Loyola University Chicago

A Night at the Alien

Let's Go Italy describes Alien as "the hottest club among the younger and trendier in Rome." A group of friends and I had to see for ourselves.

After waiting in a long line and paying 20,000 lire just to get in the door, we walked in and were startled to see professional dancers in suggestive costumes frolic on stage. American and European house, techno and hip-hop music rattled the glasses at the bar. Wild lighting effects and smoke filled spaces around around those dancing on the main floor. Mark Simanowith, Annapolis, Maryland, commented on the dancers on stage, saying, "You have to see them to believe it!"

"It is interesting to see the Italians sing the English words, and dance. It made me feel right at home hearing my favorite songs played and danced to in Europe," said Chrissie Harms, Indiana University.

Even though the scene was alien at first, students began to enjoy themselves. Mike Whelan, University of Dayton, and Pete Graham, University of Kansas said, "We love to meet new and interesting people, and the Alien is just the place to do that!"

The club has two immense dance floors with different music in each room. "The option of choosing one room or the other is swell," said Charlie Kranz, Notre Dame, "especially when you dance with John Chomicz, because he needs a lot of room to 'get down.'" Katie Weems, University of Georgia said, "It makes the night more enjoyable being able to switch rooms and to dance with different people."

By the end of the evening, our feet were tired and our bodies ached. John Chomicz, University of St. Thomas, said, "I disco danced down to the last bit of energy I had left. I had a great time. There was plenty of action on the dance floor."

"We loved every aspect of the Alien. It was one of our favorite memories of Rome, and we recommend it to all of Loyola," said Meghan Brierton, University of Kentucky, Katie Byrne, Miami of Ohio and Katie O'Donovan, Miami of Ohio.

Like most clubs in Italy, the Alien doesn't become interesting until midnight. The club is located on Via Velletri 13, just north of the Termini train station and just east of Villa Borghese. You may be able to avoid the long line if you get there early. All drinks cost 15,000, so starting off at a nearby establishment such as Vincenzo's might be a good idea if you are watching your spending habits. The R.A.s have free passes to the Alien for Tuesday nights.