Occupying a historic Gramercy Park building, Freehand blurs the line between hostel and boutique hotel. Well-designed dorm and private rooms, an excellent restaurant (Genuine Liquorette), and a classic rooftop pool and bar make it a beloved stay at every budget level.
Freehand New York at 23 Lexington Avenue in Gramercy occupies a historic building that has been transformed into one of New York City's most acclaimed hybrid hospitality concepts — a property that erases the line between a hostel and a boutique hotel. The Gramercy location opened in 2016, following the success of the original Freehand Miami, and established itself as a design-led social space equally appealing to budget-conscious travelers booking dorm beds and design-forward visitors choosing private rooms.
The building at 23 Lexington Avenue has a long hospitality history, having operated as the George Washington Hotel. The Freehand renovation preserved original Art Deco lobby details — terrazzo floors, plaster ceiling reliefs, and steel-framed windows — while adding contemporary art and furnishings throughout the public spaces. The combination of heritage architecture and contemporary curation gives the property a character that neither a conventional hostel nor a standard boutique hotel can replicate.
Accommodation ranges from 4- and 8-bed dormitory rooms to private standard rooms, superior rooms, and suites. All room types feature quality bedding, strong wifi, and design-conscious furnishings. Dorm rooms include individual lockers and privacy curtains at each bunk.
Broken Shaker, the Miami-born cocktail bar that launched the Freehand brand's national reputation, operates on the building's rooftop. The rooftop also hosts a seasonal outdoor pool — a genuine rarity for budget-accessible accommodation in Manhattan. The bar draws a cocktail-forward crowd from across the city and is consistently recognized among New York's best destination bars.
The Gramercy neighborhood's residential calm, proximity to Madison Square Park five minutes north, and the Union Square subway hub 10 minutes south make Freehand an excellent and well-connected base for exploring central Manhattan.
Amenities
- pool
- bar
- restaurant
- rooftop
- wifi
- fitness center
Location
23 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010
40.7384, -73.9841 View on map
Highlights
- Design-forward hostel-hotel hybrid in a historic Art Deco Gramercy building at 23 Lexington Avenue
- Broken Shaker rooftop cocktail bar and seasonal rooftop pool — a genuine destination for New York's cocktail scene
- Both dormitory beds and private rooms available, all with quality bedding and design-conscious furnishings
- Preserved Art Deco lobby with terrazzo floors and plaster ceilings in a beautifully renovated historic building
- Gramercy location near Madison Square Park, Union Square, and the Flatiron District with strong transit access
Tips for visiting
- Broken Shaker rooftop is popular with locals — book tables in advance for weekend evenings during warm months
- The 6 train at 23rd Street–Park Avenue South is a five-minute walk and provides fast connections to Midtown and Downtown
- Private rooms book out significantly faster than dorm beds; reserve private accommodation at least 3–4 weeks ahead
- Madison Square Park is a 5-minute walk north and hosts an excellent farmers market on Wednesdays
- The Art Deco lobby is worth seeing regardless of accommodation type — the 1920s architectural details are beautifully maintained
Accessibility
Freehand New York provides accessible rooms with elevator access to all guest floors and the rooftop bar. The Art Deco lobby is accessible at street level. Accessible rooms with modified bathroom configurations are available on request. Lexington Avenue outside the hotel is flat and accessible. Guests with specific mobility needs should contact the hotel prior to arrival to confirm room availability and accessibility routes through the property.
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Frequently asked questions
What type of property is Freehand New York?
Freehand New York is a hybrid hospitality concept offering both dormitory-style hostel beds and boutique hotel-standard private rooms in the same building. The property is known for its design quality, social atmosphere, and the Broken Shaker rooftop cocktail bar.
Is Broken Shaker at Freehand New York open to non-guests?
Yes, Broken Shaker is open to the public. The rooftop cocktail bar and seasonal pool are accessible to non-hotel guests subject to capacity limits. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends during warm months.
What is the neighborhood like around Freehand New York?
Freehand is in Gramercy, a historically significant and relatively quiet Manhattan neighborhood. It is close to Madison Square Park, Union Square, the Flatiron District, and the East Village, with excellent cafes, restaurants, and boutiques within walking distance.
Does Freehand New York have a pool?
Yes, a rooftop pool operates seasonally (typically late spring through early fall) at Freehand New York, associated with the Broken Shaker rooftop bar. The pool is available to hotel guests and the public subject to capacity. Advance booking is recommended.
What room types are available at Freehand New York?
Freehand New York offers 4-bed and 8-bed mixed and female-only dormitories, along with Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and Suite private room categories. All room types include quality bedding, wifi, and individual storage.