Marriott + Ikea = Moxy

Moxy Hotels is a new hotel brand that is coming to a city near you soon.

(Well, it is if you live in Milan!  There is a medium term plan to open 150 hotels across 10 European countries, though, including the UK.)

Who is Moxy?

Moxy’s ownership and operation is a great example of the complex mix of relationships that underpin the hotel industry these days.

It is a three-handed business:

Marriott owns the brand name and will provide development experience, as well as selling the rooms via marriott.com and its other platforms.

Inter Hospitality, a subsidiary of Inter Ikea (yes, that Ikea), will develop the hotels and own or lease the physical buildings they occupy.

Nordic Hospitality, a Scandinavian hotel operator, will undertake the day-to-day management of the hotels.

What is Moxy?

That is slightly trickier to understand.  Try:

“Designed to capture the rapidly emerging millennial traveller”

“combines contemporary stylish design, approachable service and, most importantly, an affordable price”

Will feature free wifi, “upscale bath amenities, large flatscreen televisions and built-in USB ports located within each wall socket”, plus a floor-to-ceiling art wall in each bedroom

“Moxy Hotels is the essence of the next generation traveller, not only Gen X and Y but people with a younger sensibility, for whom contemporary style is paramount.”

“Every aspect of the hotel was thoughtfully researched and crafted to reflect and deliver on the changing lifestyles and expectations of this fast-growing customer segment. We believe Marriott will lead the way in redefining the traditional economy hotel experience throughout Europe.”

It is perhaps better summed up by this picture:

It is unclear where Moxy will sit on the pricing scale.  Nothing they are suggesting above is necessarily expensive – especially as it seems only a continental breakfast will be offered.

It is possibly an attempt to clone ‘Hampton by Hilton’, which is providing an attractive product (free wi-fi, free breakfast) in attractive surroundings.  You certainly may see tired Holiday Inn – and even Marriott – properties being squeezed by such an offering.

The first Moxy opens in Milan in 2014, so let’s see how they go.

PS. If you are not a regular Head for Points visitor, why not sign up for our FREE weekly or daily newsletters? They are full of the latest Avios, airline, hotel and credit card points news and will help you travel better. To join our 70,000 free subscribers, click the button below or visit this page of the site to find out more. Thank you.

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (July 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 15th July 2025, the sign-up bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is TRIPLED to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. This would convert into 25,000 Avios or into 40 other airline schemes. It would also get you at least £300 of Marriott hotel stays based on our 0.5p per point low-end valuation. Other T&C apply and remain unchanged. Click here for our full card review and click here to apply.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

60,000 points (to 15th July) and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed The Platinum Card from American Express in detail here and you can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express

50,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• The American Express Business Gold Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Business Platinum Card (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.