I spent three nights at Freehand Miami last spring. I booked a bed in an 8-bed female dorm. I went solo. I brought a small backpack and a big water bottle, because Miami heat is no joke. I’ve written a much more detailed, photo-heavy full review of Freehand Miami here, but below are the quick hits.
You know what? It felt more like a chill beach house than a “hostel-hostel.” But it wasn’t perfect. Let me explain.
Why I picked it
- It’s a 10-ish minute walk to the beach.
- There’s a pool and a cute courtyard.
- The bar on site (Broken Shaker) is famous. I’d wanted to try it for years. Esquire even crowned it Miami’s best bar.
- Beds were cheaper than most hotels nearby during Art Deco Weekend.
Still, if you’re leaning toward upgraded digs, my roundup of the best boutique hotels in Miami might save you the research.
I paid a bit more than some other hostels, but I liked the vibe. For broader Miami planning—budget stays, neighborhood rundowns, and up-to-date event calendars—I found Miami For Visitors super helpful before I booked.
First look: bright, breezy, a bit hip
Check-in was smooth. Staff gave me a wristband and a key card. They held my bag for two hours, since I got there early. The lobby had plants and big chairs. It smelled like sunscreen, limes, and pool water. Miami in a bottle.
The courtyard is the hangout spot. String lights. Palm trees. A small pool. Music at night. It felt social but not wild.
The dorm: cold AC, firm bed, small quirks
My dorm was on the second floor. Old building, but it felt safe. My bunk had a clean sheet, a pillow, and a blanket. The mattress was firm—good for my back, but not “cloud soft.” I took the top bunk by the window, which I now regret. The AC blasted right at my face. I wore a hoodie to sleep. Lesson learned.
Lockers were under the bunks. My 40L pack fit fine. Bring your own lock. There were a few outlets, but not one per bed. I charged my phone at the foot of my bunk and prayed no one tripped on the cord. No one did. Lucky me.
Bathrooms: clean mornings, busy nights
My dorm used the hallway bathrooms. In the morning, they were spotless. By late night, they got busy. Two showers, two stalls on our floor. I showered early and had no wait. Hot water worked. Water pressure was solid. The floor mats could use a swap by 10 p.m., though.
Noise: bar buzz, not a frat party
The bar played music until about midnight. It was more buzz than blast. If you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs. I slept okay on nights one and three. Night two? A group came in loud at 1 a.m. Not mean. Just “Miami excited.” Staff asked them to keep it down after a bit.
For travelers who’d trade nightlife for nearly complete silence, my stay on Grove Isle—Miami’s quiet little island paints a very different picture.
Food and drinks: tasty, not cheap
Broken Shaker makes strong, bright drinks. Bon Appétit’s Miami guide even features a glowing write-up of the bar, so I wasn’t surprised it lived up to the hype. I had one with passion fruit and mint. It was great—and pricey. That’s Miami. The pool menu had fries and a sandwich. Solid snack food.
For budget bites, I walked to a Cuban café two blocks away and grabbed a cortadito and a ham croqueta. I also kept yogurt and fruit in my bag. There wasn’t a full guest kitchen when I was there—more like a small prep area—so don’t plan big cooking.
Work and Wi-Fi: lobby yes, bed no
I had to send a few files for work. Wi-Fi in the lobby and courtyard was strong. Zoom was smooth. Wi-Fi in my dorm bed by the window dipped a lot. I ended up working downstairs with iced coffee and a hoodie, because again, AC.
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves snapping sun-lit pool selfies for someone special back home, but wants to share those shots safely and confidently, take a peek at this playful guide to sending tasteful vacation nudes—it’s packed with lighting tricks, consent reminders, and privacy tips so your steamy snaps stay fun rather than stressful.
The pool: small, sweet, sun-soaked
The pool isn’t huge. But it’s cute and clean. Morning swims were my favorite. Around 8:30 a.m., it was just me and two quiet lap swimmers. The water felt perfect after a humid walk.
Staff and crowd: mix of chill and chatty
Front desk was kind. One staff member circled a map for me and showed the best beach access. Guests were a mix: solo folks, a couple of friends on break, two digital nomads with tiny keyboards, a model-looking pair taking photos near the palms. I swapped sunscreen with a girl from Madrid. We laughed over sandy flip-flops and soggy towels. Travel kinship is real. If you thrive on quick, face-to-face connection and want to recreate that spontaneous social vibe when you’re off the road, you might enjoy Speed Dating Frederick—the page rounds up upcoming events, registration tips, and ice-breaker ideas so you can spark meaningful conversations in minutes.
What bugged me
- Cold AC straight at the top bunk. Bring layers.
- Wi-Fi weak in my dorm corner.
- Not enough outlets by every bed.
- Bathrooms got crowded late.
Not deal-breakers, but worth noting.
What I loved
- Location near the beach.
- The courtyard and pool. So calm in the morning.
- Friendly staff who actually helped, not just smiled.
- Social vibe without chaos.
When to book and what to pack
Miami spikes during Art Basel, spring break, and long weekends. Prices jump. Book early. For gear, I’d bring:
- Earplugs and an eye mask
- A light hoodie for the AC
- Flip-flops for the shower
- A small lock for the locker
- A portable charger
Who this place fits
- Solo travelers who want beach time and a little scene
- Friends who like a pretty space and good drinks
- Light workers who can work from the lobby
And if you’re day-dreaming about moving here instead of merely vacationing, peek at my candid notes on living at 1800 Club with a bay view.
Maybe skip it if you’re super noise-sensitive or need a full kitchen.
My quick take
I’d stay again, but I’d grab a lower bunk and sit closer to the router. It’s not a party pit, but it’s not hushed either. It’s Miami. Warm, bright, a little loud, and full of small joys—like that minty drink by the pool and sand in your shoes on the walk back.
Would I send my younger sister here? Yes—after I pack her earplugs myself.