A hotel is much like an airport. A gateway to get somewhere else, never stagnant, always perpetual. Strangers pass each other, sleeping and eating under the same roof, but never knowing who their neighbors are. Coming and going, day by day, a constant evolution of faces with places to go, and places to be. Who is that woman rushing out the door clutching a paperback under her arm? Or what about the man in a suit sipping on a cocktail at the bar, alone with his thoughts? A hotel is a place to stay, but not usually a place to stay in the more spiritual way, the humanistic way.

‍Moxy Chelsea, located in NYC’s vibrant Chelsea neighborhood, has a goal to expand this transient nature of hotels. With the modern age constantly becoming more rapid and more digital,  spaces to genuinely connect with others are harder to find. At Moxy Chelsea, the hotel is constantly resisting the modern urge to have expediency  over experience. They have curated a space that allows guests and NYC dwellers alike, to discover who that woman with the paperback is, or what that man at the bar is thinking. A third space to play, to learn, and to create sparks of joy with others. 

Just like any place of community, Moxy Chelsea is greatly influenced by its surroundings. And what better surroundings are there than NYC; a place of art, music, learning, and diving into the unknown. Architecturally, floor to ceiling glass windows let the light and energy of the city in, making it impossible to not be inspired by the community and culture enveloping this hotel.

Visitors arrive by walking through the Starbright Floral Design Residency, a fully operating flower shop bursting with colorful arrangements and the fragrance of fresh, seasonal blossoms. Designed to resemble an open floral studio, the space invites not only hotel guests but also neighborhood visitors and pedestrians to pause and enjoy the atmosphere. Inside, people can browse potted plants and succulents, buy loose flowers, or arrange to have a bouquet delivered directly to their room.

Nearby, the scent of warm pastries drifts through Café d’Avignon Popup, where guests can grab coffee alongside freshly baked breads and treats. Instead of your usual reception desk, the check-in process takes place at four butcher-block counters suspended from the 12-foot ceiling; a design detail inspired by the nearby Meatpacking District that also helps the entry area feel more spacious. It doesn’t matter if a guest is staying the night or simply visiting for the day for them to enjoy what Moxy Chelsea has to offer. This is a space designed to welcome, and to encourage visitors to take a breath and be at ease. 

Not only is the atmosphere and architectural design reason enough for a person to pay Moxy Chelsea a visit, but there are programs, events, and residencies being offered on a daily basis to encourage community, and connections. Their Lobby Sounds series features musicians and genres of all kinds, and gives attendees an opportunity to be introduced to different sounds, and have enlivening conversations after.

Craving a good workout? The hotel’s #SweatyatMoxy ongoing classes feature many different ways to get your body moving, and guests can always grab a coffee at Café d’Avignon Popup afterwards as a reward. Most recently, a residency with magician and mentalist John Stessel has been announced for April. Stessel will be displaying a close-up evening of contemporary magic and mind-reading where astonishing moments happen just steps away from the audience. Celebrated for his skill, stage presence, and inventive style, Stessel has become the performer of choice for exclusive crowds and well-known figures such as Jon Bon Jovi, 50 Cent, and John Travolta. The show fits naturally into a night out, whether paired with drinks at the hotel's rooftop lounge, The Fleur Room, or an evening exploring the city. It’s the sort of experience people share when they want to surprise a friend and leave them amazed long after the night ends.

Moxy Chelsea is determined to keep their third space alive and thriving. Determined, and definitely succeeding. In a city as looming as NYC, this hotel is a place to experience life the way it should be experienced; with enjoyment, light, and community. 

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