Moxy Antwerp: playful, fun and stylish

Playful, fun and stylish. That is the motto of Moxy, the new hotel on Jan Van Gentstraat 16 in Antwerp, next to the courthouse on Bolivarplaats. A remarkable architectural courthouse and an unconventional hotel. They fit together. An interview with 'Captain' Debbie De Clerck.

"This Moxy outlet is Cayman Hospitality's first Mariott hotel. Our slogan 'Fun, Playful & Stylish' is aimed at anyone who is young at heart, who puts things in perspective, and who thinks openly and inclusively. This translates into our approach. Lobby, bar: everything is open. You check in at the bar, where you can already order a cock- or mocktail right away, good for socialising."

Fun fact, you are in the exact location where the famous dance temple Zillion used to be located. Will we find anything of that in the hotel?

"Yes, there will soon be a few small nods, such as a record player in the lobby, a poster on the toilet, but in our general styling, we are rather implementing the port and fashion theme. Think of stickers of The Six of Antwerp on the shutters, around the lift shaft a container look will be provided that refers to the port and there will be loose shipping lights hanging."

The bedrooms are 'small but smart', not really spacious, but very functional.

"We have 137 rooms, for one or two people, including five for the disabled and 15 rooms that have an extra sofa bed for families. Simple: the design is modular, with open storage, a folding worktop or a comfy lounge chair. Smart, that means a 55-inch LED TV, Chromecast, super-fast wifi, several USB connections and a platform bed with slatted base, equipped with a motion sensor under the bed for lighting. Handy if you need to go to the toilet at night. The bathroom with toilet is provided in one compartment, a glass wall separates the rain shower from the bathroom unit. Prices are variable according to supply and demand. We run promotions online and there is also a package deal for pets."

The room arrangement is a deliberate choice, the intention being that everyone uses the lobby as much as possible. Which functions for several functions at once.

"True, it is a coworking and networking space, but just as much for relaxing and socialising. The bar is the focal point and ensures full-service. Everyone, both guests, and locals, are welcome here. It is the ideal spot between appointments. The staff are multifunctionally trained and employable. We call them Crewmembers and I am therefore their Captain. There is a separate breakfast team, though. Those who want a quick meeting have free access to the glass box. For short talks, there is a small meeting room for four people and we have a meeting room for eight."

At Moxy we find no restaurant, a deliberate choice?

"Within walking distance, South has many restaurants and brasseries. It is a new district with vibrant cafés, top museums and a shopping offer, where everyone is bound to find something to his or her liking. We do have in-house 24/7 snacking provided and a retail shop, with some soups, flatbread, a wrap. These can be reheated in a microwave oven, which is always available."

Who is your target audience ?

"Moxy appeals to anyone who doesn't take themselves too seriously, lives fully in the moment and wants to experience that life to the full. Besides this adventurous and spontaneous target group, we focus on city trippers, the business market and tourists. To organise an event, we look for collaborations with local event planners and conference organisations that match our energetic and informal atmosphere, such as Play-South and Mesa."