Moxy is one of those rare hotels that truly aims at targeting Millennials. It’s basically all automated technology and avocado toast buffets, but what’s it really like?

Well, I decided to spend a few days here to find out. It turns out it has more Millennial must-haves, like a rooftop restaurant that’s Instagram-ready.

However, before arriving, I was excited because it almost seems too good to be true. So let’s touch on everything from the check-in experience to my final check-out moment and everything in between.

The Moxy New York City

I stayed at The Moxy Times Square, to be precise. If you’re a tourist, it’s right in the middle of everything. So, that’s great. However, staying in Times Square is more inconvenient than you think, if you’re not a tourist.

I arrive and push my way through their revolving doors. 

They have two machines on the left with a big sign that reads Check-In above.

Awesome. Does this mean you can check yourself in and make it as speedy as possible? This is heavenly.

I begin my check-in process. But, the machines are not as intuitive as you think. I’m basically learning as I go.

I swipe my card to pay for my nights. Then I can program my own key. 

I pick up a key card, and as I proceed to scan, the machine gives me an error and then dies!

Now, I’m a little worried. Did it charge my card? Did I screw the machine up? But most importantly, how will I check in?

I look around the room with panic in my eyes. Lucky for me, they have two windows with employees to help in these situations.

As I checked in with a person, it dawned on me that this would have been incredible if the machines worked.

They’re fancy and almost futuristic in style. I wanted it to work.

As I continued my stay, I learned that the machines were too complicated for most people. Almost every new hotel guest went to the window for help or further assistance—what a bummer.

The Moxy Suite

One of the great things about the Moxy is their ability to create small spaces into great living areas (or so I’ve heard.)

Since they run a little small me and my partner decided to get a suite for our stay.

The suite, although still small, was good enough for both of us.

The room looked like a big “L” shape. With a kitchen-like counter and sink upon entering and a small dining table for eating.

However, there was no stovetop or microwave. They didn’t have any drawers for plates or utensils.

But, they did have the most important thing: Britney Spears Hit Me Baby One More Time. Moxy provided this in a record with a record player.

So you can’t cook, but you could hear Britney all day long!

I’ve read that they’ve intentionally created the Moxy like this because, according to their research, Millennials prefer room service over making your own meals.

I can’t cook. But It’s also nice to have a stovetop for us penny-pinchers. So, I guess I’m spending a lot of money on eating out. At least they have a mini-fridge.

The lounging area

Right past the “kitchen,” there’s a small table for two, a coffee table, and a very cozy couch you can sleep on. The pillows on this couch are big. I actually used one as a body pillow. Although they’re a little stiff, I managed.

The bedroom

The bedroom is tucked away, divided by a small, quarter-wall. It’s a queen-size bed which means my partner and I had plenty of space.

The end of the bed consists of a bench with rectangular pillows you can remove.

Their closet is more of a concept than an actual closet. Basically, they’ve put a row of hooks that spans the entire wall of the bedroom. There are some in the kitchen area and even the restroom.

But, this is where you’re supposed to hang all your garments.

If you need extra space, one side of the bed contains drawers and shelving underneath.

The restroom

The restroom was my favorite room. It consisted of a modular sink and vanity. The sink is small and efficient. There’s enough space for your toiletries. And there’s one full-length mirror.

There’s a sliding door that separates the toilet/shower area from the sink.

The toilet and shower function like a small wet room. The shower has so much pressure, it bounces off your body and wets the toilet. I had to hide the toilet paper so it doesn’t get soaked.

They have Muk brand shampoo and body soap, which smelled good.

The subway tiles and the old-school color scheme made this restroom cute and picture-worthy.

What’s Good at the Moxy Times Square, and What’s Not

The decore in my room at the Moxy was cute. There was an artistic enclosed case with comic book-style art. It even had cute toys glued inside of it. 

The color scheme was darks and greens. They had retro-style board games on the kitchen shelves. They even had a rotary phone near your bedside.

The great thing is that it was equipped with modern-day USB outlets.

The decor in the hotel was minimal, though.

The elevators were those types that assigned you an elevator upon pressing your room number. They were all the rage a few years ago, and supposedly they’re more efficient than regular elevators. I’m not sure they are.

The AC in the room was weird. The vents were behind the bed and couch. Regardless of what temperature you want, it gets frigid when it’s on. As soon as it’s off, it warms up about 10 degrees. 

The AC is loud. I’m usually a sound sleeper, but the AC’s weird temperature swings and loudness made for a restless night.

The Room Service

Because I was here during covid times, some things were different.

For example, usually, they have an avocado toast buffet upon entering the hotel. However, that was gone due to covid. It’s okay. I don’t need my hotels to have it.

No coffee pots are allowed in any hotels in NYC at the moment. I’m not sure who approved the ‘no coffee’ rule, but it was there.

There was no room service allowed either.

Housekeeping came on the fifth day. However, we were still asleep when they arrived, and I asked them to come back later. The housekeeper didn’t understand me and never came back.

That was a tad annoying but not a big issue overall.

The Restaurant at the Moxy: Magic Hour

If you go to Yelp or any other restaurant review website, you’ll see how incredible this place is. But are they real reviews? I think perhaps once upon a time, this place was great. 

Here is how it all went down.

In case you’re wondering, you’re not allowed to enter through the hotel entrance. The elevators don’t go to the rooftop restaurant either.

You have to exit the hotel and go around the corner and to the Magic Hour entrance.

Even though we made a reservation, there was a velvet rope, and we weren’t allowed to enter. It was pouring rain—a big “no” for me.

I don’t wait in line. I’m not very patient. And I am not entering a club, or a concert or a fancy place. This velvet rope thing is ridiculous.

As we entered, the flooded entrance was slippery. Even though the hallway is cute, you can’t enjoy it if your about to fall in a puddle.

The elevator finally came and took us up.

The music was loud. Like, club loud. You can’t hear anyone when they speak. 

The waitress was aloof. She didn’t care about her tables. 

It turns out she gets an automatic 18 percent gratuity, so it doesn’t matter if she does a crappy job or not.

Needless to say, she pretty much ignored us after taking our order.

The place was not as cute as the pictures but, it’s not their fault. It looks like they changed the decore to match with Mother’s day. The restaurant was covered in pink roses. I’m also not a fan of flowers.

Their Instagram makes Magic Hour seem amazing. But it’s all for show. It didn’t look as great in person.

The food itself was just okay—nothing to complain about, but also nothing to rave about. I got a burger, but it was “meh.”

We left, disappointed.

After leaving, the bouncer told us we could use the hotel door that connects the hotel and restaurant, but he didn’t tell us where it was, so we just exited and walked around again.

I don’t recommend Magic Hour. By far the most disappointing part of the Moxy hotel experience.

Checking out

When you check out, you have the option to place the keys cards in a slot near the elevator and take off. Another great thing!

Although this time, my flight was really early. So I waited for my Uber outside at around 5:50 am. 

Even though I was wearing two layers of jackets, I got a little cold. So I decided to go back inside. 

I should’ve known that the hotel locks its doors during the early morning. So, I waited in the cold.

Thankfully my driver pulled up at six on the dot.

Let me break it down for you:

The Moxy Times Square in New York City was okay. Even with all the bad things I mentioned above. It served its purpose: to sleep in a decent bed.

I didn’t like that the check-in machines didn’t work.

I’m not sure where they got their Millennial research from or if they just browsed Instagram and assumed all Millenials like the same thing.

Don’t go to Magic Hour. It’s a mess.

I like the concept, but the execution was bad. 

Although I can’t complain too much, I paid around $100-something per night for a suite. In Manhattan. Near Times Square.

I hope they fix their issues because this hotel can be something great.

Do I recommend the Moxy Hotel Times Square? Only for sleeping. Their uniqueness doesn’t come through in their execution.

Here’s their website for more info here.