The Moxy NYC Downtown, the latest hotel property from developer Mark Gordon following the Baccarat Hotel in Midtown, officially opened in Lower Manhattan.
“Moxy NYC Downtown proves that innovative design with a focus on what the guest truly desires in-room, a unique destination and an outstanding bar where guests can work and play can be achieved at all price points,” Mark Gordon, developer and partner of Moxy NYC Downtown, who is also the managing partner of Tribeca Associates, said in a statement. “Many of the lessons we learned from the Baccarat were reinterpreted in the context of the Moxy brand DNA, which resulted in an exceptional hotel.”
The new, 30-story hotel has a 13-foot by 21-foot LED wall, showcasing custom digital art installations created and inspired by the hotel, and also serves as a virtual window into Recreation, upstairs at Moxy NYC Downtown, the hotel’s retro-themed play space.
By day, Recreation is a communal area allowing visitors and guests to work remotely, with a menu of coffee, tea and bites from Chef Akhtar Nawab (Alta Calidad). The space also includes a classic arcade machine offering Ms. Pacman, Centipede and Donkey Kong, as well as areas for skee-ball, Jenga and tabletop shuffleboard. Another option is the basketball court, which doubles as a unique private event space equipped with seating for up to 40 people, audiovisual technology and programmed events and activities throughout the year. This space is catered by the Recreation team.
At night, Recreation transitions into a local haunt offering music and cocktails, created by Jim Kearns. Behind the food-and-beverage program is restaurateur and nightlife operator Jon Neidich of Golden Age Hospitality, known for creating popular local bars and restaurants, such as Acme, Happiest Hour, Slowly Shirley and Tijuana Picnic. Beverage director Kearns conceptualized a bar program that offers reimagined versions of 1:1 drinks, keg-tapped cocktails and large format spiked punch bowls that feature housemade tonics and sodas. Nawab curates Recreation’s food menu offering all-day options from meals, snacks and late-night bites.
The “Pick Up” grab-and-go area features round-the-clock access to quick bites, such as freshly made sandwiches and salads, craft sodas, juices and local snacks.
“Downtown Manhattan has emerged as the newest hub of creativity energy in NYC. The market offers the ideal mix of 100 million square feet of world class office space, the best transportation infrastructure in the city, dozens of new residential properties, world class shopping, top tourist destinations and some of the most internationally recognized restaurateurs, it is a true live-work, 24/7 destination," Gordon said in a statement. "Our business plan was to capitalize on this and build a hotel for New Yorkers and guests alike who desire a truly authentic downtown experience. The Moxy NYC Downtown was designed to cater to the new downtown demographic and is unlike any hotel in its marketplace. During the day you’ll find locals and out-of-towners working and playing side-by-side in Recreation. At night, you might find them challenging each other to a game of H.O.R.S.E. on our basketball court or toasting with made-to-share cocktails.”
The hotel's 298 guestrooms include 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, with views overlooking the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and the city skyline. Each guestroom was uniquely designed includes hanging chairs, Bang & Olufsen surround sound speakers, 50-inch flat-screen TVs, electronic lighting designed to create mood-settings and automated window shades. The bathrooms are outfitted with custom vanities, oversized showers, Lefroy Brooks black matte bathroom fixtures and custom tiles warning, “Slippery When Wet.”
Design firm Stonehill Taylor created interiors with a focus on delivering high-end amenities and surprising twists throughout. Custom-designed leather beds offer luggage storage and the walls are composed of reclaimed wood paneling blending into cork floors. There are custom designed fold-out desks, folding chairs and hanging hooks so guests can display their clothing creating more space for yoga moves and dance parties. Other touches include custom murals painted by Brooklyn-based Ben Cowan, illuminated by neon room numbers in gold, magenta and blue color schemes; a vintage phone; a dual-sided artwork panel; and views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Guest amenities include custom designed tote bags to borrow for when guests want to explore the city and lightweight custom designed denim bathrobes for when they don’t, complimentary Wi-Fi and a fitness center offering stationary bikes, boxing and surfboard workout gear.
Real Hospitality manages the hotel.