Honest Review: Moxie Hotel Barcelona
First Impressions & Check-In
Arrival Experience:
- Flew red-eye into Barcelona
- Took R2 train to hotel
- Hotel located behind Nobu Hotel
- Important: Check-in is NOT on ground floor—go to 3rd floor
Lobby Atmosphere (3rd Floor):
- Visually appealing with lots going on
- Lots of color and lights
- Definitely designed for younger crowd
- Surprisingly saw many middle-aged/older business travelers checking in
Check-In Process:
- Pretty good, fairly easy
- Received welcome drink upon check-in
- Room was ready immediately (appreciated)
The Room Situation
Room Upgrade Attempt - FAILED:
- Reviewer is Marriott Titanium status (75+ nights/year, second-highest tier)
- Tried to "game the system" for upgrade
- Critical Issue: Moxie hotels are "pretty much all twin beds"
- Hoped to either push beds together or get upgrade to double bed
- Hotel was full (conference happening)
- No upgrade available
- Result: Stuck in separated twin beds entire stay
Room Dimensions:
- Width: 9 feet (very narrow)
- Twin beds separated (cannot push together)
Room Layout & Amenities:
- Bathroom to the right upon entry
- Twin beds
- No closet - just hangers hanging on wall
- Small desk (can't put much weight on it)
- Kettle provided
- NO coffee maker - must ask for instant coffee
- Initial coffee setup: 1 tea bag, 1 tiny creamer, 1 cup, 1 sugar packet
- Exposed hanging bar with hangers
Storage Issues:
- Humid climate = sweaty clothes need airing out
- Reviewer had to hang clothes "everywhere" to dry
- No proper storage solution for aired-out clothing
The Balcony - Best Feature:
- Lovely balcony (though didn't use it much due to busy schedule)
- Privacy Issue: Glass partition only—can hear neighbors across balcony clearly
- Can hear neighbors at night
- Neighbors could potentially hear your conversations
Bathroom & Water
Shower - Highlight:
- EXCELLENT shower pressure (best thing about room according to reviewers)
- Soft water system installed
- Soft Water Downside: Soap doesn't rinse off easily—feels like soap residue remains
- Must stand under water longer to fully rinse
Beds:
- VERY FIRM - described as "like concrete" by one reviewer
- Other reviewer loved the firmness
- Firmness level: serious point of contention between couple
Breakfast Situation
Marriott Status Benefit DENIED:
- Titanium status typically includes free breakfast for two
- Moxie does NOT participate in this Marriott program
- Reviewer's frustration: "Marriott should not let properties say that"
- Common issue they've experienced at various Marriott properties
Breakfast Pricing:
- €21 per person
- €42 for two people
- Menu: Baked beans, scrambled eggs, basic items
- Quality: "Like a Residence Inn but maybe a touch step up"
- Reviewer: "Not impressed with the breakfast"
Better Alternative:
- Bakery around the corner
- Beautiful breakfast for ~€9 total
- Note: Opens late (10:00-10:30 AM) - Spain hours
Breakfast Strategy Tip:
- Don't use status for breakfast
- Save your €17 daily credit (for two people, valid all day)
- Use credit for lunch or dinner instead
- Lunch/dinner items cheaper: €13-15.50
- Best menu item: Couscous with salmon and vegetables (€12.50)
- Two people ordering this = €25 (almost price of one breakfast)
Food & Dining
Restaurant Quality:
- Reviewer had couscous with salmon and vegetables (€12.50)
- Both reviewers ordered it - described as "probably best thing on menu"
- "Yummy, yummy" according to review
Lounge (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
- Available for Platinum status and above (free access)
- Offerings:
- Different snacks, bites, desserts
- Pastries
- Cereal
- Espresso coffee
- Small white bread sandwiches (crust cut off) with tuna, cheese, or ham
- Small cakes
- Fruit
Lounge Assessment:
- "Nice little touch trying to up the game"
- Helps offset lack of free breakfast
Amenities & Facilities
Common Areas:
- Pool table
- Foosball table
- Bright, colorful design throughout
- Lounge-type atmosphere
Rooftop:
- Small square pool
- Lots of lounge chairs
- Good for sunbathing
- Nice views (though not as spectacular as neighboring Nobu)
- Bonus: Can access Nobu's rooftop (23-24 floors) for even better views
Fitness Center:
- Basic gym with limited equipment
- "You can get a workout in there"
- Minimal weights available
Technology:
- Huge TV in room (upgrade from hostel experience)
Location & Practical Tips
Location Advantages:
- Very close to Sants Station (main train station)
- Close to Metro
- Decent walking distance to attractions
- Next door to Nobu Hotel (convenient for conferences)
Laundry:
- DO NOT use hotel laundry service - "expensive" (even manager admits it)
- Laundromat one block away (block and a half)
- Very nice facility
- Pricing: €3-4 to wash and dry
- Soap included in wash price (built into machine)
- Important tips:
- Select temperature BEFORE paying (locks in after payment)
- Choose dryer temperature carefully to avoid shrinking clothes
- Soap automatically dispensed—don't add your own
Pricing & Value
Hotel Costs:
- Barcelona hotels are expensive overall
- Moxie was cheaper Marriott option in area
- Reviewers chose prepaid rate (non-refundable but cheaper)
Why They Chose Moxie:
- Conference at neighboring Nobu Hotel
- Location-sensitive choice
- Friends staying at Nobu (easy to visit)
- Cheaper than other Marriott options
Who This Hotel Is For
Perfect For:
- Younger travelers (20s-30s)
- Solo travelers comfortable with twin beds
- Budget-conscious Marriott loyalists
- Business travelers needing basic accommodations
- People who prioritize location over amenities
- Social atmosphere seekers (pool table, foosball, rooftop bar)
- Those okay with "upgraded hostel" vibe
NOT Ideal For:
- Couples wanting to sleep together (twin beds only)
- People expecting full Marriott luxury experience
- Those who value free breakfast with status
- Travelers needing significant storage/closet space
- Anyone wanting soft beds
- People expecting traditional hotel coffee service
- Guests who need quiet/privacy (thin walls/balconies)
Marriott Bonvoy Status Issues
Titanium Benefits NOT Honored:
- No free breakfast (property opts out)
- No room upgrade (though hotel was full)
- Daily credit provided instead (€17 for two)
Reviewer's Frustration: "Marriott should not be promoting Bonvoy and having everybody sign up because it's the greatest thing... and then have properties opt out"
Final Verdict
Would They Stay Again?
Partner 1 (More Flexible):
- YES, but ONLY because of conference next door
- Appreciated location for specific purpose
- More "go with the flow" attitude
Partner 2 (Lexi):
- ABSOLUTELY NOT
- "I would never stay here again"
- Not impressed with food
- Coffee situation unacceptable
- Twin bed situation major issue
- Too many frustrations
Honest Assessment:
- "Upgraded hostel/backpacker" experience
- Very colorful and visually appealing
- Scaled-down, basic room amenities
- Good for RIGHT person/situation
- NOT for everyone
Comparable Description
Best Comparison: "Like a Residence Inn but more colorful, with a rooftop bar, designed for younger crowd, with an upgraded hostel feel"
Pro Tips Summary
- Skip hotel breakfast - go to nearby bakery (€9 vs €42)
- Use daily credit for lunch/dinner instead of breakfast
- Order the couscous with salmon (€12.50 - best menu item)
- Use laundromat one block away (€3-4 vs expensive hotel service)
- Visit Nobu rooftop next door for better views
- Don't expect Marriott status benefits to be fully honored
- Request instant coffee at check-in (not automatically provided)
- Access lounge 5-9 PM if Platinum+ status for free food
- Know Spain hours - breakfast spots open late (10-10:30 AM)
- Don't bank on room upgrades even with high status
Bottom Line
For Budget-Conscious Solo/Younger Travelers: Solid choice, good value, fun atmosphere
For Couples/Traditional Hotel Experience Seekers: Look elsewhere, many frustrations, not worth the compromises
Overall Rating Implied: Mixed - 3/5 stars (location and price save it from lower rating)