There's a decent flat-screen TV. It's a perfect marriage of form and function. There's foldaway furniture, such as a chair or luggage rack and a small writing desk. An under-bed safe, where we left our passports . . . and nearly forgot them.
Bathroom: There's a large mirror, over a bench and a deep basin inside the door. And frosted glass walls hide a walk-in shower with a massive monsoon showerhead, and a cute tiled mosaic that says LUST. Next door, the loo has WANDER. There's no kettle or tea- and coffee-making facilities but head downstairs to the Feroce Caffe for that. It's playful and minimal.
Food: The hotel is home to Feroce Ristorante, Feroce Caffe, and Bar Feroce. On the 35th floor is the Fleur Room at the Moxy — New York's highest rooftop bar. It's worth going for the view alone.
Noise: Sometimes the noises from the streets far below would drift up. But they were hardly invasive.
When we were ready to return to our room after hours of exploring the city, it was a peaceful, zen-like space that felt welcoming. Small and perfectly formed.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary for guests.
Exercise: I never went there but there is a gym. I walked and walked around the New York streets and, honestly, that seemed enough.
Price: Rates starting from $240 per night.
Contact: 105 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001 (at 6th Ave). Online, they're at moxychelsea.com.
What's so good about this place? Small does not mean inferior. The Moxy seems to have nailed the concept of affordable, yet very glamorous and beautifully designed rooms and communal spaces. It feels very intimate, rather than corporate. It's ideal for the Manhattan experience, and the staff are delightful.
