Moxy Minneapolis Downtown Hotel Review
As a self-proclaimed expert weekend tripper, I believe your hotel can make or break a quick getaway. When you’re working with limited PTO, you do not have the time (or budget) to waste on a disappointing hotel.
So I’m always on the lookout to try new spots, vet new brands, and report back to you with the honest truth. Real talk from someone who has stayed in enough hotels to know what’s worth your hard-earned vacation days and what isn’t.
Recently, I spent a couple of nights at the Moxy Downtown Minneapolis for a little work staycation before heading up North for the rest of my summer break. And I have to say, it was exactly what I needed. So today I’m giving you the full rundown: what to expect, what I loved, what to know going in, and whether or not it belongs on your weekend travel radar.
Spoiler: it does.
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. I also received a discounted stay at this hotel in exchange for my true and honest thoughts. All opinions are my own.
Table of Contents
What Is the Moxy Hotel?
Before we get into the Minneapolis-specific details, let’s quickly talk about the brand itself, because Moxy isn’t your average hotel chain.
Moxy is a Marriott brand, which means you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points (always a win). But what sets Moxy apart from, say, a standard Marriott or Courtyard is the vibe.
Moxy hotels are designed to be fun, social, and modern. Think bold design, a buzzy bar scene, and a younger, more playful energy than your typical business hotel.
There are Moxy locations all over the world, from New York to Tokyo, and while each property has its own personality, they all commit to that same fun, modern aesthetic (The Moxy in Nashville is definitely next on my list).
Moxy Downtown Minneapolis: Location, Location, Location
Let’s start with the thing that arguably matters most for a weekend trip: where it’s actually located.
The Moxy Downtown Minneapolis is situated right in the heart of downtown (about 10 miles from the airport), and when I say right in the heart, I mean it. This hotel puts you within walking distance of some of the city’s biggest attractions, including US Bank Stadium, which is huge if you’re in town for a Vikings game (buuuuut Go Pack Go), a concert, or any major event hosted there. Target Field is also just over a mile away if you are more of a baseball fan.
Beyond the stadium, you’re a short walk from tons of downtown dining, bars, and entertainment. For a weekend trip where you want to maximize your time and minimize the “how long is the drive” questions, this location genuinely delivers.
For my work staycation, the central location also meant I had options when I needed a coffee shop, a lunch spot, or an excuse to step away from my laptop for a bit. 10/10 on location.
Things to do near Moxy Minneapolis Downtown:
Here are 10 things to do within 10 miles of the Moxy (perfect for some quick weekend getaway planning).
- U.S. Bank Stadium — Literally across the street. Vikings games, concerts, major events.
- Stone Arch Bridge — 5-minute walk. Former 1883 railroad bridge turned pedestrian/bike path over the Mississippi.
- Mill City Museum — Walking distance. Built into the ruins of a historic flour mill; great local history and cool architecture.
- Gold Medal Park — Right next door. A green space with a spiral hill and great downtown skyline views.
- Target Field — ~1 mile. Catch a Minnesota Twins game; one of the best ballparks in the MLB.
- Target Center — ~1.5 miles. Home of the Timberwolves (NBA) and Lynx (WNBA).
- Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) — ~2 miles. 90,000+ works, free general admission.
- Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden — ~3 miles. Home of the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. Free, open year-round.
- Minnehaha Regional Park — ~5 miles. A 53-foot waterfall tucked inside a 193-acre park with trails and limestone bluffs.
- Bde Maka Ska (Chain of Lakes) — ~4 miles. Minneapolis’s largest lake with 3+ miles of shoreline trails, beaches, and water sports.
Restaurants within Walking Distance from Moxy Minneapolis Downtown
- Giulia — ~4 blocks. Northern Italian, James Beard semifinalist chef, beautiful interior.
- Day Block Brewing Company — ~5 min walk. Local craft brewery with specialty pizzas and live music. A perfect casual option.
- La Madre: ~2 blocks Mexican Street Food
- Kindee Thai Restaurant: ~1 blcok
- Farmers Kitchen: Minnesota-inspired cocktails, delicious breakfast, and a farm-to-table all-day menu
- Off the Rails: Bar food, popular spot before games.
- Chloe — ~2 blocks. Casual French food right near the stadium, great wine list.
- The Bulldog — ~30 min walk. Classic Minneapolis pub with burgers and a big beer list.
- Bar La Grassa — ~30 min walk, North Loop. James Beard Award-winning elevated Italian pasta.
- Smack Shack — ~30 min walk, North Loop. Casual coastal seafood; known for the lobster roll.
- Spoon and Stable — ~18 min walk, North Loop. Chef Gavin Kaysen’s flagship. The splurge-worthy dinner pick.
- Ono Hawaiian Plates — ~25 min walk, North Loop. Casual Hawaiian plate lunches with a full bar and Tiki cocktails.
The Room: Junior Suite with City Views
I stayed in a Junior Suite with a King bed, sofa bed, and city view, and honestly, I was impressed.
The room was spacious (king-sized bed, desk, separate area with a couch and chair, and a large bathroom), the bed was comfortable, everything was clean, and the city views were great. There was also a mini fridge, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, plenty of coat hooks, a foldable table, and double window shades (for a darker nighttime).
The fun Moxy aesthetic comes through in the room design too, it’s modern and sleek without feeling cold with plenty of fun decorations (I especially enjoyed their MN-inspired framed pictures with a twist).
The sofa bed is a nice bonus if you’re traveling with a friend or need a little extra space to spread out. I did not test it out (I’m pretty picky about my sleep situations), so I cannot attest to whether it is actually comfy or not, but I’m sure it would do the trick.
The Bar Scene & Perks
Okay, this is where Moxy really stands out from other midrange downtown hotels.
Upon check-in, you get a free drink coupon for the bar, and honestly, what a way to kick off a stay. It’s a small thing, but it sets the tone immediately: this hotel wants you to have a good time.
Although I didn’t spend much time in the bar this trip, it always looked pretty lively. Moxy is known for hosting fun events throughout the week, so depending on when you’re visiting, there may be something going on that makes the bar more than just a place to grab a nightcap. When I was visiting, they hosted an LGBTQ craft night!
It’s the kind of social, lively atmosphere that makes you want to hang out in the lobby (a sentence I never thought I’d say about a hotel lobby, but here we are).
If you’re doing a girls’ trip or a bachelorette weekend and want a hotel where the social scene is built right in, this is your place. You could start and end your night without ever leaving the building if you wanted to (but you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the location).
Pricing: What to Expect
Moxy Downtown Minneapolis typically falls into the midrange price range, generally running somewhere in the $200–$300 per night range depending on the time of year, room type, and availability. It will, of course, be more expensive when there are games or events at the stadium.
For a downtown Minneapolis hotel with this location, this vibe, and rooms as nice as the Junior Suite I stayed in, I think that’s genuinely solid value (you are always going to pay a bit more to stay downtown anywhere). You’re not going to a budget hostel, but you’re also not dropping $500 a night at a luxury property.
If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, definitely check for points and rewards before booking, as it can make the value even better.
What to Know Before You Go (The Honest Part)
Okay, no hotel review is complete without the real talk section, so here it is.
1.No breakfast. This is probably the biggest thing to know going in. Moxy doesn’t offer a traditional breakfast, and the on-site food options are limited (they had Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches to warm up, hard-boiled eggs in a pack, and some cereals to buy). If you’re someone who needs a full morning spread before you can function as a human being (no judgment because I’m totally that person), you’ll want to plan for that.
The good news is that you’re in downtown Minneapolis with no shortage of coffee shops and breakfast spots within walking distance; it just requires a little more planning than rolling out of bed to a hotel buffet.
2. It’s downtown, so it’s a little noisy. This one isn’t really a knock against Moxy specifically; it’s just the reality of staying in a city center. If you’re a light sleeper or very sensitive to street noise, it’s worth keeping in mind. Personally, I didn’t find it to be a dealbreaker at all (I did have to turn on some white noise on my phone on night 1), but it’s worth mentioning so you’re not surprised.
Neither of these things impacted my overall experience in a meaningful way, they’re just practical things I’d want you to know before you book so there are zero surprises.
Who Is the Moxy Downtown Minneapolis Best For?
Based on my stay, here’s who I think would love this hotel:
- Concert & event goers. If you’re heading to US Bank Stadium or another downtown venue, the walkability alone makes this hotel a top-tier choice. No parking stress, no surge pricing on rideshares after the show — just walk back to your very fun hotel and have a drink.
- Couples on a weekend getaway. The vibe, the room quality, the city views, the bar scene — it all adds up to a genuinely romantic and fun couple’s weekend. The Junior Suite configuration is especially nice for two people who want a little extra room to breathe.
- Girls trips and friend group weekends. The social atmosphere of the bar, the downtown location, the free drink on arrival — Moxy is made for a group that wants to have a good time. It’s a hotel you’ll actually hang out in, not just sleep in.
- Solo travelers and work staycations. This is exactly what I used it for, and it was perfect. The room has enough space to actually work, the location gives you easy access to coffee and lunch spots, and the bar is a nice way to decompress at the end of a long day — even if you’re flying solo.
Need some ideas for a Minneapolis Weekend Trip? Check out my full itinerary here!
Final Verdict: Should You Stay at Moxy Minneapolis?
Yes! If you’re planning a weekend trip to Minneapolis and you want a hotel that checks all the boxes (great location, comfortable rooms, a fun atmosphere, and solid value for the midrange price point), the Moxy Downtown Minneapolis deserves to be at the top of your list.
I’ll be adding Moxy to my list of go-to weekend trip recommendations, and if you end up staying there, I want to hear all about it. Drop a comment below or come find me on Instagram. I love hearing about your trips *almost* as much as I love taking my own.
Have you stayed at a Moxy hotel before? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!
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