Moxy Chicago Downtown

Moxy Chicago Downtown

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Neon pink light strips punctuate the façade of Moxy Chicago, an eight-story Downtown hotel that's a bit like a rec room—for adults. Inside is no less loud, with a lobby stuffed to the gills with all manner of aesthetic distractions. Reception feels like an extension of the bar; a piñata sits on the tabletop; graffiti covers exposed concrete walls; shuffleboard and foosball populate the common space; and there's even a podcasting booth. What's the backstory? Debuting in 2014, Moxy, Marriott International's millennial-focused brand, actively courts that demographic with an emphasis on playful, affordable amenities that don't skimp on style or quality. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Moxy's Downtown location affords many of the rooms unimpeded views of the impressive Chicago skyline—particularly those facing south and east. The setup serves the panorama, and not much else. It's a small footprint with an open floor plan; in other words, there's no designated bathroom or closet. The shower and toilet are partitioned off by a translucent door, and your clothes hang on pegs along the wall. High-speed internet is included in the room rate, but in-room services (including phones) are nonexistent. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? WiFi is free and fast. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Food and drink options are limited to two venues: Zombie Taco, which dishes out flavorful fare around the clock and includes an outdoor patio as well as a walk-up window for those on-the-go, and Bar Moxy, a casual lobby hang with comically titled cocktails that pack a punch. Local beers and ciders are on tap, and the booze selection leans heavily toward mezcal and tequila. And the service? Service at Moxy is minimal by design; there's no concierge or in-room services to speak of. But the staff you do interact with are courteous and efficient. The tacos come out fast, the cocktails are poured stiff, and the common areas are kept clean. What type of travelers will you find here? These folks are here for a good time—not a long time. They're comparing Instagram photos over happy hour drinks, crowdsourcing proper captions for the occasion and playing Jenga while sipping Palomas. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Chicago's River North neighborhood is dense with options. Moxy stands out for its low-fi pizzazz, which dials trades pampering for competitive rates. Perched amid Downtown's most famous bars and restaurants, the hotel enjoys an enviable location for any first-time visitor to the Windy City. Is there anything you'd change? In-room dining would be nice; after all, who doesn't want late-night tacos in bed? Any other hotel features worth noting? In search of something lively during your stay? Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights feature live DJ sets in the lobby bar. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? If you're not utilizing your room for anything more than mere crashpad, Moxy is a thoughtfully priced option with an unapologetically irreverent vibe." - Brad Japhe