There is always something fun and exciting happening in Downtown Phoenix and having a fun spot serving as a home base is a bonus. Striking a chord between cosmopolitan chic and downtown vibes, Moxy Phoenix Downtown is a Marriott Bonvoy property that provides anyone visiting Downtown Phoenix a convenient place to stay and a great space to be social. Weekend warriors and business travelers — you’ve found nirvana!
My recent stay at Moxy Phoenix Downtown served as an opportunity to discover the Moxy to see how it translates into the downtown scene. Moxy hotels are known to take on the vibe of the city in which they are located, and this property is in the historic Luhrs Building, opened in 1924, and reinvented as a mixed use space that includes Moxy and some offices. The atmosphere is fun, chic and laid back, while paying homage to the historic Luhrs Building that is turning 100 years old this year. Moxy Phoenix Downtown and its team will be celebrating the hotel’s grand opening the night of Friday, February 2 with a DJ and bites. All are welcome at 7:00 p.m. and into the night.
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“The Luhrs Building stands in a Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) which underscores PEG’s values of reimagining communities,” says Joe Madera, regional director of operations for PEG Hospitality Group, that PEG Companies in-house hospitality management division that oversees Moxy Phoenix Downtown. “As one of the oldest buildings in Downtown Phoenix, this building embodies the youthful nature of Moxy while honoring the history of Downtown by becoming an eclectic epicenter.”
Check in happens at the bar, where you can grab a complimentary welcome cocktail and cupful of M&M’s and engage in a quick complimentary game of foosball, Ms. Pac Man or Galaga. All of these things set the mood for your stay.
The open and inviting “living room” style lobby and bar area invites travelers to plug in and get some work done on massive couches and community tables, or just sit and enjoy any of the bar’s numerous cocktails, including a complimentary welcome highball cocktail, made with your choice of whiskey, tequila or rum. Need a more private setting? We loved the library space perched over the lobby. The mezzanine style space provides a quiet setting to chat or to sit and get work done. The staff tending the bar and hotel check-in are keenly schooled in all things Downtown Phoenix and Moxy and are among some of the nicest hotel staff I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.
Although there is not an on-site dining room, food and beverages are available 24/7 at the bar. Coffee and grab-and-go breakfast items are available, along with other beverages, fruit and noshes. The focused menu includes flatbreads, an outstanding trio of hummus with pita points, walking tacos, wines by the glass, local beers and hand-crafted cocktails that ensure you will never miss an on-site restaurant. The 24/7 breakfast flatbread is the perfect way to start your busy day.
Rooms at Moxy Phoenix Downtown are comfy and cozy. The modern style deconstructed closet allows you to put your things where you’d like and just keep it simple. The light and bright black and white bathrooms almost give you a sense of stepping back in time to the 1920s. Toiletries by Greek skincare company Korres boast a pleasant citrus scent and are housed in large bottles that ensure you won’t run out of shampoo, conditioner or shower gel. Whimsical touches of art in the bathroom and the “DEEP END” labeled portion of the shower are good for a laugh.
Firm beds, big fluffy pillows, pops of color and historic photos round out the aesthetic of the rooms. A stay on the top floors includes some awesome views of Downtown Phoenix and you’ll get a good night’s sleep with lots of peace and quiet. Pick up the vintage style phone in your room for your choice of fun bedtime stories as told by people from other parts of the country — choose from sweet or saucy!
If you need an extra towel, soap, iron, ironing board, toothbrush or toothpaste, just head out to the hallway and hit up the cabinet labeled “The Stash,” grab what you need and get back to your business. The Moxy provided thoughtful details in their room designs that add to a convenient stay.
One of the best things about the property is the convenience to everything happening in Downtown Phoenix all year round. Moxy Phoenix Downtown is only a few steps from Footprint Center, Chase Field, The Herberger Theater Center, the Phoenix Convention Center, Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Symphony Hall, and is on the light rail system, making it even more attractive as a place to stay.
Cityscape is only a minute’s walk away and gave us access to Copper Blues, eden Rooftop Bar, Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, Chico Malo, Billiards & Bowling, EōS Fitness, Jimmy John’s Sandwiches, Stand Up Live, Trapper’s Sushi Co, The Arrogant Butcher, Urban Outfitters and more. Also, don’t miss Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, housed in the Luhrs City Center, next to Moxy’s front door.
Meeting space includes a boardroom for six with HDMI connection, and the library mezzanine area boasts seating for 30-50 and is available to rent for private events. Moxy Phoenix Downtown is located at 116 S. Central Avenue in Phoenix.
