Item: Moxy Belgrade
Rating: 7
Author: Jean-François Léveillé

During a short layover of less than 24 hours in Belgrade, I was looking for a comfortable and well-located base that would allow me to get a glimpse of the city. I chose Moxy Belgrade, a modern and dynamic brand from the Marriott Bonvoy group, which seemed to offer the right balance of comfort, style, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Moxy hotels are renowned for their young, trendy, and relaxed approach. Targeting a clientele seeking a vibrant stay that combines comfort and style, Moxy stands out with its energetic atmosphere and modern design. It’s not just a place to sleep but rather a spot to gather, work, or even simply relax, all in a friendly atmosphere. Each establishment offers open spaces that are often lively and infused with a strong dose of personality.

So it was with keen interest that I chose this brand for my short layover, expecting a practical and fun experience. Here’s what I thought!

Booking

Belgrade is home to three Marriott Bonvoy hotels in its city center, and for my short stay I opted for the Moxy Belgrade. Having booked in summer, I was pleasantly surprised by the competitiveness of the rates, especially for the hotel’s central location, which allows easy access to the city’s main attractions.

The standard room was offered at an average rate of around 116 euros per night, a rather attractive price for a well-located hotel. If you prefer to use Marriott Bonvoy points, the standard room could be booked for around 14,000 points per night.

Arrival

Location

The Moxy Belgrade enjoys a strategic location in the heart of the city center, just steps away from Knez Mihailova Street, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, ideal for shopping and cultural exploration.

The hotel is also close to the Kalemegdan Fortress, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the Danube. If you enjoy exploring local life, the Skadarlija district, with its traditional restaurants and bohemian atmosphere, is just a few minutes’ walk away. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is about 20-25 minutes away by car or 30-40 minutes by public transport.

Registration and Common Areas

Check-in was smooth, quick, and efficient. Despite my Titanium status with Marriott, I didn’t get an upgrade, probably due to limited availability. However, this didn’t matter much because, at Moxy hotels, almost all the rooms are identical, so there’s not really a difference in comfort compared to more luxurious hotels that offer spacious and customized suites.

From the moment you arrive, you immediately feel the unique atmosphere of a Moxy. The reception is colourful, lively, and dynamic. The exterior of Moxy Belgrade, although charming, shows some signs of wear, but inside, the energy is palpable.

The communal space truly represents the brand’s signature, with large windows letting in natural light and an eye-catching design. There’s a foosball table for those looking to have fun, comfortable sofas, and large tables with multiple power outlets for those who want to work or relax. The sound ambiance in the common areas, with dynamic and upbeat music, further adds to the energetic vibe of the place.

A fun little touch: A giant plush toy, ready to offer a hug, sits somewhere in the space, adding a quirky and playful element to the atmosphere. The hotel is filled with plants that add a hint of greenery and freshness.

The large common areas feel almost like a modern, slightly quirky version of home, with scattered books, cushions of all shapes, mismatched yet comfortable chairs, and a warm atmosphere. You feel good here, like you’re at home, but in a more fun and dynamic environment.

Room

The standard « Drama Queen » room is relatively compact at 18 square meters, but it optimizes the space in a functional way and remains comfortable for a short stay. Like most Moxy hotels, the furnishings are minimalist, and there is no dresser to store belongings. Clothes are simply hung in an open area, a choice that favors practicality.

We had a queen-size bed, and once again, those funky pillows add a touch of personality to the room. In terms of decor, the minimalist and modern style perfectly matches the hotel’s lively atmosphere.

A large Smart TV completes the setup, offering plenty of options to unwind after a busy day.

The bathroom is elegant, featuring white tiles and a rain shower. The white stone countertop adds a touch of sophistication.

The backlighting, subtle yet stylish, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in the room. Everything is very clean and well-maintained, providing a sense of comfort and freshness.

Review : Moxy Belgrade | Marriott Bonvoy - Moxy Belgrade-13

Restaurant

Gastro Bar Park

The Gastro Bar Park, although primarily designed to offer an all-day dining experience, was the perfect spot for us to have breakfast. The buffet is simple yet well-stocked, making it ideal for starting the day off right.

There’s a nice selection of hot dishes, including scrambled eggs, puff pastries, chicken and pork, as well as cold options like cereals, pastries, cold meats, cheeses, vegetables and yogurt. There’s also a coffee and juice station, a nice little extra for those in need of a morning boost.

The atmosphere is reminiscent of a cafeteria, where everyone serves themselves at their own pace with a tray to put together their plate. It’s simple and unpretentious, yet completely satisfying. A convenient spot, perfect for starting the day on a positive note.

Review : Moxy Belgrade | Marriott Bonvoy - Moxy Belgrade 27

Other Services

Gym

The hotel also has a fitness room, well-equipped with modern machines and accessible to guests 24 hours a day, for those who want to stay active during their stay. Unfortunately, I didn’t try it out, but it could be a good asset for travellers motivated to keep up their training.

Around the Hotel

When we arrived in the late afternoon, we decided to take advantage of the daylight to explore the surrounding area. We went for a 10 km jog, which allowed us to discover a beautiful part of Belgrade. We passed through several iconic neighbourhoods, including the Kalemegdan fortress, offering stunning views of the city and river, as well as the Zapadni area and the Vračar plateau, renowned for their architecture and lively atmosphere.

We also strolled through the picturesque streets of Stari Grad (the old town center). Skirting the parks, we visited Karađorđević Park, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings.

In the evening, we chose a magnificent restaurant with a spectacular view of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. The weather was ideal, and the sunset made the experience even more memorable.

All in all, although our stay was short, it was rich in discoveries and enjoyable moments.

Overall Impression

For a short stay in Belgrade, the Moxy Belgrade proved to be a wise choice. The hotel perfectly embodies what it promises: a practical yet lively experience, without unnecessary frills. The location is ideal for exploring the city on foot, and the room, though small, is functional and comfortable, with a touch of youthful, modern style that adds to its charm.

The hotel’s warm, dynamic atmosphere contrasts pleasantly with the simplicity of the rooms. The vibrant, welcoming communal space invites you to relax or be productive, and you quickly feel at home, but in a refreshingly original setting. I didn’t miss the absence of ostentatious luxury; on the contrary, I appreciated this relaxed, unpretentious approach, perfectly suited to the nature of my stay.

While the breakfast was simple and unsurprising, it was nevertheless sufficient to get the day off to a good start. As for the fitness room option, although untested, it seems a good addition for those looking to stay active during their stay.

In short, the Moxy Belgrade is an excellent compromise for those who want to enjoy the city without breaking the bank, while benefiting from a modern setting and a friendly experience. If you’re looking for a hotel that combines comfort, central location and a dose of fun, this establishment will meet your expectations without excessive pretension.

Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to hold the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card). You can also earn American Express Membership Rewards points and transfer them to Marriott Bonvoy.

To learn all about earning and redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for free hotel stays, follow our guides:

Get free hotel nights with Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
Save Money on Hotels with Points
Map of Marriott Bonvoy hotels

Compare

Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card

American Express Marriott Bonvoy

Annual fee: $120
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $600
Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months: Up to 70,000 points

The Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points with the current offer:

Earn up to 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership.

The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 70,000 point welcome offer is worth about $630, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Legal

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Annual fee

Primary card$120

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,210

2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Go further with Marriott Bonvoy

To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.

So it was with keen interest that I chose this brand for my short layover, expecting a practical and fun experience. Here’s what I thought!

Booking