Fodor's Expert Review The Beehive

Living the American dream dolce vita–style is exactly what one Los Angeles couple started to do in 1999, when they opened the Beehive, a hip, alternative budget hotel near Termini station. It feels somewhere between a hostel and a holistic center. While rooms are sparsely furnished, it's a great budget option, especially when traveling solo. There's a lovely outdoor garden with painted murals and oversized beanbags for lounging and meeting other guests, as well as a popular local organic café.

YOU SHOULD KNOW While this is not a party hostel by any means, special vegan nights and aperitivi are organized throughout the week if you're looking to meet other travelers.

room

There are a variety of rooms to fit different budgets. A mixed-gender dorm room sleeps 8 and there are also two female-only 4-bed dorm rooms. Each guest is provided with an individual locker for small valuables. Standard rooms lack TV and air-conditioning, but the five "sweets" have both. There are thoughtful touches throughout like mosaic-tiled in-room sinks and vintage posters to make you feel at home.

YOU SHOULD KNOW As is common in a European hostel setting, people are coming and going at all hours, so pack earplugs if frequent noise bothers you. Linens are not changed daily.

bathroom

Bathrooms are bare-bones in muted monotones, but kept impeccably very clean. You are provided with a honey-based shampoo and shower gel (which are made specially for the hotel!) in all of the bathrooms. In the private rooms, there are also, in addition, plant-based soaps also made by a local soap company. Towels are provided for all room types.

lobby

The small lobby is brightly decorated in bright blue and white colors. The reception stays open until 11 p.m. for any traveler questions. Another lounge down the corridor is a cozy place to plan out your day. There's a guest iPad available, as well as board games and books if you'd rather stay disconnected.

dining

The yummy Beehive cafe is vegetarian and mostly organic, which pulls in a crowd of passersby who are looking for a healthy meal. Breakfast is full of homemade breads, cakes, free trade coffee, as well as made-to-order omelets or tofu scrambles. Gluten-free options are available if you call ahead. There's also limited kitchen use for guests if you prefer to make your own meals during the day.

The cafe hosts several weekly and monthly events including vegetarian cooking classes and family style dinners.

drinking

The cafe is open all day for fresh coffee, juices and more. Head outside to the garden and sit underneath the banyan tree for a temporary respite from the Esquilino chaos outside.