Here’s what it was like staying at the brand-new Moxy Miami South Beach
Editor's Note
Marriott's Moxy brand has grown immensely since its debut in 2014. The brand has expanded to more than 70 locations worldwide and is now entering a new chapter with the opening of the Moxy Miami South Beach. Not only is it the brand's first property in Florida, but it also marks Moxy's first foray into resort-style properties.
The new 202-room resort is located in the heart of South Beach's Art Deco district and just two blocks from the iconic Ocean Drive. Most buildings in the area are considered historic, so it's also one of South Beach's first new-build hotels in many years.
Despite the pandemic, the Moxy Miami South Beach opened as planned and is ready to welcome guests. The hotel invited me to spend two nights to experience the new property for myself. Here’s what I learned from my stay.
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This is Moxy's first resort-style property
While there are a few Moxys with pools, the Moxy Miami South Beach is the brand's first true resort. Altogether, there are six food-and-beverage outlets, two pools, a beach club and multiple meeting and event spaces.
The main pool is located on the second-floor terrace and features tiered lounge seating, pool floats, benches in the water and private cabanas. Poolside service is available here from the restaurant Serena.
Fitting for South Beach's see-and-be-seen vibe, there's a see-through cutout at the bottom of the pool the allows guests in the lobby to watch swimmers from below.
Related: A beginner’s guide to visiting Miami
Just off the pool, also on the second floor, is the hotel's indoor-outdoor gym. The nearby Muscle Beach inspired the outdoor component.
Inside, you'll find all the essentials, including several treadmills, elliptical machines, a stationary bike and free weights.
Then, on the eighth-floor rooftop, there's a shallow lounging pool with 360-degree views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
Also on the rooftop is an outdoor screening area that plays silent movies every night and has games like giant dominoes.
Just off the lobby are three meeting rooms that double as stylish coworking spaces when they're not rented out. They offer a variety of seating options, each with easily accessible power outlets. If they're being used or you prefer more of a coffee-shop vibe, there are also plenty of spaces to sit in the lobby or the outdoor courtyard.
Unlike other Moxys, there are actual check-in counters. Normally, the brand eschews the check-in desk and combines it with the lobby bar.
As is the norm for Miami Beach hotels, there's a $27 ($30.78 including tax) nightly "destination fee" to assert the resort title. In turn, you'll get amenities like two beach chairs, on-property fitness classes, bicycle rentals, a free appetizer at Serena and Wi-Fi. Since Marriott Gold elites and higher already get complimentary enhanced internet, they get a $15 daily laundry credit instead. Just note that towels aren't provided at the beach, so you'll want to bring some from the hotel.
Guest rooms are compact
The hotel has 202 rooms, including king, double-queen, or quad-bunk options, as well as two suites. As is the norm for Moxys, the standard rooms are small, but they're practically designed and smartly configured.
For starters, the rooms don't have closets in the traditional sense. Instead, they are outfitted with space-efficient pegboard walls. Instead of an iron and ironing board, rooms are supplied with steamers.
More storage space is available beneath the beds. Also located beneath the bed is a drawer that holds the room's safe. There are no refrigerators in standard rooms.
There are no standard work desks in rooms, though the hotel has folding tables on order that hadn't yet arrived when I stayed. But that's not a problem since there's plenty of space to cowork downstairs. Whether you book a city or ocean view room, there are floor-to-ceiling windows that brighten up the room and help keep it from feeling claustrophobic.
Tubs are swapped for walk-in showers, which makes sense given the target clientele and optimization of space. Fortunately, there's plenty of counter space, which often isn't the case with smaller rooms like this. Muk-branded toiletries are supplied in large pump-topped bottles to reduce plastic waste.
Moxy is great for groups
Whether you're traveling to South Beach with friends for Spring Break, a bachelor/bachelorette party or something else, the Moxy has you covered.
In line with Moxy's youthful spirit, there are two types of quad-bunk bedrooms — one is slightly larger with a separate seating area. These rooms are typically priced slightly higher than standard rooms but are cheaper than suites. As of now, they aren't bookable with points. Each bed gets its own reading light and pair of power outlets.
Bathrooms in bunk rooms are configured so that different people could be showering, using the toilet and brushing their teeth at the same time while maintaining privacy. Unlike the standard rooms, there are no windows in the showers.
Alternatively, groups could book double-queen rooms with city or ocean views. These rooms have slightly more square footage than the king rooms but have a similar configuration. Although these rooms have windows in the showers, they're frosted.
The design is true to its locale
While you'll still find plenty of the brand's signature pink, the hotel is much more colorful than your average Moxy. Celebrating Miami's uniquely multicultural style, the design blends the glamour of mid-century Havana, the vibrancy of Mexico City, Miami Modernism and more.
The oval-shaped lobby bar features retro-style stools and an infinity mirror installation above, containing the phone number of El Floridita, the Havana watering hole Ernest Hemingway frequented.
Also in the lobby is a Zoltar-inspired payphone that you can use to get complimentary horoscope readings from the hotel's resident astrologer. Yes, you read that right. The hotel has a resident astrologer.
The bedrooms feature artwork that depicts artists like Frida Kahlo, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Pablo Picasso visiting South Beach. There are also elements, like the round windows and some of the furniture, that resemble ocean-liner staterooms, nodding to an overnight ferry service that used to operate between Miami and Havana. The design element also carries on to the elevators, which are designed to feel like you're underwater.
The design is ideal for pandemic-era life
This hotel's design turned out to be ideal for the pandemic era.
The majority of the public spaces are open-air and blend seamlessly with the indoor areas. Besides the indoor-outdoor gym, the lobby opens up to an outdoor courtyard that you could dine or work in. The public areas also offer plenty of private and semi-private enclaves.
The hotel's main restaurant, Serena, is ensconced in tropical foliage on the second-floor terrace. The two restaurants opening in April will offer outdoor seating as well.
Although there are traditional check-in desks, guests can opt for contactless check-in — either via Marriott's mobile app or a self-check-in kiosk. Only a few Marriott properties have these self-service kiosks so far.
In the rooms, you can expect things like enhanced cleanings, sanitizing wipes and printed materials replaced by QR codes. Additionally, you can use your phone to control the TV.
Food and beverage is a major focus
If you've ever been to Miami, you'll know that the city has an incredible food scene. And the dining options at the Moxy are no exception.
As mentioned above, the property offers a total of six food-and-beverage outlets, two of which will open in April. They're operated by the founders of the popular Miami restaurants Coyo Taco and 1-800-Lucky. Although Marriott elites usually don't get free breakfast at Moxys, Platinium members can opt for a $10 food and beverage credit as their welcome amenity.
At the center of the lobby is the retro Cuban-themed Bar Moxy.
Right across it is Los Buenos, an all-day bodega and taco stand. It serves tacos on hand-pressed tortillas, burritos, breakfast items, as well as some grab-and-go options. Prices start at $8 for two tacos or $11 for a burrito.
The restaurants Como Como and Mezcalista will also be located on the ground floor when they open. Como Como will be a seafood restaurant and raw bar focusing on ancient Mexican grilling techniques, while Mezcalista will be a mezcal lounge with a bit of a speakeasy vibe.
The hotel's main restaurant, Serena, is located upstairs, on the second floor. As mentioned above, it's mostly outdoors, its design inspired by rooftop and patio restaurants of Oaxaca and Mexico City.
At night, the space has an enchanting atmosphere with twinkling lights and bougainvillea hanging above, channeling Mexican markets. There's even a DJ on the weekends. Given that there aren't many rooftops in the area, I definitely see Serena becoming a popular spot among tourists and locals.
I had dinner here one night and was thoroughly impressed. I wish I'd had a few more people with me to try more of the dishes, which are meant to be shared family-style.
To start, I had the freshly-made guacamole and chips, which were served with a selection of house-made salsas. To drink, I had the Serena Margarita, which did not disappoint.
I then sampled two types of ceviche and the seared tuna tostadas the waiter recommended. The rojo ceviche (on the left) was some of the best ceviche I've had, coming with heirloom baby tomatoes, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, chile de arbol, citrus marinade and tangerine infused olive oil. That said, the verde ceviche with cucumbers, avocado, cilantro, serrano chiles, red onions, serrano chile-lime marinade and lemon-infused olive oil was delicious as well. All of the dishes were very light and fresh.
I was beyond stuffed at this point, but I could have ordered warm mains like a grilled skirt steak, short-rib guisado or chicken enchiladas. I still had churros for dessert, though, which were served with Mexican hot chocolate.
Finally, there's another bar on the rooftop. At night, the space, aptly named The Upside, transforms into a whimsical pink bar exclusively for hotel guests.
Related: The 18 best places to eat and drink in Miami
Rates are reasonable
The Moxy brand is geared toward more budget-conscious travelers. Rates here currently start at $159 for a standard room. Alternatively, you can book a stay here using points.
As a Category 5 Marriott Bonvoy property, an award night will cost you 30,000 points for an off-peak night, 35,000 for a standard night and 40,000 for a peak night. This means that you can use your annual free-night certificate that comes with many Bonvoy credit cards for standard award night here. Plus, as with any Marriott redemption, you can maximize your value by booking a five-night award stay and getting the fifth night free.
Related: Using your Marriott free night certificate in the U.S.
Bottom line
The Moxy Miami South Beach is a terrific addition to the area and the Marriott portfolio. True to the brand, it's playful, affordable and stylish. It's ideal for those interested in more of a South Beach party scene than a purely relaxing vacation. While the rooms might be on the smaller side, they're practical and you likely won't be spending much time there anyway since there are plenty of communal spaces for work and play. With lots of great on-site food-and-beverage options, it could even become a place where locals would hang out and have a drink or a bite to eat.
All photos by Benji Stawski/The Points Guy
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.