Moxy Columbia, SC: A Stylish, Unconventional Stay with Character (and a Few Quirks)
I JUST returned home from a one-night stay at the Moxy. The purpose was for an interview down Main St (2-minute drive), and I didn't want to leave the Mount Pleasant, SC area way early for the 2-hour drive (I do like to drive), where my anxiety would be heightened in the event of traffic, car problems, zombies, etc. I'm a lifetime Silver Elite, working my way toward Gold, used the Bonvoy app, didn't read any reviews, and knew nothing about the Moxy brand.
And not knowing showed when I first arrived. The check-in was at the bar. There is a bright white sign that says "Check-in," and I thought, "That is different, neat, and funny!" I looked past the bar to my left and saw that there wasn't a traditional check-in desk. I asked the woman behind the bar, "Is this where I check in?" and she assured me that it was. Very unique, different, and unexpected. The staff is doing at least double duty. The process was friendly and efficient, giving me a rundown of how the property works, which is not traditional at all. There is a welcome "token" for a free drink. I don't drink; I was offered a bottle of soda. There is a "stash" closet on a few floors that has extra towels, some toiletries, and pillows.
I used the valet parking. While I was working at the bar and kinda watching the 2026 College Final game, I overheard a guest saying the valet fee gave her "sticker shock." The gentleman who was taking care of her didn't know the expression. I thought about it for a bit, and at $30/night, it is a bit steep. It is downtown Columbia, not Atlanta, Miami, or Dallas (where I have recently used a valet service). Yes, it's less expensive than New York, Los Angeles, Boston, or Chicago, but it is still downtown Columbia.
After checking in and grabbing my soda, I headed to the elevator. I passed what looked like lockers? I'm not sure what they were; I didn't ask. There was an elevator there labeled "Rooftop" or something similar. I headed to the elevators (two of them) that said "Guest Rooms." After going to the stash closet on the second floor, I saw the rooftop elevator nearby. I equate this to an old, poorly designed building whose bones couldn't be modified much.
I did notice the Loco Taco "food truck" near the elevators. I'll come back to that in a bit.
I called, and the elevator came quickly. The door opened and... IT IS SMALL!!!! I mean SMALL!!! I don't think it could accommodate more than 2 people, max 3, with carry-on-size bags. This foreshadowed what would be in room 204.
I get off on the second floor and head to the room. I asked for a shower roll-in accessible room. I'm an above-the-knee amputee, and the pull-down shower chair is easier to navigate, typically, versus a shower stool in a tub. The room was maybe 6 feet from the elevator. I didn't hear it at all during the night, and I didn't have a quick nap after getting into the room.
I'm in the room. Now it isn't the smallest room I've ever stayed in (that goes to Margaritaville in Manhattan, NYC), but it is small. It is also laid out uniquely. There is an exposed metal beam, very high ceiling, exposed metal electric conduit, a sink outside of the toilet and shower near the entrance, for clothing and hangers on the wall (not inside a closet), a luggage valet, a canvas bag for something (didn't ask), a modern thermostat, a good amount of windows with different wall treatments.
A few things fall apart for me here (I still gave the property 5 stars; it's me nitpicking). There isn't enough lighting at night. There was one light hanging from the ceiling to the left (if looking at the bed) that wasn't plugged in. There was an outlet near the ceiling that could be plugged into; I wasn't sure whether it was for aesthetics or unplugged for a reason. There were several light switches in the room and the bathroom that didn't work. I tried them a few times, and in different combinations, and nothing happened.
I hung out at the bar for about 3 hours. I put my backpack down and went over to Loco Taco. It has the exterior of a VW Bus and, toward the back, a kitchen to prepare food. I got the Loco Taco Salad with chicken. It was a lot and yummy. The lady working the truck saw I was on a cane, I asked if she could bring the salad to me at the bar, and she did. It took around 5 minutes for the food to arrive. Awesome!
I showered in the morning before the interview. There is room for improvement here as well. The shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel are way too far from the shower seat. Yes, I have tiny T. rex arms, but they are still too far. Yes, they are ADA-compliant; it isn't ADA-thoughtful. These items were probably placed on the wall where every other one is placed, making it easy and fast to mount. Oh, another quirky thing about the room, specifically the bathroom, is that there is a drain in the center of the toilet in case shower water escapes from the stall. Most of it stayed in.
O.K. I'm dressed, and I request my $30/night valet'd car from a link sent to the phone via text. I hit the request button and head down the short elevator ride one flight. There is free coffee available, so I make a cup. I head out and wait about 5 minutes for the car to arrive. I can tip on the page, which is excellent. I hardly carry any cash. The valet dude, nice guy, asks if I'm checking out. I do have a late checkout (wanting to get out of interview clothing after the meeting) and told him I'd be back. I asked if it was o.k. to leave my valet card. He said yes. After the interview, I head back to the Moxy. I see the same dude. It is around 10:30 am. I tell him I'll be about 30 minutes. I grab my things, check out, and hand a card to the manager letting them know the Guest Room Attendant kept the room phenomenal before my stay and should be acknowledged for it. The car hasn't moved, and I'm off.
A few minor things to work on, Moxy.
I didn't go to the rooftop bar (it was an unseasonably cold night), and be warned, THE MOXY TAKES NO CASH AT THE BAR.
'Till next time!
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