Freehand Los Angeles

This hotel offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern flair, with its rooftop pool and bar serving as a signature feature providing stunning city views. Its central location in downtown Los Angeles makes it an excellent choice for sightseers looking to explore the city's attractions and business travelers attending events nearby. The hotel's eclectic design and vibrant atmosphere also appeal to solo travelers and couples seeking a memorable stay. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff and the overall value for money. To make the most of your visit, consider bringing earplugs due to potential street noise and be sure to check the specific operating hours for the rooftop pool, as they can be limited. Bringing your own lock for shared room lockers is also a useful tip.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular rooftop pool and bar that offers impressive city views, though some guests note it can be crowded and has specific operating hours, often opening late and closing early, and sometimes being reserved for private events. The lobby area is widely praised for its cozy atmosphere, featuring a cafe and bar that serve as inviting spaces for relaxation or work. The fitness center is available, but many describe it as small and basic, sometimes lacking adequate ventilation. Shared rooms are equipped with lockers, though guests need to provide their own locks. The elevators are noted for their historic charm but can be slow, temperamental, and occasionally noisy, leading to wait times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean, with private rooms often described as spacious and well-maintained. The beds receive mixed feedback, with many finding them comfortable, while bunk beds in shared rooms are frequently reported as wobbly, creaky, or less comfortable. Pillows and blankets are often described as thin, leading some guests to request additional bedding. In-room amenities can be minimal, with some rooms lacking a coffee maker or refrigerator. Noise is a significant concern for many, as street noise from traffic, sirens, and nearby activity is often audible, even on higher floors, due to perceived poor window insulation. Some shared rooms also lack privacy curtains for bunks.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers various dining options, including a lobby cafe that serves breakfast, with guests often praising the coffee and specific items like the smoked salmon bagel. The main restaurant is frequently commended for its quality food and diverse menu, though some guests note its limited operating hours. The rooftop bar is a popular spot for drinks and offers a selection of food items, which are generally well-received. However, some guests express frustration with the hotel's policy prohibiting outside food and drinks in the lobby and rooftop areas, which can be inconvenient for those wishing to enjoy items from nearby markets or eateries.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location in downtown Los Angeles, providing convenient access to the metro station and various bus lines, making it easy to reach popular attractions like the Convention Center, Orpheum Theater, and Grand Central Market. Many guests appreciate the walkable proximity to numerous restaurants, cafes, and a large supermarket. While the immediate vicinity is often described as vibrant and convenient during the day, some guests express concerns about the surrounding neighborhood, particularly at night, due to the visible presence of homeless individuals and general unsightliness. Valet parking is available, but guests consistently find it to be very expensive, leading some to seek more affordable public parking options nearby.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the helpfulness of the reception team, who are often described as eager to assist with inquiries and provide local recommendations. The check-in process is generally reported as smooth and efficient, even for early arrivals. Housekeeping staff are also commended for their quick and efficient service, often accommodating requests for additional towels or amenities. The valet service, despite its cost, is noted for its friendly and prompt operation. Overall, the hotel's commitment to providing excellent customer service is a recurring theme in guest feedback.

Additional Information
A common point of contention among guests is the presence of unexpected facility fees or resort fees, which are often added upon check-in and are not always clearly communicated during the initial booking process. A security deposit is typically required, and some guests report delays or issues with its refund, while also noting that this deposit does not allow for charging bar purchases to the room. The rooftop pool has specific access rules, including limited hours of operation and often becoming an adults-only area after a certain time, which can be disappointing for families. The hotel maintains a strict no outside food or drink policy in its main public areas, including the lobby and rooftop bar.