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BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Romania’s largest city and capital Bucharest was once called “Paris of the East” with good reason. Filled with romance and boasting an abundance of historical artefacts and monuments, the Romanian region remains popular for its heritage, yet has seen an influx of new contemporary sites and things to do to attract tourists near and far seeking both. Marriott Hotel’s Moxy Bucharest is a telling feat—a fashionable boutique in the heart of Bucharest old town. Rosie Fay checks into the modern hotel for a two-night stay, where a ‘barception’ happy hour, Millenial-themed design and comfortable room await.
Image courtesy of Marriott Moxy Bucharest Old Town
A modern, cosy abode
Bucharest was never high on my list of places to visit. The largest Eastern European country has swept under my radar and missed on tourism lists for years. So when the COVID pandemic blew me into this bustling city rich with fascinating history, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I was thrilled to find out.
Image courtesy of Marriott Moxy Bucharest Old Town
Moxy, in Bucharest’s’ tourist centre Old Town is a great place to explore this city. After spending one week in the outskirts of Sector Six (yes, like The Hunger Games), it was a welcome change to see the new side of Bucharest. Moxy Bucharest Old Town opened its doors in 2020 as Bucharest’s first millennial-focused hotel. Many international hotels seem to have sprung onto this idea, welcoming young travellers with new enticing incentives like funky happy hours and cool interiors—which stray from the super-luxe themes found at typical upscale properties. At Moxy, different concepts fit the theme. For example, there’s a “barception” concept and a “grab & go” breakfast.
I checked in to the hotel on a weekday afternoon ready to try the features while keeping in mind the Marriott Hotels property would stay true to its well-earned reputation across the board.
Image courtesy of Marriott Moxy Bucharest Old Town
City centre location
Located on Strada Doamnei, an area with an extremely complex personality, Moxy stands next to historical monuments, bank offices and cinemas. It’s quite simple and classic-looking at first glance from its exterior, but upon entering, guests are greeted with a pleasant surprise. The hotel is located just a short stroll from Old Town, famous for its all-night parties, historical buildings and collection of restaurants. A short walk down the cobblestone streets and through the meandering streets will lead you to any and all types of experiences.
I walked into the lobby and enjoyed a lovely complimentary cocktail whilst watching the guests interact. I swung on the lounge chair, gave kisses to the giant bear, and played ‘What Do You Meme’.
Image courtesy of Marriott Moxy Bucharest Old Town
Chic design
The architects and designers behind Moxy combine different elements, textures and colours for a unique outlook which integrates traditional Romanian fare while showcasing the hotel’s personal identity. A special feature of Moxy design is the artwork displayed throughout the hotel.
Architecturally designed for the young and young at heart, the reception area is industrial and modern. A glance around the lobby will grace your eyes with neon lights, exposed shelf work, foosball tables, kitschy art pieces, modern drinking games and even a record player. Loud pumping music is played and checking in at the bar means you can join the party straight away.
Image courtesy of Marriott Moxy Bucharest Old Town
Room
We stayed in a Standard Room on the fifth floor. Modern card-tap entry opened the door to a very clean, modern space that felt comfortable already. A welcome message was written on the mirror, plus complimentary bubbles on the table. The bed was a king-size, lined with sensor LED lights and a power headboard, while the bathroom was well-stocked and simple yet chic.
Moxy is thoughtful, spirited and fun—these are the values that are part of the brand’s DNA. The Smart TV was the main feature of the standard room. It had the local TV channels, as well as a few different movie options. There’ was a function which allowed us to connect our own device to watch Netflix or use the Internet TV option to watch YouTube. The ‘home exercise’ channel was a nice touch, a celebratory element during COVID times with indoor workouts.
Image courtesy of Marriott Moxy Bucharest Old Town
On my first night at Moxy, I went out for dinner (Moxy doesn’t have an onsite restaurant) and checked out a live guitarist, before stomping the streets of Old Town. Bucharest’s food has been not short of amazing. Every meal I’ve had here—whether it’s expensive or cheap—has been prepared with love. Whenever the bill comes, it’s always a surprise. You can order an entrée, main and dessert, plus a bottle of wine, for €20.
Image courtesy of Marriott Moxy Bucharest Old Town
Dining & drinking at Moxy
The hotel breakfast offers an ‘all-you-can-eat’ concept, including a fresh juice and coffee bar. You can order your hot food from the reception and have it brought to your seat. The music was quieter in the morning, but still modern and vibrant. As breakfast continued, working travellers set up their laptops, ready for a day of working. Many power strips lined the multiple seating options, as well as lightning-fast free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. There was no elbow battling for a comfortable seat, no dropouts on video calls.
Image courtesy of Marriott Moxy Bucharest Old Town
Facilities
There’s an ironing room and gym at the hotel, both open 24/7. The gym is spacious and clean, with modern machines and opportunities to connect your own device to the speakers.
The bar was an unsurprisingly popular respite for guests, where equally friendly bartenders were up and ready to make us our refreshing cocktails.
Image courtesy of Marriott Moxy Bucharest Old Town
Overall
We do feel like, although most of the staff were friendly, our check-in experience was a bit disappointing as we would have liked a more hospitable start to the stay. We had a lovely time at the bar, where the bartender would check in regularly with us while cracking jokes.
Nonetheless, the hotel provides all the facilities for a comfortable, productive stay. I was really impressed by the gym’s equipment, and the modern touches in the lobby area. Moxy understands the working travellers’ needs for a fuss-free stay. As I packed my bags and made the journey back to sector 6, I couldn’t help but spend the night fantasying about sleeping in that cosy king bed and sipping those cocktails.
Moxy Bucharest Old Town, 17-19, Strada Doamnei Street, București 030052, Romania, +40 31 111 4400, marriott.com
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