Freehand: The Buzziest New Hotel In New York

Miami travelers may already be familiar with Freehand Hotels, as their South Beach location boasts an award-winning tiki bar along with a consistent crowd of hip, young guests. Now, finally, New Yorkers can get in on the action.

The Freehand New York has officially debuted in the Flatiron District, taking over a space that was formerly the George Washington Hotel. While the building dates back to 1928, the interiors (designed by Roman and Williams, naturally) have been given a modern, luxurious twist. Nevertheless, a room here won't destroy your wallet. Special rates for solo stays start at $99 a night, while bunk bed-boasting rooms make it easy (and affordable) to book with a group.

Now, sure, the rooms are all well and good, but we know what locals are looking forward to when it comes to a new hotel. How are the dining and drinking options?

Um, pretty freakin' epic. Gabriel Stulman, the restaurateur behind NYC favorites Joseph Leonard, Bar Sardine, and Fedora, has taken the helm at three of the hotel's public spaces. First, there's Studio, an all-day cafe and restaurant serving up American dishes with Middle Eastern and North African accents. That's on the mezzanine.

Then there's the George Washington Bar, a self-proclaimed "classic inspired cocktail bar that's not too serious about its history." Set inside the library room of the former hotel, it's a dark, wood paneled watering hole perfect for what feels like a high-end nightcap.

And wait, there's more! Simon & the Whale, another full-service eatery, will be opening soon, as well as a Smile-To-Go location, and, come summertime, a rooftop outpost of Miami's famous Broken Shaker. We're already dreading the hangovers.

Click through for an inside look at everything this buzzy hot spot has to offer!

[Photos via Freehand New York]