotel’s restaurant and lobby bar through his Happy Cooking Hospitality, bringing the warmth and neighborhood spirit of his West Village family of restaurants into the building. Matt Kliegman, Carlos Quirarte, and Melia Marden have added a takeaway outpost of their beloved NoHo café The Smile, giving the hotel an easygoing downtown rhythm. And up on the roof, Broken Shaker by Gabriel Orta and Elad Zvi of Bar Lab delivers cocktails, small plates, and skyline views with Freehand’s signature sense of playful escape.
The Rooms: Just Enough Room to Dream
Rooms here are small by design, but packed with personality. Whether you’re flying solo in a King, bunking up in a Quad, or settling in with friends, every room feels like part of the story: textured walls, custom lighting, local art, and retro-modern furniture. The bunk rooms—bookable only as full rooms (thanks, NYC regulations)—are perfect for groups, families, or those who love a little sleepover spirit with their city stay.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Freehand New York is that rare hotel that actually lives up to its creative pitch. It’s artistic, a little rebellious, and full of soul—without ever feeling forced. For travelers who crave energy, community, and a strong point of view, this is downtown’s most free-spirited home base. Come for the cocktails, stay for the stories.
Amenities:
• 24-hour front desk • air conditioning • family rooms • fitness centre • pets allowed (charged) • multiple restaurants & bars • yoga
