Freehand New York
by the TopOfHotel team
Freehand New York is a Gramercy Park design hotel built around a famous bar and a rooftop with real atmosphere.
Freehand New York is a Gramercy Park design hotel built around a famous bar and a rooftop with real atmosphere.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Freehand New York sits in a historic building in the quiet, easy-to-get-around Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan. The rooms lean eclectic and bohemian — vintage mixed with modern, and small details everywhere: handwoven textiles, paintings, original art. Guests keep praising the look and the atmosphere; one called it more like staying in an art gallery than a hotel. Some rooms come with a view onto Gramercy Park, which makes the place a favorite with couples and anyone who likes a photo-worthy corner. It scores 8.2/10 on Agoda.
Food and amenities
The Broken Shaker is the main reason people come. It is a cocktail bar that has won Best American Hotel Bar several years in a row, with a creative menu that changes by season and leans on local ingredients and house infusions. The rooftop setting is relaxed but lively, and it draws New Yorkers who come just to drink, not only hotel guests. Free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk round out the basics.
Location and getting there
Gramercy Park is one of the calmest, prettiest corners of Manhattan. The park itself is private — open only to area residents and some hotel guests — so you may need to ask the front desk for a key. Union Square is a 10-minute walk and the Empire State Building about 15. The 6 train at 23rd St connects you cleanly to both Midtown and Downtown. And Pete's Tavern, the oldest bar in New York (going since 1864), is just across the street.
Things to know before booking
It is pricier than the other picks in this class — rooms run from about $71 a night, so you are paying for the design and the bar. It also sits a little away from central Midtown, so you will be on the 6 train in and out rather than walking. And the much-photographed Gramercy Park is gated to residents, so do not count on strolling straight in.
Our take
Come here for the atmosphere and the night out. Between The Broken Shaker, the rooftop and the gallery-like rooms, Freehand New York is a design stay with real character — best for travelers who'd rather spend on the vibe than save on the room.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- The Broken Shaker has won international awards and is a destination in its own right — New Yorkers come here to drink, not just hotel guests.
- The rooftop looks out over Gramercy Park and the surrounding blocks, and it stays lively at night.
- Gramercy Park is one of the quietest, prettiest pockets of Manhattan, yet still close to everything you'd want.
- The decor leans eclectic and bohemian, with vintage pieces, handwoven textiles and original art — guests say it feels like an art gallery more than a hotel.
- Some rooms come with a view straight onto Gramercy Park, which makes for good photos.
- It is pricier than the other options in the same class, so you pay for the design and the bar.
- It sits a little away from central Midtown, so you will be taking the 6 train in and out rather than walking.
- Gramercy Park itself is a private park open only to area residents and some hotel guests, so you may not be able to walk straight in — you have to ask the front desk.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near New York City
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Insider Tips
- Book a table at The Broken Shaker ahead of time — it gets packed, especially Friday and Saturday nights.
- Gramercy Park is open to residents only, so ask the hotel for a key if you want to get inside.
- Pete's Tavern, right across the street, is the oldest bar in New York, going since 1864.