Upon my arrival in the upscale Chelsea neighborhood of bustling New York City, I was greeted by a vibrant scene of flower markets, chic art galleries, and the iconic Madison Square Garden on the horizon, hinting at the potential strain on my finances during this trip.
However, my stay at a hidden gem hotel in the area proved that luxury and affordability can coexist harmoniously. Tucked amidst the rows of flower vendors along 28th St, the Moxy Chelsea hotel seamlessly blends in with its verdant surroundings, boasting a structure that harmonizes with its neighboring buildings. Despite its towering 35 floors, the hotel’s unassuming facade could easily escape notice.
Priced from $189 (£141) per night, the four-star Moxy Chelsea, part of a renowned hotel brand with multiple properties across the city, competes favorably within New York’s hotel market, where the average nightly rate hovers around $300.
Eschewing traditional hotel features, the Moxy Chelsea offers a modern check-in area in lieu of a conventional lobby and a grab-and-go café named Café d’Avignon, serving breakfast fare instead of full American meals. Guests can enjoy a variety of beverages and freshly baked goods such as almond croissants and banana bread at this cozy spot.
The hotel’s contemporary design and chic interiors create an ambiance of luxury throughout the property, evoking a boutique hotel atmosphere.
Entering our King View room felt indulgent, with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic vistas of Manhattan’s skyscrapers right from the bed. Despite New York’s reputation for compact accommodations, the Moxy Chelsea embraces this trend with compact yet meticulously designed rooms.
The room’s thoughtful layout compensates for its size, featuring a unique bathroom design where the sink doubles as a vanity within the main room, while the shower and toilet are discreetly separated by sliding doors.
Architect Mitchell Hochberg emphasized the hotel’s attention to detail, particularly in essentials like the high-pressure showers and premium bedding akin to those found at the Ritz-Carlton.
Infused with vibrant elements such as a storytelling vintage telephone and door-mounted bottle openers, the hotel exudes a distinctive charm not typically found at luxury establishments.
While the guest rooms offer comfort and stunning views, they primarily serve as a retreat within the city rather than spaces for entertaining. However, the hotel’s diverse amenities ensure guests have plenty to enjoy without venturing far.
During my visit in late July, the hotel buzzed with activity, hosting various summer events like drag bingo, paint and sip nights, pizza parties, and DJ performances, providing nightly entertainment for guests.
Noteworthy was the hotel’s appeal to locals, who frequented the on-site bars. The Fleur Room, Moxy Chelsea’s 360-degree rooftop bar, attracted New Yorkers enjoying post-work drinks with a backdrop of the Empire State Building.
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