Freehand New York

Located in the historic George Washington Hotel (a former boarding house and boot-legging distillery), the Freehand New York is a modern-day bohemian enclave providing locals and out-of-towners with a trendy and affordable lodging option.

This 395-room property features high arches and marble columns, characteristic of the Italian Renaissance, as well as bright walls lined with artwork in honor of the many famous writers, musicians, poets and painters that have lived in its walls. While a student at the School of Visual Arts, Keith Haring once lived in the historic Flatiron building. Furthermore, the hotel is integral to the local artistic community and invites art majors and alumni from Bard College to create original work and exhibit throughout the property, including guest rooms. They even have yearly fellowships for recent graduates to live and work throughout the space – unreal. Befittingly, the entire hotel is reminiscent of a Pinterest board.

If the cool factor of sleeping in the dormitory of W.H. Auden and Christopher Isherwood isn’t enough, then, perhaps, the amenities of this hip and beautiful hotel will lure you in. Yep, this property is also the answer to every culture-thirsty millennial’s dream. Located on the 2nd level of the property is a sprawling co-working space retrofitted with beautiful mid-century furniture and lush greens. This space is open to the public, as is Studio, a North African bakery and café offering light bites, George Washington Bar, a dark and moody library bar serving cocktails and fancy eats, and Broken Shaker, a popular spinoff of the award-winning namesake bar in Miami and located on the rooftop. For a heavier meal, go downstairs and dine at restauranteur Gabriel Stulman’s Simon and the Whale, a neighborhood restaurant drawing inspiration from the American coasts.

Undoubtedly, The Freehand New York is a special place representing and honoring a cultural mecca from eras past. This hostel-like hangout is an art gallery, co-working space and a cultural oasis. It is the answer to today’s digital nomad lifestyle and, thankfully, does not cut any corners. The Freehand Hotel knows its audience and makes it easy for them to be themselves.