Freehand Los Angeles

The Freehand Los Angeles is the West Coast outpost of the hipster boutique chain that began in Miami. Unlike its sister hotels, the Freehand Los Angeles has a historic past, it used to be the Commercial Exchange Building. Today, the building is the sexiest its ever been -- though the designers kept some historic Art-Deco touches, including one of the tallest neon signs in Los Angeles. Indoors, the Art-Deco theme is very much continued, but with a bit of So Cal flavor. The dimly lit entryway offers two options for checking in: automated or human interaction. Actually, the humans will encourage you to use the kiosks, but the machines aren't always dependable and you may end up right back at the front desk. The lobby is an enormous space with clusters of vintage furnishings, wood-paneled lighting fixtures, and ottomans upholstered in Mexican-blanket fabric. Modular-style blue sofas add a place to sit and there's an elegant bar against the back wall. Potted plants and magazine racks add to the intentionally vintage vibe. During the day, the space is crowded with guests and locals hunched over their laptops. But happy hour changes the pace and the evening turns into a social scene.Upstairs on the roof, it's a party (and occasional casual business meeting) all day and into the evening. Broken Shaker is the poolside cocktail bar and restaurant, and it has a definite boho Tulum vibe. Vibrant cafe-style tables covered with oilcloths, Acapulco chairs, and potted cacti look super chic. And the views of downtown Los Angeles are pretty good, too. The pool is on the small side, and on our visit it was too cold to get in the water, but almost all of the pink sun loungers were filled with scenesters. Most of the guests are international tourists, capturing every inch of the hotel for social media. But you'll also find locals who appreciate the design and fun vibe. 

Ten years ago it would have been unthinkable to open a hipster hotel in downtown Los Angeles, but as of 2018 the neighborhood is becoming gentrified and safe. The Freehand has an enviable location on 8th Street and South Olive. Restaurants and bars in the immediate area include Shake Shack, Whole Foods, Sugarfish, Umami Burger, Golden Gopher, Seven Grand, and Los Angeles Biergarten. Farther afield, it's a 13-minute walk to Grand Central Market, with local favorites like Eggslut and Horse Thief BBQ. As for entertainment, STAPLES Center is a 16-minute walk (or six-minute drive);  The Broad Museum is a 16-minute walk (or seven-minute drive); and Walt Disney Concert Hall is a 19-minute walk (or eight-minute drive). Universal Studios Hollywood is about 25 minutes away. Venice Beach can take up to 45 minutes to reach with traffic. LAX takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. 

Room categories cater to a variety of guests. Entry-level Kings are more than spacious enough for two guests, while Studios have additional space for a seating area. The Loft Suites are located on the top floor, and have the largest bathrooms. For the most space, The Burroughs Suite has one-and-a-half bathrooms and a separate bedroom, plus panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles. Shared Rooms are extremely popular with younger travelers. These rooms can accommodate groups of four, six, or eight in cedar bunk beds. Female-only Shared Rooms are available. Each bunk bed comes with a secure storage locker, outlet, and reading lamp -- and the bathroom is ensuite.The hip Art-Deco design found in public spaces continues in the rooms, with an emphasis on handwoven textiles and art made from local artists. Most rooms feature black-lacquer platform beds, woven wall hangings, desks, and small wardrobes. Carpets and rugs line the floors and wooden blinds hang over the large windows. High end finishes include leather handles on the wardrobes, geometric pendant lights, and substantial blond-wood furniture. Copies of art books and upscale magazines are tucked into built-in nightstands. Bathrooms are evocative of another era, but completely modern. Green floral tiles on the floor and subway tiles on the walls look purposefully retro. Rainshowers and Argan toiletries are provided. All rooms and suites include smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, phones, safes, Tivoli radios, and hairdryers. Minibars are thoughtfully stocked with gummy bears, chapstick, Coke, Peroni, and mini-bottles of liquor. Rooms on the highest floors have the best views of the surrounding city streets. 

The Freehand's features are some of the best in downtown Los Angeles. The star of the show is the rooftop pool, complete with a Tulum-inspired cocktail bar and lounge, Broken Shaker. Food and beverage service is available on the sun loungers around the pool, as well. Back downstairs, The Exchange Restaurant serves a multicultural menu for all three meals and weekend brunch. The lobby offers a combination work space and bar (which specializes in tea-based cocktails), and Cafe Integral is tucked in the corner for specialty coffees and decadent pastries. Guests in the Shared Rooms get a free continental breakfast, served in the basement. Many private room packages come with a credit for breakfast at The Exchange. Room service is also available. Also on the ground floor is an outpost of Flowerboy. Locals shop there for plants and floral arrangements, and guests love it for locally made gifts and souvenirs. Down one level, there's a small fitness center with modern machines. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Pets are welcome for a fee. Valet parking is available, though it's expensive and wait times can be long since cars are parked in three different garages. Note that guests are charged a daily facilities fee and Shared Room guests have to wear a wristband. Events are regularly held and encourage mingling. Weekend DJ sets are standard and rooftop yoga is regularly scheduled. The hotel's website offers updates of additional activities.