October 23, 2025

A New York City Hotel That’s Cool and Affordable? Check Into the Moxy Chelsea

Hotel Snapshot

When your taxi turns onto 28th Street and 6th Avenue, it’s impossible not to notice the rows of flower shops lining the block—buckets of roses, tulips, and orchids spilling onto the sidewalk. Then, you pull up to Moxy Chelsea, tucked amid Manhattan’s Floral District, and the vibe shifts from urban garden to cosmopolitan playground. With its buzzy energy and glass-encased lobby, the hotel channels that “only-in-New-York” electricity that feels equal parts romantic and rebellious.

Design & Character

Quirky-clever design is the name of the game in Marriott’s Moxy collection. There’s a cheeky sense of play (and just the faintest wink of seduction) in every corner—posters, neon signs, and sly little trappings that reveal themselves only after a few minutes of exploring. At check-in, the desks hang from the ceiling, giving them a playful sway, while wooden stairs lead you to the second-floor lobby bar. The lighting stays moody and cinematic—so much so that you might lose track of time in the elevators. It’s mysterious, fun, and unapologetically urban. I still remember my first check-in here at 22, scouting my first apartment in the city (shoutout to my parents)—feeling like, Whoa. I’m really in New York.

The Rooms

Inside the rooms, the design is all about maximizing function without sacrificing style. Smart storage solutions—like drawers hidden in the bed frame, hooks that double as decor, and a pull-out desk seamlessly tucked into the wall—make the most of the compact footprint. It’s efficient and youthful, with that signature Moxy sense of humor built into every detail. Industrial-style, floor-to-ceiling windows open to sweeping views of Lower Manhattan—and let me tell you, it’s enough to make you fall in love with the Big Apple all over again, especially at sunset.

Food & Drink

Mornings start at Café d’Avignon, the street-facing bakery and coffee bar with airplane hangar doors that open onto 28th Street. Artisanal pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and rich lattes make staying in for coffee a no-brainer.

Upstairs, the Lobby Bar doubles as a co-working space by day and transforms into a lively lounge by night—complete with eclectic art, including a faux Roman statue snapping a selfie. And then there’s the showstopper: The Fleur Room.

Perched on the 35th floor, this glass-encased lounge frames skyline icons like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty. A circa-1980s vintage disco ball crowns the dance floor, DJs spin on weekends, and locals and travelers mingle for a quintessential New York night out.

The Amenities

Beyond its nightlife scene, Moxy Chelsea keeps guests energized with a 24-hour fitness center equipped with Pelotons and top-tier gym tech. The Lobby Bar’s flexible design caters to business travelers, too, with co-working nooks, charging stations, and strong WiFi.

Location & Neighborhood Recs

Moxy Chelsea’s location is one of its biggest perks. You’re in the center of Manhattan, walking distance to Midtown, Flatiron, and the rest of Chelsea. Nearby subway lines—the 1, R, and W—make exploring the city a breeze. And when night falls? Chelsea’s nightlife renaissance is in full swing. Check out Bar Bonobo, Shy Shy, and Petite Disco for craft cocktails, creative crowds, and nights that stretch well past midnight.

Fast Facts

Location: Chelsea, New York City

Vibe: Industrial, cheeky, and cosmopolitan

Rating: 3-Star

Room Count: 349

Pricing: Rooms start at $259 per night.

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The most underrated thing about Moxy hotels—especially Chelsea—is the lobby scent. It’s intoxicating in the best way, and yes, there’s a signature candle (which I need in every room). Top-tier. Drop the scent, please and thank you, Moxy.

Dining: Café d’Avignon (artisanal bakery and coffee bar), Lobby Bar (cocktails and small bites), and The Fleur Room (rooftop lounge with skyline views and DJ sets).

Amenities: Fitness center, rooftop terrace, pet-friendly accommodations, event spaces, co-working lobby, and 24-hour front desk.

Nearby Attractions: Madison Square Garden, The High Line, Flatiron Building, Chelsea Market, and Hudson Yards.

Airport: LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and JFK International Airport

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