Hotel Hive — Hotel in Washington

I loved my experience at Hotel Hive! Every single staff member was exceptionally nice, the location was exactly what I needed, and the bed was super comfortable. I really appreciate that this hotel is trying to be great at what it is, rather than trying to be all things to all people. They try to make it very clear on their website, but in case anyone needs to see this-- Hotel Hive is not a place where you can pile your entire family of six into one room for a week. Rooms are designed for one or two people, and I would not want to take a child younger than about 13 there. I had a queen room, in a quieter area of the hotel (rooms are separated into categories by noise level, and the noisier rooms are less expensive). Despite this, it did get pretty noisy from about 7-10PM. The hotel's bar and restaurant close at 10 and by 10:01 it went absolutely silent in my room every night. (The noise from 7-10 was enough that I generally left my room for dinner, etc during that time.) The rooms are extremely small-- when I checked in I was told that I was welcome to use a mini fridge but that it would be inconvenient for me. There's not a space in the room other than right in front of the door that a mini fridge would have fit. The queen bed was pushed into a corner- there was about a foot of space between the end of the bed and the wall. The bed is up against the wall on one side, and there's about three feet between the other side of the bed and the wall. Much smaller than a typical cruise ship room, if that gives you an idea. But everything was very efficiently laid out (there is no closet, but a small clothes rack that I was able to hang about 7 things in, and a drawer under the bed). There wasn't a desk in my room (I think king rooms have desks), but there was a small nightstand with a safe underneath and there were some wide windowsills that could be used as shelves. There was room under the bed for my suitcase. A queen room would not be appropriate for 2 people -- there would not be enough time to maneuver around each other to get dressed, etc. But as a solo business traveler who needed the location (very safe area- few blocks from the metro and less than a ten minute walk to anywhere in the GW campus), it was everything I needed. The onsite bar and restaurant looked great, but I didn't try them because I had other meal plans during my stay. One note- if you can't climb stairs and are dependent on the elevator, know that the elevator is much more the size and speed of a lift that would be in someone's home than a commercial elevator you're used to. The elevator will hold 1-2 adults plus one suitcase, or 2-3 adults depending on their size. The elevator is exceptionally slow (go downstairs before you order the Uber because it may take several minutes if using elevator). The hotel is laid out so that you shouldn't need to climb more than three flights to get to any room, so this may not be an issue if you're comfortable doing that. I did see some reviews that mentioned the hotel not providing toiletries-- they had a rack mounted in the shower with the standard shampoo/conditioner/body wash/lotion. The hand soap was...

I stayed here a few months ago for a conference at GWU. I had never been to Washington, D.C. and certainly had never stayed at a micro-hotel before and I LOVED IT!

First off, the service was unmatched. Everyone was so kind and accommodating from the moment I stepped inside. I felt so welcomed and at home. They asked about me and my trip, were so friendly, offered to hold my bags while I ventured around D.C. after checking out. The folks at the pizzeria inside probably got tired of me storming in to fill up my water bottle at the fountain, but they were chill about it. Everybody went above and beyond, and as someone who is a pretty nervous traveler, it totally made the difference for me. In that same vein, the whole hotel has such an intimate, cozy feel, from the smaller size to the lighting, to the use of space. I can definitely see how some, especially in a family, might find it cramped or claustrophobic, but I really enjoyed it.

I stayed in a bunk bed room, which I definitely was iffy about. For me, it would have been too small for me to share with someone, unless we really, really like each other (like, really). But just for me alone, I loved it. Again, small but cozy. Nice bathroom with bottled amenities in the shower. The bed was INSANE. And not even for a bunk bed. For just a bed period it was so crazy comfortable. Easy top five most cozy sleeps of my life. I was on the fourth floor, and so the noise from the rooftop bar definitely was audible through the night, but, if you're used to living in a city, I don't think it would be a problem--it wasn't an issue at all for me. I actually kind of found it reassuring. But if you're a lighter sleeper, consider earplugs or headphones. Also, there is no microwave/refrigerator in the room, which was definitely hard for me as a low-income student who had plans to live off of leftovers and instant noodle during my stay. The amazing staff got a little beverage cooler for me, which definitely helped and kept my leftovers cool, but was a tight fit, so keep that in mind. I only took a star off for the room because my wall light was broken and ended up breaking completely.

Also, location was PERFECT. I was in walking distance to GWU, the metro station (which. wow D.C. What a beautiful subway system, seriously, no sarcasm), tons of touristy/heritage sites, good restaurants. The Lincoln Memorial was a solid 15 minute walk from the hotel. It was easy to navigate on foot from the hotel (like, both physically and directionally). I never had to take any form of transportation for the whole trip besides my legs and the metro, and I love that.

All in all, as a 20 something student, I had a fantastic experience at Hotel Hive. If I'm back in D.C. ever, I'll be staying here again, no doubt. Based on my personal experience, I don't have enough insight to recommend to everyone (mostly families or folks with kids, or if you have special needs/accommodations), but if you're looking for a cozy, no-nonsense place to stay either by yourself or someone that you love (emphasis on "one" and "LOVE"), Hotel Hive is the...

I courageously write a positive review though grimace. I don't want my review to increase a demand of patrons. I don't desire others to stay at this nicely updated historic hotel shyly peaking in the middle of the city. A hotel located perfectly. I don't want my review to cause competition in meeting future desires to stay here. I am selfish. Very selfish. Yes the staff is awesome. I enjoyed everything. But, it might be better if you stayed at those other larger places you have stayed before. Why experience something new? Why take the risk? Why have an adventure? Really, this might not be for you. It is DC first micro hotel and best appreciated by folks who have traveled much and think a good team is as critical as a perfectly clean room and location. This place has it all.

I stayed for a couple of weeks. I stay again a month, but there was no way to stay longer. I plan to stay again. The morning runs right into Capitol Mall are perfect. As are the even walks. The close walk to Foggy Bottom ideal. I stayed in the last winter days and the cusp of spring. I have stayed in the heat of the summer. The morning tea and light breakfast by a fire was incredible. The friendly funny morning team of Mo, Jill, Kelton Dyla, and Julia are critical to the start of an amazing day. The even mix with David, Priscilla, and Ali are top notch. I have worked in customer service for 20 plus years. The team taught me better customer service. They are an extraordinary team. The best team in my DC stays.

The bedroom is aesthetically designed. Yes, it is smaller. But it feels fresh and nice. Not sure why it has a TV. The place is too close to stuff to see. I got away from that TV. I never used it. You got a nice bar down stairs, on the roof, and so much to bear. I picked hardship in agreeing to a room above the bar. The buzz room that a bit cheaper. A few times I went to sleep to the muffled humm of Ali the bartender mixing with a clink of a glass. I loved the muffled sounds life. He had a good laugh and voice. The comfort of the bed, room, and team made sounds of life a treasured gift of the experience. They have a great and playful team in Kelton, Ali, Dylon, David, and Madeline. I looked forward to seeing them. Now I would ask for that room again. I actually have stayed there again. I would actually choose it over a less quiet stay. It is the charm of city life. It was a pleasure to rest near those good folks work. This place is in an enchanting mix of city life and spirit. It is history and soul.

The pizza was great. The first level is always a swirl of good people checking in or out or enjoying the bar or a pizza. Having good options and flow right at the ground was neat. I eat there often.

Thank you team and management for a...