To the point
With hotels being very expensive in Amsterdam, I searched for a cheaper way to stay there, and it was the Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens that offered the best option. Here is my review of this hotel.
Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens - Booking
I chose the Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens for my stay in Amsterdam because I didn’t want to use up my points and was looking for a hotel with a reasonable price but was still close to the city center.
For three nights, the booking total was 657 euros (around $960), which I paid with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. I swear it was the least expensive hotel of any brand. – excluding hotels near Schiphol airport. And it’s obvious that it would have been more helpful to use my points: in May, it was possible to use between 28,000 and 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points is to hold one of these two credit cards:
Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens - At a glance
Here is some information about the hotel:
| Date of opening (or renovation) | Number of rooms | ||
| Restaurants | Yes | USB sockets in the room | Yes |
| Accepts animals | Yes (30 euros) | Smart TV | Yes |
| Mobile card | Yes | Shower/Bath | Shower only |
| Balcony | No | Accessible for people with reduced mobility | Yes |
| Parking |
30 euros/day + electric car terminal. |
Lounge | Yes |
| Gym | Yes | Breakfast included |
yes for platinum and + members |
| Pools and Spas | Yes, swimming pool | Room with kitchenette | No |
Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens - Location
The Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens is located in the Houthavens area, a port west of Amsterdam. It’s a neighborhood in full transformation. There are homes designed specifically for families, as well as student residences on the other side of the quay. The Moxy is also surrounded by buildings dedicated to small businesses. Despite this, it’s a real pleasure to walk around this area, where cycling is a way of life.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Moxy, you’ll find the 48 bus stop, which takes you to Central Amsterdam in less than 15 minutes, where you can use public transport to get around the city (metro, train, bus, etc.). The nice thing: you can pay directly with your credit card on the buses in Amsterdam.
Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens - Check-in
The first surprise for me: check-in is directly at the hotel bar. The second surprise is that Residence Inn Amsterdam Houthavens guests can also do it here. The two hotels share the same building.
The staff were very efficient and explained everything I needed about the services and their opening hours.
Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens - Lobby
The Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens lobby is open-plan. All around the bar, there’s plenty of space to relax, have a drink or even work on the two huge tables available to clients. The space is well appointed with chairs, armchairs and sofas. There’s a “nook” where friends can meet in (almost) total privacy.
But it’s also a place where “Play on #atthemoxy” comes into its own. Guests can enjoy a game of billiards, chess, board games and even table soccer.
A little further back, there’s an area with a computer and printer and a rest area with armchairs and chairs for those who like a little more peace.
They have provided secure lockers where customers can deposit their personal belongings.
The decor is very “funky” and motley, so it’s very “Instagrammable”, as mentioned by the staff.
Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens - Bedroom
I was given the Moxy Sleeper room with a partial view of the city.
Arranged in pale green and wood colours, it’s very minimalist: a Queen bed, a soft… armchair and its “pouf,” a TV, a shelf for the kettle (with its instant coffee and tea), two glass shelves serving as bedside tables, a suitcase rack, shoe storage, a hanger rack for hanging a few clothes and that’s it. No storage space.
A large, entire window gives the room plenty of light. On either side of the bed, in addition to electrical outlets, there are also USB sockets for charging your devices. The bedding is still very comfortable, and the air conditioning works very well and, above all, is very quiet.
The bathroom – in shades of beige – has just one shower, as well as liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, all by MUK. Strangely enough, no glass, no hairdryer.
Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens - Breakfast
Offered buffet-style, it features a variety of cheeses, cold meats, cereals, croissants and various pastries, eggs, sausages, bacon, etc. not to mention a variety of juices and coffees. It’s available Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 10:00 am and on weekends from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. It is served to guests in the lobby, just behind the bar.
If you fancy having your coffee in the sun, they’ve set up a few tables and chairs in the garden opposite the hotel.
Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens - Services
You can enjoy one of their excellent cocktails at the Moxy Bar, located in the lobby, which is open 24/7 (but only serves bottled beer after 11pm). The bar also offers a Grab & Go menu (pizza, panini, etc.). The food isn’t to die for, but it’ll tide you over when you’re feeling peckish at the end of the evening. But keep an eye on your plate, because the bar staff are nonchalant and sometimes forget (they forgot the fries on both my orders).
The Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens also has a restaurant with terrace. Lars Amsterdam offers French cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner.
The gym is located on the second floor and is open 24/7. It has everything you need for an effective workout.
The heated swimming pool opens at 7am and closes at 10pm.
The gym and pool are shared by guests of the Moxy and Residence Inn.
For people on the move who want to work in peace and quiet, there’s a workspace on the 9th floor. It’s not very big – space for two workers at the same time – but they’ve provided customers with a coffee machine, water and couches to rest on. This space is shared with Residence Inn residents.
They also have a cleaning service for your clothes.
Pets are accepted for a fee, and they also have indoor parking (for a fee).
Bike rental is available on the hotel premises.
Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens - Conclusion
For the first time in a Moxy, I was expecting an environment made up of young people only, both among the staff and the customers. Well, no, there’s a variety of ages, and that’s good, because it made me feel less out of place.
I’d recommend the Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens if you’re on a smaller budget – although it’s still pretty expensive for a Moxy – but this is Amsterdam, so it’s almost routine. Even if the hotel’s immediate surroundings aren’t breathtaking, it’s still very well located and easy to get to. The staff at reception are very attentive and the room is very clean. Given its location, it’s quiet in the evenings, so after a good day in the city center, you can relax without fear of hearing the Amsterdam parties in your courtyard.
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