You’ve seen the photos of the pink carousel. Honestly, if you’ve spent more than five minutes on Instagram looking for New York hotels, the Moxy NYC Times Square has probably flooded your feed with its "urban amusement park" vibes and that massive Empire State Building view. But here’s the thing: most people book this place thinking they’re getting a standard midtown Marriott experience. They aren't.
If you show up expecting a sprawling suite and a quiet lobby, you’re going to be disappointed. This isn’t a hotel for sprawling; it’s a hotel for doing.
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The Reality of the "Micro-Room" Life
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the fact that there’s barely enough room for an elephant. The Moxy NYC Times Square is built on a "micro-room" concept. We’re talking rooms that start around 150 square feet. For context, that’s about the size of a standard parking space.
It sounds tight because it is. But the design is kinda genius. Instead of bulky armoires, you get a pegboard wall with folding furniture you can hang up when you aren't using it. There's no traditional desk in the smaller Queen rooms. You basically have to be okay with living out of your suitcase or using the under-bed storage.
If you’re traveling with a partner you don't actually like that much, this hotel will test you. The bathrooms feature frosted glass walls. It’s "chic" in theory, but in practice, if your roommate turns on the light at 3:00 AM to pee, the entire room is suddenly glowing like a neon sign.
Why the Location Isn't Actually "Times Square" (And That’s Good)
The name is a bit of a marketing play. The hotel is located at 485 Seventh Avenue, right on the corner of 36th Street. You’re actually closer to Penn Station and Macy’s Herald Square than the red steps of the TKTS booth.
This is a massive win. You get all the convenience of being near the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E subway lines without having to elbow your way through Elmo impersonators just to get a coffee. It’s also a quick walk to the Theater District, so you can catch a 7:00 PM Broadway curtain and be back at the bar by 10:30 PM without breaking a sweat.
The Magic Hour: More Than Just a Pretty View
The "jewel in the crown," as people like to call it, is Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge. It is technically New York City’s largest all-season indoor/outdoor hotel rooftop.
- It has a rotating carousel (yes, you can sit on it).
- The "Foreplay" area is a miniature putt-putt course with adult-themed topiaries.
- The view of the Empire State Building is so close it feels like you can touch it.
But here is the expert tip: if you’re staying at the hotel, you don't necessarily get a "skip the line" pass during peak Saturday nights when the velvet ropes are out. You’ve got to be smart. Go for the weekend brunch. It’s less chaotic, the light is better for photos, and you can actually hear yourself think. The "Big AF Crookie" is a real thing on the menu, and yes, it’s exactly as ridiculous as it sounds.
History You Probably Didn't Know
The building wasn't always a neon-soaked playground. It was originally the Mills Hotel No. 3, built in 1907. It was designed as a "poor man's hotel" by banker Darius Ogden Mills, offering cheap rooms for single men.
Stonehill Taylor, the architects behind the 2017 renovation, actually kept a lot of that neo-Renaissance soul. They restored the inner courtyards and the atrium that had been covered up for decades. When you’re standing in the lobby—which they call "Bar Moxy"—you’re standing in a space that used to be an open-air light well.
Is it Actually Worth the Money?
Honestly, it depends on who you are.
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If you are a business traveler who needs a quiet desk and a place to host a 1:1 meeting in your room, stay at the Marriott Marquis instead. The Moxy is loud. Between the sirens of 7th Avenue and the bass from the 18th-floor rooftop, you will hear New York. The hotel provides earplugs in the room for a reason.
However, if you’re in the city to explore and just need a "crash pad" that feels cool, it’s hard to beat. The $30-ish daily "destination fee" is annoying (every NYC hotel does this now), but at the Moxy, they actually give you a daily $30 credit to use on food and drinks. If you’re going to buy a $18 cocktail or a $9 latte anyway, the fee basically pays for itself.
Essential Facts for Your Stay
- Check-in/Out: 4:00 PM and 12:00 PM. Use the Marriott Bonvoy app for a digital key; the elevators can get backed up, and skipping the front desk is a life-saver.
- Pets: They allow two dogs up to 25 lbs. There’s a $150 non-refundable fee per stay. They’ll give your pup a treat at check-in, which is a nice touch.
- Gym: "Sweat at Moxy" is 24/7. It’s surprisingly well-equipped for a boutique hotel, featuring Peloton bikes and a lot of pink neon.
- Dining: Beyond the rooftop, there’s Legasea (seafood) and Egghead, which is a great spot for a quick breakfast sandwich before you head out to explore.
Actionable Next Steps
If you've decided the Moxy vibe fits your trip, here is how to handle the booking:
- Request a high floor: The noise from 7th Avenue is brutal on floors 4 through 8. Ask for 12 or above.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even the lowest tier gets you free Wi-Fi and that mobile check-in capability.
- Book Magic Hour early: If you want a table at the rooftop, do it the second you book your room. Tables fill up weeks in advance, especially during the "Pink Winter" or floral spring pop-ups.
- Check the "Credit" status: When you check in, ask the "crew" (that's what they call the staff) exactly where your $30 daily credit can be spent. Sometimes it's restricted to specific outlets like the Pickup or Bar Moxy.