The 128-room Moxy, a hip boutique hotel that will have a decided millennial vibe, is due to open next month in downtown San Diego’s East Village.

Located just outside the Gaslamp Quarter on the east side of Sixth Avenue between E and F streets, the eight-story hotel represents the first California property to carry Marriott International’s now 2-year-old Moxy brand. “Now and Wow” is how the lodging behemoth characterizes its latest millennial-focused concept.

How millennial-focused is it? Unlike most hotels, you won’t be checking in at the front desk. You’ll head straight to the bar for a libation and entry to your room.

“The entire lobby is oriented all around social space, it’s very fun and you literally check in at the bar. so that’s one way how (the hotel operation) can be lean,” said Rick Mansur, founder of Azul Hospitality Group, which will be managing the hotel. “It’s almost like a European proprietor model, you come in, get a drink and check in.


“It’s the first brand catering to the 20-and 30-year-olds and those who are 20 and 30 at heart.”

In preparation for the expected opening in early November, the hotel will be holding a job fair on Saturday, Oct. 13 at noon at The Nolan (453 Sixth Ave.). The hotel is looking to hire about 50 people, from room attendants and engineers to food and beverage personnel.

Developed by San Diego-based J Street Hospitality, the eight-story Moxy occupies a site that was once a surface parking lot. Meant to feel contemporary in design, the hotel will feature an open lobby with multiple communal spaces for lounging, plus large “writing walls” and 56-inch televisions.

Rendering of Moxy lobby (Courtesy of Moxy hotel)


A whimsical, custom-made LED lighting fixture will span the lobby ceiling.

The lobby will also include a video wall, and grab-and-go food and beverage options will be available throughout the day. The limited service hotel, though, will not have a traditional, three-meal-a-day restaurant.

According to a report prepared for the project when it was going through the approval process, the development is supposed to provide 38 parking spaces in the building basement accessed by a car elevator.

It’s unknown how much J Street Hospitality is spending on the downtown project. The developer did not respond to phone inquiries on Friday.


Mansur would not say specifically what room rates would be but said the nightly rates will be typical of what one would expect at a “mid-level” priced hotel. Marriott says Moxy hotels will have an “affordable price point.”


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