It seems every major hotel company is trying to capture the millennial market and adapt to our needs, as we are, after all, the generation that travel most frequently nowadays. Marriott, a hospitality company well-loved in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world, is currently focusing on its millennial-driven brand called Moxy. Although its rollout is much more aggressive in Europe and the US, Asia-Pacific has been #blessed with three Moxy properties so far, the first being in Bandung, Indonesia. On my last trip to the city, I was unable to pass up the opportunity to stay at the new Moxy Bandung.
Moxy Bandung sits along Jalan Ir. H. Djuanda, one of the city’s major thoroughfares. This means the Bandung’s major attractions, including its famous factory outlets or FOs, are easily accessible by Uber or Grab, and the airport and train station aren’t far away either.
Moxy, as mentioned, is Marriott’s foray into the millennial market. Described as a “disruptive brand,” it debuted in September 2014 with the opening of Moxy Milan. According to Marriott:
A boutique-hotel concept for the next-Gen traveler, Moxy is a fresh and innovative brand combining stylish design and approachable service at an affordable price point. With tech-enabled rooms, vibrant lobby spaces and warm, modern service, Moxy aims to surprise travelers with a thoughtful, spirited and fun guest experience.
As my Uber pulled into the hotel’s driveway, I was welcomed into the hotel’s first public space called “The Welcome Zone,” which was unlike the reception areas like we know them—the check-in area was practically a bar, and the crew, who were young, energetic, and casually-dressed, also doubled as bartenders.
The Living Room was a feast for the eyes—it was Instagrammable everywhere I looked. Adjacent to the pool table was a colorful mural of the Gedung Sate, one of the city’s landmarks, while on another side was a LED panel serving as a digital guestbook of Instagram shots in the hotel. In all, the entire setup blew my mind—it unapologetically set itself apart from the other Marriott brands and hotels, and I loved it.
At that point, I was getting pretty tried from my delayed flight, so I headed up to my room. I was surprised that the staff set my room up with some cute props, like a turntable, balloons, and stuffed animals. Apparently, the crew had “flocked” my room and hooked it up.
Anyway, as for the room itself, it certainly was less opulent compared to a usual Marriott room. It was modern and minimalist, and in terms of amenities, it deviated from the cookie-cutter business hotel room—in lieu of a desk was a foldable table and chair; instead of a sofa, there was a beanbag; and lastly, hooks took the place of a closet. I knew that it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it was totally fine for me.
As for the other room features, there was a cozy Marriott-standard bed, a large 43” LED television, USB and conventional power points by the bedside, and a spotless bathroom that looked so chic.
Admittedly, the room’s size was on the small side. However, reading around, rooms at Moxy Hotels are typically small, since they make for it up through their public spaces—to “foster communal engagement,” according to them. Aside from the Welcome Zone, the hotel also has the Library, another standard feature of a Moxy hotel where guests can get some reading or work done amid a quieter environment.
I had my breakfasts at the Lobby Lounge, where there was a small selection of hot dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), omelet, customizable noodles, fruits, yogurt, cereal, and breads. They weren’t much, but they were good and filling.
A “select service hotel,” Moxy Bandung doesn’t have a swimming pool. However, it does offer a small gym, meeting facilities, and a rooftop bar where a spectacular view of Bandung can be enjoyed.
WHY STAY THERE?
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It’s truly a hotel for millennials—it’s playful, modern, and Instagrammable.
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The crew are young, friendly, and energetic.
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Rates are incredibly affordable, especially considering it’s a Marriott hotel.
MOXY BANDUNG
Jalan Ir. H. Djuanda, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 22 2052 7188
Website: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bdoox-moxy-bandung/
Social Media: Facebook
