Hotel Meets Hostel at The Freehand LA
Originally shared on the late blog Stranded on Land
With breathtaking but approachable views from the moment your boots hit the sidewalk, you’ll instantly fall in love with the trinkets and treasures strategically purchased with purpose located in every nook and cranny inside the hotel’s walls. Holding tight to some of the historic structures from signage to flooring, you’ll feel the timelessness and history made within these four walls while you set out to create some of your own.
Filled with hand-picked antiques, classy yet stylish wardrobes, and amber ambient lighting is just the first of impressions that will pull at your heartstrings and leave you longing for more. If there’s one thing that shined brighter than the pleasantries of a beautifully curated space it’s the unduplicated warmness of the staff that’ll make you feel right at home. Diverse, fashionable and genuinely on board to make every second you spend at their home away from home feel like yours as well, the guys and gals that make up the Freehand Los Angeles Family are top notch. Every guest treated like a friend of the family because, in their eyes, they are.
THE LOBBY
The lobby bar and lounging area, Rudolph’s Bar and Tea is a sweet escape no matter what time of day you choose to sink into this space. Early AM café and pastries from Café Integral accompanied by soft sunlight kisses warming the potted jungle of houseplants, cactus and other assorted greeneries peaking through the highrises surrounding will help you start your day a with a little peace and serenity. Stay for a day of meetings, grab breakfast or lunch next door at The Exchange Restaurant or head out for a day around LA. Whatever you’ve got on the agenda, starting here will get you with your best foot forward and fueled for a full day of inspiration ahead.
COZY TIME
Classy, clean and cozy, we found solitude waiting for us just a short elevator ride up to our private oasis. Artistic and culturally inspired decor and a bed that you’ll have to peel yourself out of coming the morning, made the private dwelling at The Freehand Los Angeles not only a place that you feel comfortable calling home for a day or few, but a place that you’d likely book a friend, colleague or low-key romantic weekend away with your boo.
#YUM
Everything we put in our mouth sent waves of satisfaction. Crafted with care, heart, and soul, the food and beverage program curated by Bar-Lab is hands down the one of the best you’ll experience in this lifetime. Grabbing bits and pieces from a life filled with travel, exploration, and culture, you’ll have the opportunity to explore all corners of the world in just an hour. The menu will spark your curiosity filled with interesting combinations of beverages, foods, and flavors, presented in bar and dining ware that will woo even the most apathetic of characters.
Dishes prepared to be shared, drinks stirred with unique ingredients and applause-worthy presentations. Not to be confused with stuffy and pretentious craft cocktail bars popping up all around the nation, the hospitality that you experience from the valet to the front desk staff is consistent with the waitstaff, the bartenders and the management all alike. So pick something off the menu or ask the lad or lady behind the stick to do the deciding for you. No matter what, you’ll be satisfied with everything that your taste buds have the opportunity to explore. We narrowed down a couple favorites in our 3 Things to Try at The Freehand Los Angeles guide, but use this as a benchmark only.
ROOFTOP
Make sure to not miss out on where the heart and soul of The Freehand all began and head to the rooftop bar, The Broken Shaker for a replication of the casual tiki bar meets downtown LA. All the best of the Miami vibes merges with the downtown Los Angeles coolness to create a rooftop space you’ve always dreamed of. Grab a tiki drink or one of your favorite classics and plop down around the rooftop pool for a view of the city that you’ve likely yet to see. Small bites, muraled walls, and vibey tunes are making The Broken Shaker one of the top go-to spots for downtowners, travelers and Los Angeles locals alike.