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Summary of reviewsFreehand Miami garners strong praise for its prime location, offering easy access to the beach, public transportation and a variety of nearby amenities. The hotel is described as a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently close to South Beach's vibrant attractions and nightlife. The friendly and accommodating staff enhance the experience further, making it an appealing choice for travelers of all types.
The breakfast offerings, however, receive mixed reviews. While some guests appreciate the basics provided, many are disappointed with the lack of complimentary options and the limited variety. The nearby bakery and local eateries serve as better alternatives. Dinner at the hotel's restaurant and bar, particularly The Broken Shaker, receives high marks for its exceptional food and amazing cocktails despite being on the pricier side.
Rooms at Freehand Miami are generally well-regarded for their spaciousness, stylish decor and useful amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Shared dormitories provide a good balance of privacy and modern design. However, some guests report cleanliness issues and signs of wear and tear in certain rooms. The vibrant atmosphere and social-friendly common areas, including the pool and garden, add to the hotel’s appeal.
Cleanliness is a mixed aspect with many praising the diligent efforts of the cleaning staff while others note areas needing more thorough attention. The inconsistent Wi-Fi experience, especially in private rooms, is a common complaint, though the connectivity in public areas is praised.
The hotel's proximity to the beach and the comprehensive amenities provided, such as free beach towels and umbrellas, make it particularly attractive for beach lovers. The nighttime atmosphere is lively with a vibrant nightlife scene that can be noisy, posing challenges for those seeking a quieter stay. Beds are generally comfortable and spacious, catering well to guests' needs, though some minor improvements are suggested.
In summary, Freehand Miami combines a strategic location and friendly atmosphere with well-kept facilities and vibrant dining and nightlife options. While there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding breakfast, cleanliness and Wi-Fi connectivity, it remains a favored choice for travelers seeking a lively and convenient beachfront experience. Show more
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Hostel near Nightlife Spots
Freehand Miami is known for its tropical vibes and poolside parties at Broken Shaker. It offers a unique and social atmosphere, attracting those looking for a fun and engaging nightlife experience.
Cheap Hostel
Although the city is listed as New York, Freehand Miami is known for its stylish hostel accommodations and social atmosphere. It offers both shared and private rooms at reasonable prices, along with a popular bar and restaurant.
Hostel near The Beach
Dog Friendly Hostel
Hostel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Accessible Hostel
Hostel for Yoga
4-Star Hostel
Hostel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Standard Quadruple RoomThis room features a desk, lockers, and an en suite bathroom.
Superior King RoomThis room features a flat-screen cable TV, iPod docking station, and private bathroom. A desk is also included.
Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis room features a desk, lockers, and an en suite bathroom.
Please note only one person is permitted per bed. Guests will not be allowed to share bedding.
One towel included, any additional rented at $5 per towel
Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory RoomThis room features a desk, lockers, and an en suite bathroom.
Please note only one person is permitted per bed. Guests will not be allowed to share bedding.
One towel included, any additional rented at $5 per towel
Bed in 8-Bed Female Dormitory RoomThis room features a desk, lockers, and an en suite bathroom.
Please note only one person is permitted per bed. Guests will not be allowed to share bedding.
One towel included, any additional rented at $5 per towel
Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis room features a desk, lockers, and an en suite bathroom.
Please note only one person is permitted per bed. Guests will not be allowed to share bedding.
One towel included, any additional rented at $5 per towel
Private Suite (4 Adults)The suite features a fully-equipped kitchen, seating area, and flat-screen cable television. A desk is also included.
Superior SuiteThe air-conditioned suite features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. This suite has a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Private Premium Quadruple RoomThe air-conditioned quadruple room features private bathroom equipped with a bath and a shower. The unit offers 4 beds.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has air conditioning and garden view.
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Freehand Miami is consistently praised for its prime location, making it a standout choice for visitors to Miami Beach. Ideally situated just a short walk from the beach, this hotel offers guests easy access to the ocean, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy sun and sand. The proximity to public transportation, including direct bus routes from Miami International Airport and local trolley services, enhances accessibility and convenience.
Guests appreciate the nearby amenities, such as grocery stores, cafes and restaurants, ensuring all necessities are within reach. The central location in Miami Beach means South Beach's vibrant attractions and nightlife are easily accessible on foot or by a short free bus ride, yet the hotel remains tucked away from the chaos, offering a peaceful retreat.
The friendly and accommodating staff, pleasant atmosphere and well-kept facilities further add to the positive experience. Whether for a solo traveler, backpacker or anyone seeking a convenient and well-located stay, Freehand Miami stands out as a top choice for both its strategic positioning and welcoming environment.
Breakfast
Guests at Freehand Miami have mixed feelings about the breakfast offerings at the hotel. Many reviews indicate disappointment with the lack of complimentary breakfast, a feature that was once included in the room rates. For those who paid extra for breakfast, the general consensus is that it’s quite basic and lacks variety with items like toast, buns, cheese, ham, fruits, yogurt and muesli. Some found the $12 or $13 price tag expensive for the limited options available.
There are mentions of the breakfast being described as good and delicious by some, despite its simplicity. However, several guests noted the breakfast quality does not match its cost and others wished for amenities such as eggs or just a simple coffee option in the morning.
The absence of a kitchen or a filtered water station—a drawback especially for budget travelers and backpackers—is also highlighted. On a positive note, the beautiful bakery nearby serves as a convenient and appreciated alternative for breakfast. Additionally, the hotel’s location provides easy access to several nearby spots for meals.
Overall, while there are some positives about the breakfast, many guests feel the hotel could enhance its value by either including breakfast in the room rate or improving the breakfast options offered.
Dinner
Freehand Miami offers a vibrant dining experience with its onsite bar and restaurant, garnering praise for exceptional food and drinks. The Broken Shaker, the hotel's bar, is particularly lauded for its amazing cocktails and cool evening vibes. Guests love the delicious food served both poolside and in the restaurant with dishes like burgers, fries and tacos receiving high marks. The restaurant’s yard-bar area is highlighted as being really enjoyable, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere for visitors.
However, it’s important to note some drawbacks. Prices for food and drinks are frequently mentioned as high with many noting the overall expense compared to the quality. The restaurant operates on limited hours, typically opening in the evening, sometimes causing confusion and necessitating dinner reservations. The bar scene can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and it can be noisy due to non-guests populating the area. Despite these points, the staff is noted as friendly and the facility's ambiance with its well-decorated spaces, adds to the overall pleasant experience. The combination of good music, a chance to meet new people and excellent amenities make dining at Freehand Miami a memorable part of the stay, despite the occasional hiccup.
Rooms
The guest reviews of 'Freehand Miami' highlight various features of the rooms that provide a mixed but mostly positive experience for travelers. Visitors appreciated the spaciousness and stylish decor of the rooms, often describing them as cozy, comfortable and well-designed. The presence of amenities like air conditioning, WiFi and daily cleaning services are also commonly praised. Shared dormitories, in particular, are noted for their modern styling and the sense of privacy provided by sturdy, individual bunk beds with personal lights and outlets.
The location is a significant draw, being close to the beach, a mini market and public transport. Guests enjoyed the charming garden and the vibrant atmosphere of the common areas, including the pool and bar, which are conducive to socializing. The availability of beach towels, umbrellas and beach chairs at no extra cost is a convenient perk.
However, the accommodation does have its downsides. Several reviewers pointed out cleanliness issues with some rooms described as dusty or suffering from musty odors. The older building means that some rooms feel outdated and exhibit signs of wear and tear, such as faulty doors, dated bathroom fixtures and occasional maintenance problems like non-functional windows and air conditioning units. Noise levels can also be an issue, particularly in rooms near the street or common areas.
Despite these concerns, many guests found their stay enjoyable, citing friendly and helpful staff, comfortable bedding and good value for money. Overall, 'Freehand Miami' offers a blend of hostel and hotel experiences that appeals particularly to younger travelers looking for a lively atmosphere close to the beach.
Beds
Guests at Freehand Miami consistently appreciated the comfortable and spacious beds, which were often described as cozy and supportive. Many highlighted the large king-size beds, emphasizing their excellent quality and ability to ensure a good night's sleep. The rooms with bunk beds received mixed feedback; some found the wooden structures and nearby outlets convenient, while a few mentioned improvements could be made, such as adding privacy curtains and better separation between beds. In terms of cleanliness, opinions varied with some guests praising the fresh bedding while others noted issues like unclean sheets and poor housekeeping. Overall, the beds at Freehand Miami seem to cater well to most guests' comfort needs, though some minor enhancements could further elevate the experience.
Cleanliness
Freehand Miami presents a mixed bag when it comes to cleanliness, according to guest reviews. Many visitors have praised the cleaning staff for their diligent efforts with some highlighting that rooms are cleaned daily and fresh towels are provided consistently. The pool and backyard are notable for being relaxing spots when well-maintained and the hotel's general cleanliness has received compliments, particularly when compared to other hostels.
However, the reviews also point to several areas needing improvement. Some guests noted that cleaning isn't always thorough, mentioning dust, dirt and occasional sticky floors. Bathrooms, in particular, seem to be a recurring problem with reports of outdated fixtures, blocked sinks and floors that aren't always spotless. There's also feedback about rooms lacking proper ventilation and having an occasional musty smell.
The hotel's common areas and pool cleanliness vary with some guests finding them up to par while others reported needing more attention. Overall, while Freehand Miami's cleaning efforts are noticeable and appreciated by many, there are clear opportunities for more consistent and detailed cleaning practices to enhance guest satisfaction.
Staff
At Freehand Miami, the guest experience largely hinges on the quality and attitude of the staff, which garners a diverse range of opinions. On the positive side, many visitors highlight the staff's friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism, often pointing out specific employees like Alexandra, Marcia and Victor for their exceptional service. The reception staff, described as kind and supportive, regularly meets guests' needs with patience and attentiveness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Alexandra and Joaquin are repeatedly praised for their wonderful attention, while Marcia is noted as a standout receptionist.
The team is recognized for their warm and helpful demeanor, creating a friendly and accommodating environment. The hotel’s policy of lending beach towels, chairs, umbrellas and bicycles resonates well with guests. The housekeepers also receive commendations for maintaining cleanliness and providing excellent service. Many reviews mention that the staff ensures a pleasant stay with service deemed amazing and extraordinary by several guests.
However, there are notable criticisms. Some guests report instances of rude and unhelpful staff, particularly at the reception and during check-out. Issues of discrimination and unfriendliness particularly towards Americans are recurring negative points mentioned in the reviews. Management behavior also comes under scrutiny, described as poor in some instances. These mixed interactions result in an uneven guest experience with positive encounters counterbalanced by significant negative ones.
Overall, Freehand Miami’s staff is capable of delivering a highly enjoyable stay through their friendliness and helpful nature, yet there remain areas needing improvement particularly around consistency in service and addressing concerns of rudeness and discrimination.
Wi-Fi
Freehand Miami offers a mixed experience when it comes to Wi-Fi connectivity. Guests have highlighted the excellent high-speed Wi-Fi available in the common areas, including the lobby and the pool area with stable connections allowing for seamless activities such as video calls. However, the Wi-Fi in the rooms appears to be a common issue; many reviewers reported that it is either very slow or completely non-existent, requiring guests to go to the lobby for a reliable internet connection. Despite some positive feedback about the Wi-Fi in guest areas, the consistency and range of the connectivity seem to be lacking with several guests expressing their dissatisfaction with the poor or unavailable Wi-Fi in their rooms. Improvements in internet coverage, particularly in private accommodations, would greatly enhance the overall guest experience at this otherwise well-reviewed hotel.
Beach
Freehand Miami offers guests a prime location with its close proximity to the beach, making it an appealing choice for beach lovers. The beach is just a short walk away, often described as just 3 to 5 minutes on foot. Guests repeatedly highlight the convenience of being near such a beautiful and pleasant beach, which is also not crowded. This hostel provides plenty of amenities to enhance the beach experience, including free beach towels, chairs, umbrellas and even bicycles.
The atmosphere of the area contributes positively to the overall experience with a cute and sociable vibe. Additionally, the hostel is situated near various essential amenities, including supermarkets and bus stations, which adds to the convenience for travelers. Moreover, Freehand Miami is known for its clean and spacious rooms equipped with all necessary amenities, as well as a lively outdoor pool area and bar that promotes social interactions among guests.
While the main streets like Ocean Drive are somewhat far, the hostel's superb location near South Beach and other tourist attractions makes it ideal for a vibrant Miami Beach experience. Overall, guests have raved about their stay, appreciating especially the close proximity to the beach and the comprehensive amenities provided for beach outings.
Nightlife
Freehand Miami immerses guests in a vibrant nightlife scene that is full of energy and atmosphere. Situated near South Beach, the property is in proximity to many nearby bars, cafes and restaurants, making it a prime spot for those who love to party. The hotel's courtyard, pool area and adjoining restaurant all transform into lively hubs of activity in the evenings, offering great music, drinks and entertainment.
The bar and restaurant around the pool are particularly popular, attracting both guests and locals. The lively atmosphere is further amplified by frequent parties and a nightclub across the street, ensuring that the night doesn't end early. Guests have praised the cool vibe, enthusiastic environment and helpful staff, all contributing to an unforgettable experience.
However, this bustling nightlife comes with its drawbacks. The music and noise levels can be quite high, often lasting until the early hours of the morning. For those looking to rest, the lack of soundproofing can pose a significant challenge. The hostel atmosphere does encourage social interaction and meeting new people, though peace and quiet are in short supply.
Overall, Freehand Miami is highly recommended for beach lovers and night owls who are looking to fully embrace Miami's vibrant party scene.
Accessible
Freehand Miami presents a mixed experience in terms of accessibility for guests with disabilities. While the hotel boasts easy access and a high level of accessibility to public transportation and close proximity to the parking lot and bus stop, there are significant drawbacks. Several reviews highlight continuous issues with the elevator, which poses a challenge for those needing to access higher floors. Notably, the hotel lacks appropriate accommodations and facilities for disabled individuals, including a kitchen area, accessible rooms and the absence of ramps for luggage. Despite these concerns, the facility benefits from a welcoming atmosphere, especially at the courtyard bar and offers amenities like bike rentals. However, it is clear that the overall structure and services at Freehand Miami require improvements to better cater to guests with disabilities.
Dog Friendly
Freehand Miami stands out for its pet-friendly atmosphere, allowing guests to bring their furry companions along. Scenic surroundings complement the dog-friendly environment, making it an excellent choice for travelers with pets. The hotel's location close to the beach, coupled with a good vibe and a nice garden, further adds to its charm. The presence of amenities such as a swimming pool and free bicycles enhances the experience, while the helpful staff contributes to a welcoming atmosphere. Pets are allowed to stay for free, which is a significant plus for pet owners. However, specific dog-friendly spaces within the hotel are not clearly identified in the reviews. Despite this, the overall ambiance and pet policies make it a favorable option for those traveling with dogs.
Yes, Freehand Miami has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Freehand Miami.
Yes, Freehand Miami welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Freehand Miami.