Hotel Hive, Washington D.C.
Hotel Hive, located in Washington D.C.’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood, holds the distinction of being the city’s first micro-hotel. Housed in a charming 119-year-old building, the property perfectly balances historic character with modern industrial design. Its unique “hive” concept was inspired by the building’s original architecture—specifically, a hexagonal turret that punctuates the western end of each floor, creating uniquely shaped rooms with six windowed walls.
The hotel’s philosophy is “everything you need, nothing you don’t,” with rooms ranging from 125 to 250 square feet. These spaces are ingeniously designed with features like under-bed storage, pocket doors, and built-in furniture to maximize efficiency. Throughout the hotel, you will find playful nods to the theme, including hexagonal patterns in the carpets and fabrics, alongside vibrant murals created by local street artists.
Social spaces are a big part of the experience here. The first floor features a popular bar and a casual pizza shop, while the seasonal rooftop deck is a standout highlight. It offers guests a relaxing spot to enjoy craft cocktails while taking in scenic views of the Lincoln Memorial.
Its location is incredibly convenient for sightseers, positioned just steps from the George Washington University campus and the Foggy Bottom Metro station. Guests are within comfortable walking distance of major D.C. landmarks, including the Kennedy Center, the White House, and the expansive monuments along the National Mall. It is a fantastic, value-driven base for exploring the capital.
Expert reviews
“Hotel Hive has a variety of rooms with king, queen or bunk beds to fit every budget, but at 125- to 250-square-feet each, you’ll sacrifice space. If you really want a deal (and can sleep through anything), book a “Buzz” room, which is directly over the hotel’s occasionally noisy bar and pizza restaurant.”
“The District now has two micro-hotels, but the Hotel Hive was the first (the Penn Quarter’s Pod Hotel is the other), and it is adorable, from its tagline—“Buzz More. Spend Less.”—to its individual decorative elements that cleverly maximize the use of space.”
“Washington DC’s first micro hotel blends innovative contemporary design with architectural character for a unique and affordable stay just two blocks from a metro station. It is fast becoming recognised as one of the best value hotels in the United States.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Free Wifi
- Terrace
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
15 May 2026
Wonderful stay near GWU
The room was very clean. Although it’s a bit compact, it was definitely comfortable and sufficient for a solo traveler. The location is excellent, situated right within the GWU campus area. It’s very close to the Foggy Bottom metro station, and Starbucks, Whole Foods, etc. are within walking distance.
Just a couple of minor things to note: There is only one elevator available, and it’s on the smaller side. Also, my room was street-facing, so I could hear fire truck and ambulance sirens at times.
15 May 2026
Great hotel for visiting Washington DC! Excellent cleanliness of the room and great value
Excellent location and cleanliness! It really is a gem of an hotel! It caters towards young people
Staff is young and enthusiastic, but a little inexperienced:
1) Before coming we asked if the accessible room had a shower chair and was told not (which is weird but ok), so we ended up buying one and it turned out the shower had its own shower chair built in.
2) we got breakfast there once and the waiter got the order all scrambled. Not a big deal but when we noticed they didn’t take note of the order we already knew it would have happened
14 May 2026
Comfortable and lovely stay!
Clean and comfortable room and amenities. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Due to the nature of the small room, certain layouts can be quite awkward, example small sink makes it hard to wash up. Not a big issue as everything is still available in the small area.
27 April 2026
Cozy Hotel with Stunning Pizza
The staff was very friendly and hospitable. It was our anniversary, and they surprised us with an impromptu gift bag (I had only mentioned that when we arrived, so they must've got the gift bag together pretty quick). I loved the style of the hotel and the room. I was slightly worried hearing about how small it was online, but it really is quite a sweet hotel! The style of the place is very cozy and unique. The pizza was excellent too!
The pillows on the bed weren't very supportive, so had a bit of a rough sleep. Additionally, the bar gave some skimpy serving sizes for drinks when compared to the price. The roads around the hotel were also a bit difficult to navigate for someone new to the area, but that's not really the hotels fault, just a warning.
26 April 2026
Great hotel at a fantastic location with wonderful staff
Location Staff
Roob a bit small
23 April 2026
Fantastic 4 Night Stay in this fab Boutique Hotel!
This lively hotel had great staff, huge bed, big airy room. The whole team were amazing as were the pizzas!
No tea or coffee making in the room. However after the first night I requested and that day a kettle and some tea bags sporsted! Excellent service!
20 April 2026
Small room very clean people working there were great
Central to where I visiting. Clean and staff was helpful
Nothing
18 April 2026
Happy with the friendly staff , great food and close proximity to DC monuments .
Great location and hotel staff . The pizza was excellent and the breakfast menus were delicious. I loved a note from the hotel manager welcoming us to the hotel with two free pizzas because I was willing to change rooms with other guests . It was a nice touch .
In the room I stayed in the door to the bathroom was hanging by a rail and was slightly not wide enough to give full privacy . The lower rail was not securing the lower part of the door but other than that the micro queen loft had everything a person needs to be comfortable.
18 April 2026
Good value and location
Location and services but the nicest staff.
Single bed not the most comfortable and bar closes early.
18 April 2026
Real gem that is close to eveything
Amazing staff great location. Very well maintained property. Parking is fantastic
17 April 2026
Worth a look for a short stay
Well located in Foggy Bottom, clean , comfortable, friendly staff
14 April 2026
Hip place to catch some zzzzz’s
Staff were great! Very cool vibe.
Maybe view?
13 April 2026
Locaction location location! The best spot to walk to the Lincoln memorial.
The croissant and bacon was tasty.
The tots were burnt but also undercooked. The eggs were flavorless and bland. Additional options such as muffins or french toast would be better variety.
12 April 2026
Walking distance to national mall
Rooftop bar view
Location
7 April 2026
EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY IN WASHINGTON DC
The hotel is conveniently located close to public offices and George Washington University. It is easily accessible from the Foggy Bottom subway station. The rooms are small but cozy, clean, modern, well-equipped, and illuminated. It is a safe place in a quiet area. There are shops, bars, and restaurants nearby. The internet is fast. The restaurant offers affordable Italian tasting dishes. It is a great option for work travel to downtown DC.
I had no complaints.
7 April 2026
A well-located stay with nice amenities, but inconsistent service.
The location was excellent, and the morning coffee was very good. The rooftop was also a highlight.
Some staff could be warmer and more engaging. Interactions felt a bit detached. It also seemed that many of the previously friendlier staff are no longer there.
25 March 2026
Hip hotel w/ Top-notch customer service
Hip little hotel with a no fringes rooftop bar, a solid pizza restaurant, and a cool bar on premises. There was an affiliated parking garage a 5 min walk from the hotel with a very reasonable overnight parking rate.
The hotel is located on the same block as multiple fraternity and sorority houses from George Washington University so loud music was often blasting throughout the afternoons and early evenings. The Greek houses were respectful of the sound ordinances after dark though which was appreciated!
20 March 2026
Hotel Hive is our new favorite hotel in Washington DC!
Lovely, exceptionally clean hotel, ideal location (especially for college visits), wonderful staff. Very accommodating. Terrific value. Stay could not have been more enjoyable!
Literally nothing!
18 March 2026
Nice, small hotel. Great location and good price for our needs at the time of our stay in February.
Check-in and check-out were smooth. Staff very welcoming and willing to address any questions we had.
Room and bathroom were clean and comfortable. Smaller space than a bigger hotel, but best value for the price at the time of our stay.
Bathroom sink was too tiny.
28 February 2026
Amazing staff and nice location!
Staff was amazing
Rooftop was unfortunately closed
27 February 2026
Perfect spot for a two-night stay when all you need is a cozy, clean place to sleep!
Quaint and cozy with some character. Very convenient location to walk around and sightsee. Room was clean and comfortable
Minimal food options
24 February 2026
Comfortable and clean. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
Clean. Friendly staff
Slightly noisy in the outer “buzz” room but that was to be expected
19 February 2026
Great value for money and ideal location!
Great location, the two bars are very convenient
My room was below the ground. It was very dark
19 February 2026
Best service I’ve had in a long time from a hotel
The best part of the stay was definitely the great customer service and the Makeup of a lovely staff team. Any place that have exceptional people that are always smiley and willing in service, this makes everything else much more giving. The staff extends genuine kindness and lovely attitude throughout my stay.
The property can get quite noisy at night, however, it is a major city, it’ll be like that in any city.
18 February 2026
Everything was wonderful, except the size of the room. It was smaller than a normal urban room.
Location and staff were wonderful
The room with the bunkbeds was super tiny!
12 February 2026
Great hotel for the price!
Great location, great amenities, room is small but comfortable.
12 February 2026
Great stay. The staff is super nice, helpful and friendly. It is a great place for 2 nights. They don’t have a closet sp
Location and staff.
12 February 2026
Great day trip with hive as our hub
Very clean and modern with great food until ten o’clock
Nothing
2 February 2026
The staff was BEE-yond friendly!
The hive hotel location is perfect! For a “small” boutique hotel the room felt spacious bright and airy. The bar space was fun with a mix of people.
I wish they offered a water refill station. Honestly I had to think hard for a “negative” about the place!
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
Services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Luggage storage
Outdoors
- - Terrace
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
Activities
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
Reception services
- - Invoice provided

More photos

17 May 2026
Quirky hotel for value conscious travellers