Freehand Los Angeles
Freehand Los Angeles 416 W. 8TH ST., LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90014, USA
Jeremy Tarr
Despite being smack-dab in the middle of what was once a forgotten block of Downtown LA, you’ll swear you’re in Laurel Canyon circa 1967 as soon as you step foot into the Freehand. Not only is the property decorated with a beautiful smattering of rustic earth tones and retro-chic mid-century modernism, but it holds the same overall calm, unpretentious vibe of a canyon hideaway. All of which is pretty damn impressive considering the Sydell
Photo: Adrian Gaut
Group-owned hotel was recently converted from an the publishing operation of Tarzan-creator Edgar Rice Burroughs. YOU SHOULD KNOW The Freehand is part hotel, part hostel. There are 167 private rooms and 59 shared. But don’t fret! Even the shared rooms are gorgeously designed, and cheap to boot.
Photo: Adrian Gaut
Photo: Teddy Minford
Room Though the retro-earthy feel continues in the rooms (they’re decorated with beautiful ‘60s-inspired paintings and tapestries), a touch of even-further-yesteryear Los
material, some of which highlights Downtown itself (think John Fante) or reminds you that these halls were once John Carter of Mars).
with original slat blinds, remind you of what this building once was in 1924 and frame an incredible view of Downtown’s ever-changing landscape. DTLA’s the Last Bookstore, which is certainly one of the best booksellers this side of the Mississippi, supplies a selection of reading
YOU SHOULD KNOW Even if you don’t have a view of the city, you’ll still have a gorgeous view. Local art collective CYRCLE painted a mural on the cinder-block wall that dominates the eyeline of south-facing rooms.
Bathroom
Lobby
If you’ve ever been in the bathroom of a Los Angeles
Walk underneath the giant red Freehand logo and be welcomed into this chic Roman & Williams-designed urban escape. It’s easy to relax here where you can partake at either Rudolph’s Bar & Tea for some of the most impressive boozey concoctions in the city, or Cafe Integral for a cup of Nicaraguan joe.
you’ll instantly have a Remembrance-of-Things-Past moment when you wander into these W/Cs. The tiling is vintage LA and it’s glorious.
Dining Though the retro-earthy feel continues in the rooms (they’re decorated with beautiful ‘60s-inspired paintings and tapestries), a touch of even-further-yesteryear Los Angeles slat blinds, remind you of what this building once was in 1924 and frame an incredible view of Downtown’s everchanging landscape. DTLA’s the Last Bookstore, which is certainly one of the best booksellers this side of the Mississippi, supplies a selection of readingWay back long ago, the space housing The Exchange restaurant was the original Owl Drug Store. Need proof? Look down at the
Photo: Frank Lee
mosaic tiles on the floor — they’re original — and you’ll see a whole lot of owls. Today it’s Chef Alex Chang’s Israelicuisine concept and it’s stunning. Dishes are meant to be shared and diners should consider a couple of options from the Salatim, or cold menu (the Avocado and Pate are both good choices), and a couple from the Plates section (the Sweet Potato is surprisingly excellent).
better one. We dare you.
Photo: Frank Lee
Photo: Frank Lee
Drinking The ampersand in Rudolph’s Bar & Tea is not to suggest that this is a place for either libations or Earl Gray, it is to instruct you that you will be drinking both. At the same time. And it’s amazing. These tea-infused drinks, some of which are served from a kettle and are meant for two to four
people, are some of the most happy-making you’ll have. Don’t order up a standard cocktail (gin & tonic, Jack & Coke). You’ll seriously be missing out on their drinks menu.
WHY WE LIKE IT From the decor to the drinks, from the vibe to the food, the Freehand nails it. Plus, you traveler than to try out one of the shared rooms. We’re nuts about this hotel.
HOTEL INFO Phones: (213) 612-0021 Website: https://freehandhotels.com/los-angeles/
Jeremy Tarr
Despite being smack-dab in the middle of what was once a forgotten block of Downtown LA, you’ll swear you’re in Laurel Canyon circa 1967 as soon as you step foot into the Freehand. Not only is the property decorated with a beautiful smattering of rustic earth tones and retro-chic mid-century modernism, but it holds the same overall calm, unpretentious vibe of a canyon hideaway. All of which is pretty damn impressive considering the Sydell
Photo: Adrian Gaut
Group-owned hotel was recently converted from an the publishing operation of Tarzan-creator Edgar Rice Burroughs. YOU SHOULD KNOW The Freehand is part hotel, part hostel. There are 167 private rooms and 59 shared. But don’t fret! Even the shared rooms are gorgeously designed, and cheap to boot.
Photo: Adrian Gaut
Photo: Teddy Minford
Room Though the retro-earthy feel continues in the rooms (they’re decorated with beautiful ‘60s-inspired paintings and tapestries), a touch of even-further-yesteryear Los
material, some of which highlights Downtown itself (think John Fante) or reminds you that these halls were once John Carter of Mars).
with original slat blinds, remind you of what this building once was in 1924 and frame an incredible view of Downtown’s ever-changing landscape. DTLA’s the Last Bookstore, which is certainly one of the best booksellers this side of the Mississippi, supplies a selection of reading
YOU SHOULD KNOW Even if you don’t have a view of the city, you’ll still have a gorgeous view. Local art collective CYRCLE painted a mural on the cinder-block wall that dominates the eyeline of south-facing rooms.
Bathroom
Lobby
If you’ve ever been in the bathroom of a Los Angeles
Walk underneath the giant red Freehand logo and be welcomed into this chic Roman & Williams-designed urban escape. It’s easy to relax here where you can partake at either Rudolph’s Bar & Tea for some of the most impressive boozey concoctions in the city, or Cafe Integral for a cup of Nicaraguan joe.
you’ll instantly have a Remembrance-of-Things-Past moment when you wander into these W/Cs. The tiling is vintage LA and it’s glorious.
Dining Though the retro-earthy feel continues in the rooms (they’re decorated with beautiful ‘60s-inspired paintings and tapestries), a touch of even-further-yesteryear Los Angeles slat blinds, remind you of what this building once was in 1924 and frame an incredible view of Downtown’s everchanging landscape. DTLA’s the Last Bookstore, which is certainly one of the best booksellers this side of the Mississippi, supplies a selection of readingWay back long ago, the space housing The Exchange restaurant was the original Owl Drug Store. Need proof? Look down at the
Photo: Frank Lee
mosaic tiles on the floor — they’re original — and you’ll see a whole lot of owls. Today it’s Chef Alex Chang’s Israelicuisine concept and it’s stunning. Dishes are meant to be shared and diners should consider a couple of options from the Salatim, or cold menu (the Avocado and Pate are both good choices), and a couple from the Plates section (the Sweet Potato is surprisingly excellent).
better one. We dare you.
Photo: Frank Lee
Photo: Frank Lee
Drinking The ampersand in Rudolph’s Bar & Tea is not to suggest that this is a place for either libations or Earl Gray, it is to instruct you that you will be drinking both. At the same time. And it’s amazing. These tea-infused drinks, some of which are served from a kettle and are meant for two to four
people, are some of the most happy-making you’ll have. Don’t order up a standard cocktail (gin & tonic, Jack & Coke). You’ll seriously be missing out on their drinks menu.
WHY WE LIKE IT From the decor to the drinks, from the vibe to the food, the Freehand nails it. Plus, you traveler than to try out one of the shared rooms. We’re nuts about this hotel.
HOTEL INFO Phones: (213) 612-0021 Website: https://freehandhotels.com/los-angeles/
