Moxy Phoenix Tempe: ASU's Hottest Hotel? (You NEED to See This!)
Moxy Phoenix Tempe: ASU's Hottest Hotel? (You NEED to See This! …But Is It All That?)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea, the coffee, and probably some spilled Diet Coke (hey, it’s a review, not a polished travelogue!). I just spent a weekend at the Moxy Phoenix Tempe, the hotel that's supposedly the spot for ASU students and anyone else looking for a little… well, Moxy. And let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster.
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First Impressions: The Vibe is… Loud.
Let's be honest, the Moxy screams millennial, right? Bright colors, Instagram-worthy murals, and a lobby that doubles as a bar and hangout space. It felt like stepping into a party, or maybe a Pinterest board exploded. My first thought? "Okay, this is… a lot." The check-in process was thankfully smooth, thanks to their contactless check-in/out which I absolutely loved. Because who wants to deal with lines after a long flight? The front desk [24-hour] is also a huge plus.
Getting Around & Accessibility:
Now, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I always pay attention to accessibility. The Moxy seems to do a decent job. There's an elevator, the hallways seemed wide enough, and the common areas appeared pretty accessible. I didn't get a chance to scope out the facilities for disabled guests in a room specifically, but I saw no major red flags. Good job, Moxy.
Rooms: Cleanliness, Comfort, and… Cluttered?
My room? Clean. Like, really clean. No dust bunnies lurking, beds were crisp, and thankfully, the room sanitization opt-out available which is a win for the planet! I was also relieved to find a Non-smoking room. The Air conditioning worked perfectly. The Wi-Fi [free] was strong, important for someone like me who's constantly tethered to the internet. There was also Free bottled water, which is a nice touch.
But here's where things get a little… Moxy-ish. The rooms are small. Like, efficient-living small. The design is sleek and modern (think: exposed brick, funky art), but it felt a bit… cluttered. There were enough hooks and storage spaces, but everything sort of fought for space. The bed was comfy, and the blackout curtains were clutch for sleeping in (vital after a night at the bar, lets be real), and a window that opens which is a big plus for fresh air. The desk area was functional, and I appreciated the Laptop workspace.
The Bathroom Chronicles:
The bathroom was compact but functional. There was a shower, but no bathtub (not a deal-breaker for me, but some folks like to soak.) Toiletries were included, but nothing luxurious. One slight complaint: the water pressure? A little weak. A tiny, minor gripe.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!)
The on-site restaurant, "The Bar" (I know, super creative!), was where I had my first experience. It serves both American and International cuisine. I had a salad because, well, balance. It was surprisingly good. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was decent. The Breakfast [buffet] was okay, definitely catering to the college crowd’s needs. The Bar itself was energetic, with a Happy hour buzz that definitely carried throughout the day. There’s also a poolside bar, which is a must-have in Arizona.
The Pool Scene: The Showstopper (Maybe)?
The swimming pool [outdoor] is definitely a highlight. The pictures don't lie; it's a Pool with a view, perfect for Instagram (I got a few stellar shots!). The pool was clean, the drinks were flowing, and the DJ was spinning some decent tunes. Basically, the quintessential Arizona hotel pool experience.
Relaxation and Fitness: You Can Actually Do This Here!
I'm not gonna lie, I did not get a Body wrap or a fancy spa treatment (I was too busy enjoying the happy hour!). I did, however, hit the Fitness center. It's a decent size for a hotel gym. There were treadmills, weights, and some other equipment. Not a full-blown luxury gym, but it does the job. After a long day there’s also a Sauna and a Steamroom for those wanting to relax.
Safety & Cleanliness: Surprisingly Reassuring
I was a little skeptical about the cleanliness before the pandemic. But Moxy did a solid job. I'm happy to see that they use Anti-viral cleaning products, and there's Daily disinfection in common areas. They also had Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff seemed to be well-trained in safety protocol. They have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, which is a necessity. Things to Do & Places to Go:
The Moxy's location is ideal for exploring Tempe and the ASU campus. It's also near Mill Avenue, the heart of Tempe's nightlife. Great for those looking for budget-friendly Hotels to explore Tempe's nightlife.
Service & Conveniences: The Little Things
Daily housekeeping was consistently good. The Wi-Fi for special events is a nice touch. They offer a Cashless payment service which is important these days, and you can get essentials at the Convenience store.
The Quirks & The Imperfections (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, here’s where my rant begins. The music in the lobby. ALWAYS. LOUD. Fine if you're into it, an absolute sensory assault when you're not.
Also, the whole "Moxy vibe" is… a bit much. It seems like they're trying really hard to be cool. It’s a bit like trying to be a rock star; you’re better off just being yourself.
**On the plus side, I did enjoy the fact that they have a *meeting/banquet facilities*, which is great for business travelers.
My Verdict: Worth it? Maybe…
Overall, the Moxy Phoenix Tempe is a fun, stylish hotel. It’s a solid choice if you're looking for a place to crash in Tempe, especially if you're an ASU student or a young traveler on a budget.
Pros:
- Trendy and fun vibe.
- Great pool and bar scene.
- Clean rooms.
- Convenient location.
- Good value for the price.
- Excellent wifi.
- Plenty of accessible features.
Cons:
- Small rooms.
- Can be noisy.
- Vibe is a bit manufactured.
- The food and drink, while passable, isn't outstanding.
- Parking in the area can be difficult.
Would I go back? Yeah, probably. Especially for a quick weekend getaway. After all, it's the hottest hotel in Tempe for a reason. Just bring your earplugs (and maybe a cooler personality.) 🌟
Escape to Paradise: The Belmar Inn Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't gonna be your sterile, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-hungover truth of trying to enjoy a trip to Phoenix, specifically near ASU, while crashing at a Moxy. Consider this… My Soul's Phoenix Scramble.
Day 1: Arrival & Desert Delirium (and a Whole Lotta Regret About That Early Flight)
- (8:00 AM) I’m pretty sure I blacked out the entire flight. The only thing that remains is that I swear I saw a tiny, aggressively orange cloud outside the window. Landed. Phoenix. The heat slaps you in the face like a disgruntled waiter. First impression: "This is definitely where my deodorant fails."
- (9:30 AM) Moxy Phoenix Tempe/ASU. Alright, the Moxy. It’s… well, it’s Moxy. Clean, bright, and the lobby feels like an Instagram influencer’s fever dream. CHECK-IN. First of all, I look like I've been dragged through a cactus so I am already feeling self-conscious. "Welcome, welcome!" chirped the person at the front desk, smiling too widely for this hour. I fumbled with the credit card, praying the coffee hasn't completely worn off.
- (10:00 AM): Room. Alright, the room is smallish but functional. A quick check of the bathroom revealed good water pressure (SCORE!). I instantly regretting choosing to get off the plane early. I have several bottles of water handy, because the desert will suck the moisture right out of you.
- (11:00 AM): I should probably do SOMETHING. The plan was to find a cute coffee shop, but I'm pretty sure my brain is still trying to reboot after that early flight. Instead… Dramatic Pause I am going to hit the pool. I will get my Vitamin D fix. I should probably put on sunscreen.
- (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Poolside. The pool is relatively empty. Sun, water, people-watching… bliss. Until a flock of screaming college students descend, all neon bikinis and aggressively cheerful chatter. Ah, yes, the ASU experience. I retreat to my book, occasionally cursing my pale skin and the sun's unwavering commitment to burning me. A margarita or two are involved. Maybe three.
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Nap. Because I am an adult. Because I’m on vacation and so should I.
- (4:00 PM): The plan was a leisurely stroll around Tempe, maybe check out Mill Avenue. But the heat… it's relentless. I decide to take a Lyft. A very cool, AC-blasting Lyft.
- (4:30 PM): Mill Avenue, a blur. Wandering the shops is fine. However, I am not an avid shopper. It's hot and I'd rather be somewhere else.
- (6:00 PM): Dinner. A place called Culinary Dropout. I thought the name was interesting, but I'm starting to see a pattern. Nice place. Food was good, service was great. I realize food can be great even in the desert. The only thing that almost ruined the experience was the loud conversation next to me. Seriously, do people not realize the sound travels? It was a rant about something about taxes and stocks.
- (8:00 PM): Back to the Moxy. The bar is buzzing. All those brightly colored, highly Instagrammable cocktails are taunting me. I resist. For now.
- (9:00 PM): In my room, after ahem one cocktail. I'm watching some cheesy reality TV, feeling surprisingly content. Maybe Phoenix isn't so bad after all.
Day 2: Desert Dreams and Brunch Blunders
- (9:00 AM): Wake up. Headache from that ONE cocktail. Ugh. I think I had too much sunshine yesterday.
- (10:00 AM): Brunch. A place called Snooze, an A.M. Eatery. I had heard about it. The menu looked amazing! I get there and see the line. I see a wait time of 45 minutes, I look at the menu and just decide to leave.
- (11:00 AM): Downtown Tempe, I decide to explore.
- (12:00 PM): Explore an ASU Art museum. It's really cool, and I spent way more time than I thought I would.
- (2:00 PM): It's time for Ice Cream. It's Hot. It's the only option.
- (3:00 PM): Back to the Moxy. I sit by the pool, as I try to decompress from the heat.
- (4:00 PM): Pre-dinner nap.
- (6:00 PM): Dinner. I took a chance to eat something new. A Mexican restaurant. It wasn't bad.
- (8:00 PM): I return to the Moxy.
- (9:00 PM): As I am doing my nightly routine, I realize I left something at the restaurant. I have to go back, I hate this. I decide to just stay in my room and order room service.
Day 3: Departure and Desert Reflections
- (8:00 AM): I am up. I pack. I check out.
- (9:00 AM): I head to the airport.
- (10:00 AM): I buy a bunch of random souvenirs at the airport.
- (11:00 AM): I take off. I'm sad to be leaving.
- (12:00 AM): In the air, I look down. Phoenix is beautiful from up here. I'm glad I came.
Final Thoughts:
Phoenix, you are a confusing place. But also, you're surprisingly cool. The Moxy was fine, a little too 'trendy' for this old soul, but the bed was comfy. I never did find that perfect coffee shop, but hey, there's always next time. The desert heat? Brutal, beautiful, and something I'll never forget. Would I come back? Probably. But next time, I'm bringing way more sunscreen. And maybe a bigger hat. And a better attitude. And a plan to be less of a mess. Probably not gonna happen.
Flushing's HOTTEST Hotel: 4-Star Sheraton Luxury Awaits!
Okay, So, What *Exactly* Are We Talking About Here? Because I'm Already Confused.
Is This Going to Be Boring? Because If It Is, I'm Out. (And My Attention Span is Shorter Than a Goldfish's.)
Fine, But *Why* Are We Doing This? What's the Point? (Besides Contributing to the Vast Noise of the Internet.)
So, Is This Like… Advice? Am I Going to Get Helpful Tips? Because I Really Need Help. (Like, Seriously.)
Okay, Okay, Enough with the Abstract Nonsense. Give Me Something Concrete! What's Your Biggest Regret? (Go on, Spill It!)
What's the Craziest Thing That's Ever Happened To You?
What’s Something You're Really Passionate About – That *Isn’t* Ukuleles?
