For those of you who aren’t overwhelmed by the pace of the most vibrant city in the world, make a beeline for the Moxy Times Square hotel, which is the most energetic alternative to any hotel experience you’ll find in the Big Apple. We ventured off our usual five-star old-school path to try something different, and boy, was it different. Despite being much more affordable than most luxury hotels, this chic urban space doesn’t sacrifice service or chicness.
Cheek by jowl to the most vibrant corner of NYC, Moxy Times Square boasts 612 bedrooms designed by Yabu Pushelberg, which adapt to the modern traveller’s eclectic tastes and offer something for everyone with numerous choices available in room types, flexible furniture, oversized walk-in showers, and free uber-fast Wi-Fi.
The rooms are all individually designed and have so much character. Mine, despite being a ‘normal’ room, was quite spacious and offered everything you’d expect in a much costlier establishment. In-room amenities included a hairdryer, iron and board, and free access to all streaming apps via the 43-inch TV! The bedrooms feature truly comfortable beds adorned with plush European-style duvets with 300-thread-count 100% Egyptian cotton linens and hypoallergenic pillows. For those who request, down-filled pillows are available.
Inspired to create a dynamic, socially-driven environment, the check-in kiosks in the entry level opens to a double-height atrium that connects to the energy of the hotel’s second floor.
“Bear” is a hanging installation composed of black plastic & mirror fragments by Japanese artist Sawada. Sawada was inspired by the hotel’s riff on “urban camping”. The unexpectedness of the bear has an immediate impact overhead in the hotel’s entry, with natural light filtering through and reflecting off mirrored, glossy acrylic pieces from two stories above. The sculpture’s presence also works to connect the entry to the 2nd Floor lobby lounge area.
The hotel’s immersive social spaces are built for co-working and play, encouraging visitors and locals to intermingle. Tao Group Hospitality’s F&B outlets at the hotel include Legasea, a fresh take on American bar and grill classics with light seafood influences, Bar Moxy, a communal lobby bar, and Café d’Avignon Popup at Bar Moxy.
For cocktails al fresco, meander to Magic Hour, NYC’s largest all-season hotel rooftop bar and lounge, which features epic skyline views, including a great spot for Instagram envy photos of the Empire State Building. No matter where you go, the buzz is ever-present with guests of all ages in a relaxed yet party mode. The young and trendy staff are omnipresent and truly friendly, only as Americans can be.
A very busy bakery next door to the Moxy, Café d’Avignon serves delicious pastries and fabulous coffees, and conveniently, you’re able to charge it all to your room.
The Moxy even have an onsite coiffeur, Blind Barber, who can preen you before you head out to make your star turn on Broadway!
