Planning your first solo adventure to the Big Apple without denting the budget? Look to Marriott's Moxy Lower East Side.
Perfectly placed in a vibrant neighbourhood with plenty to offer, this chic hotel opened in November 2022 and draws modern travellers with high-spec design and a Gen-Z-friendly vibe.
The lobby has a buzzy "pleasure garden" theme with tongue-in-cheek interiors, setting a playful tone as you arrive. It’s an inviting space that brings the neighbourhood together, from daytime hustle to after-dark mingling. Catch the 4pm cocktail hour, as tables vanish, folding doors reveal a DJ, turning the space into a lively hotspot. If you’re lucky, you'll catch LES’s best local pop-ups with a big cult following taking up space, like the mouthwatering smash burgers and Forsyth burritos.
The room layout is incredibly smart, and you can tell that a lot of thought went into it just by looking at the quality of materials and finishes. The compact shower and sink is located outside, which doubles as a table - a genius idea that frees up valuable space. The iconic 9ft floor-to-ceiling windows make the room feel even larger, and they've cleverly hidden hooks and rails behind mirrors, eliminating the need for a wardrobe. It's all about keeping things simple but luxurious; all you need is a fantastic shower and an amazing bed, complete with luxury bedding, of course. For someone like me who prefers taking in the surroundings rather than staying in the room all day, it's a perfect setup.
Kick off the trip with rooftop aperitifs at The Highlight Room, offering one of the best views of the city along with a great atmosphere and cocktail menu to match, perfect for enjoying the content-worthy sunset. Once you've worked up an appetite, get dressed up and head down the sexy spiral staircase to Sake No Hana, where you can indulge in some of the best sushi and crispy gyozas in town.
For post-dinner drinks, head to the Andy Warhol inspired Silver Lining piano lounge for fantastic live music and dreamy decor to get in the mood for Loosie's night club, and sample the city's nightlife, right beneath the hotel. The best part? These fantastic spots are barely a stone's throw away, saving your taxi dollars. And while New York is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, dining out can add up quickly. Fortunately budget-friendly options are everywhere and discovering them are part of the experience! Do your research and check out some of the best local food trucks, diners, great eateries in Chinatown and Little Italy, or grab a quick bite at one of the city's many farmers' markets.
Here's my top tip: get a city pass. You'll want to visit iconic attractions like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art but without queues. Plus, you'll save with bundled deals and get up to 9 days of exploring at your own pace, it’s a no-brainer. The Metro now accepts ApplePay too, super handy for first-timers, saving you from looking lost and scratching your head at the ticket machine.
But for me, walking is the way to explore the city and find hidden gems, even stumbling upon Moxy's other awesome locations – Times Square, Chelsea, East Village. Venture beyond the Williamsburg Bridge, and Brooklyn transforms, like switching radio stations. Strolling past trendy cafes, soulful street art with the subway's rhythmic rattling, the vibe shifts. Compared to LES Moxy Williamsburg has major chill vibes, laidback and not precious in the best way. The lobby's decor screams musician or artist's apartment, with impeccable taste and a touch of skate culture. Try guessing how many crayons it took to create the epic 50k crayon showpiece hanging in the lobby, just don’t tell them who told you!
Get your phone camera ready for the next best, uninterrupted view of city’s skyline from the LilliStar rooftop bar, where you can easily lose a whole afternoon doing absolutely nothing but soaking in the sights. And when it's time for dinner, Mesiba awaits with contemporary Levantine cuisine, taking your taste buds on a Middle Eastern journey with some seriously delicious food. Right next door, the retro doors of Jolene Sound Room open to the late-night energy of Brooklyn. Equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and excellent aircon to keep you sweat-free, as you throw some shapes on the dance floor.
Staying at Moxy is like being part of the cool crowd in town, its charm is making all truly feel welcome and embraced with open arms, so I’m definitely coming back, and this time with my besties to take full advantage of the quad rooms with bunk beds.
Stay at Moxy Lower East Side from £156 per night, and Moxy Williamsburg from £141 per night. Book at moxylowereastside.com & moxywilliamsburg.com. Norse Atlantic Airways flies from London to New York from £244 return.
