Moxy Manchester City

The nine-storey, 146-room, Moxy Manchester City opened in December 2021. It is housed in a former hat factory but the renovation is so comprehensive that it is practically a brand-new purpose-built hotel.

Most of the hotel rooms are configured as either twin or double Moxy Sleeper rooms and at just 15–17m² (161–183 sq ft) they are certainly smaller than other hotel rooms in the Marriott stable. The rooms are designed to make the most of the smaller space and, despite the compact size, they don’t feel too cramped. All rooms are air-conditioned and have comfortable beds, large flat-screen televisions and a compact en suite bathroom. The rooms do not have tea and coffee making facilities, nor do they have much in the way of storage facilities. There are no cupboards, although there is a stand to rest your luggage on and a spot on the wall where you can hang your clothes up.

There are also a handful of larger Moxy Sleeper Premium and Moxy Sleeper Family rooms for guests who prefer a little more space. Premium rooms are 17–23m² (183–247 sq ft) and family rooms are 24m² (258 sq ft).

The ground floor space, which includes the bar/reception area, features a funky interior design and it has louder music than your typical hotel lobby. In many ways, the atmosphere is like a very nice hostel with vibrant communal spaces on the ground floor where it is easy to strike up a conversation and get to know your fellow guests. This common space is split into several zones with a games area, a bar and a working space.

A major part of this space is the bar, which appeals to the hotel’s younger demographic. Guests get a free cocktail when they check in and the bar also serves a selection of snacks and light meals but if you’re hungry the central Spinningfields location means that there are plenty of other places to eat and drink on your doorstep.

There is a bank of self-serve lockers, which are ideal if you arrive at the hotel before your room is available or if you need to store your bags somewhere after you have checked out.

The communal spaces are very well done and I like the idea of creating a hostel-style atmosphere in a hotel, however, some people complain that the whole vibe of the place makes them feel old.

Free Wi-Fi wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel.

Moxy is a Marriott hotel brand that is aimed at the millennial market and it is priced at the budget end of the market, just a step up from ibis, Travelodge and Premier Inn. It appears that Moxy is chasing the same design-focused millennial market as Marriott’s high-end W Hotels brand but Moxy’s big advantage is that millennials can actually afford to stay here.

The Moxy Manchester City hotel is located right in the heart of the Spinningfields business district and there are plenty of great places to eat and drink right on your doorstep. Other areas of central Manchester are also within walking distance with the Central Retail District just a 6–8-minute walk away and the Northern Quarter a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

Many of Manchester’s main attractions are within an easy walking distance from the hotel with the John Rylands Library, Manchester Central Library, the People’s History Museum, Science and Industry Museum and the town hall all within a five-minute walk from the hotel.

Deansgate and Salford Central stations are just under a 10-minute walk from the hotel and it is a 15-minute walk to Manchester Victoria railway station and a 20-minute walk to Piccadilly station.