Discover the vibrant Moxy St. Pete: A downtown St. Petersburg hotel that’s more than just a stay. Opened in August 2024, this mid-century modern oasis on Central Ave survived hurricanes to become a community hub with innovative social spaces like a Podcast Room and a rooftop pool. Explore St. Pete’s art scene and nightlife, then unwind in Moxy St. Pete’s compact, comfortable rooms, complete with sustainable amenities and a commitment to local engagement.
The Moxy St. Petersburg Downtown, which opened its doors in August 2024, has quickly become a pivotal part of the St. Petersburg community. Nestled on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this hotel survived the onslaught of Hurricanes Helene and Milton and emerged as a beacon of recovery and growth. With its vibrant art scene, bustling nightlife, and innovative social spaces, Moxy St. Pete is not just a place to stay but a hub of creativity and collaboration, reflecting the city’s dedication to progress and community engagement.
A Mid-Century Modern Oasis in the Heart of St. Pete ###
Upon arriving at Moxy St. Pete, guests are greeted with a mid-century modern design that seamlessly blends island and city living. The hotel’s location on Central Ave, one of St. Pete’s most celebrated strips, places it at the epicenter of the city’s cultural heartbeat. The indoor-outdoor lobby experience, complete with an outside bar and Rose’s Coffee Bar, creates a welcoming atmosphere where guests can work, socialize, or simply enjoy the vibrant ambiance.
The hotel’s design extends beyond aesthetics, fostering a sense of community with its social spaces. A standout feature is the sound-proof Podcast Room, a free space for creators to hone their audio skills. Additionally, the hotel offers various seating options, from standalone chairs to loungers adorned with games and puzzles, catering to both work and play. This thoughtful design makes Moxy St. Pete an excellent addition to a neighborhood already teeming with artists, a thriving queer community, and exceptional dining options.
Compact Yet Comfortable: The Moxy St. Pete Rooms ###
Moxy St. Pete’s 163 rooms, ranging from single king rooms to double queen rooms and suites, offer a compact yet comfortable stay. My fourth-floor king-size room, measuring 194 square feet, was a testament to efficient space utilization. The bed took up most of the room, but clever design features like built-in pull-out drawers and open shelving allowed for ample storage and a sense of openness.
The room’s highlight was undoubtedly the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that opened to a balcony, flooding the space with natural light. This feature not only enhanced the room’s aesthetic appeal but also provided a perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee. The bathroom, while the room was quaint, boasted a spacious shower with green tile and dual showerheads, along with a jumbo-sized mirror with built-in LED lighting for those who appreciate a detailed skincare or makeup routine.
Sustainable and Convenient: Moxy St. Pete Amenities ###
Moxy St. Pete’s commitment to sustainability and convenience is evident in its amenities. Each floor is equipped with water dispensers, encouraging guests to refill personal water bottles or the provided canteen. The “extras” closet on each floor is a brilliant touch, allowing guests to access additional towels, toothbrushes, and other essentials using their room key without needing to contact housekeeping.
The hotel’s state-of-the-art gym, located on the second floor, caters to fitness enthusiasts with a variety of equipment, including dumbbells, kettlebells, treadmills, and Peloton bikes. The gym also features floor-to-ceiling mirrors for form checks and views of the hotel’s exterior. For those who prefer outdoor workouts, an outdoor space atop the gym is available, though guests must remember to keep the door open to avoid being locked out.
Rooftop Revelry: Moxy St. Pete’s Sixth-Floor Oasis ###
The sixth-floor rooftop is undoubtedly Moxy St. Pete’s crown jewel, offering a dreamy pool surrounded by massive daybeds and the Sip N’ Dip bar. This rooftop hub, the first of its kind on Central Ave, provides the perfect setting for lounging in the sun, enjoying a refreshing swim, and indulging in delicious food and drinks. My experience soaking up vitamin D on the rooftop while reading a book and listening to music was the ideal way to kick-start my stay.
After enjoying the rooftop, I ventured to Sparrow Rooftop, located opposite the pool area. This upscale dining and drinking venue boasts a sophisticated ambiance, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a night out. My meal at Sparrow, featuring a Dragon’s Egg cocktail, Caesar salad, pork bao buns, and lobster mac and cheese, was elevated by the bustling atmosphere and stunning views, both inside and out.
Culinary Delights: Dining at Moxy St. Pete ###
Moxy St. Pete’s dining options are as diverse as they are delicious. Rose’s Coffee Bar in the lobby is a cozy spot to start the day with a cup of coffee and a light bite, such as croissants or bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches. The bar’s convenient location made it easy to grab a coffee to enjoy on my room balcony or while exploring Central Ave.
Bar Moxy, the hotel’s massive indoor-outdoor bar, offers a more casual dining experience. My first night in St. Pete began with an espresso martini at Bar Moxy, followed by a BLT sandwich and a Philly cheesesteak egg roll appetizer on my final night. The bar’s specialty Super Bowl menu added a fun twist to the dining experience, though the massive egg rolls proved challenging to finish.
Exploring St. Pete: Attractions Near Moxy St. Pete ###
The hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore St. Pete’s many attractions on foot. A stroll down Central Ave revealed a treasure trove of shops, from SaltLight Art to ArtPool, a massive vintage and handmade shop. The Morean Arts Center and the Chihuly Collection, both within walking distance, offer free entry and a chance to immerse oneself in the world of art.
For dining, Brick & Mortar, a 15-minute walk from the hotel, stands out as a must-visit. Chef Jason Ruhe’s New American restaurant offers a sexy and intimate setting for any occasion, from date nights to solo dining. My meal there, featuring roasted octopus, Champagne fish, and a spicy Thai seafood curry, was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Other dining options, such as Doc Ford’s on the Pier and Red Mesa, provide a variety of cuisines and stunning views of the city and Tampa Bay.
The Vibrant Second Saturday ArtWalk ###
My final night in St. Pete coincided with the city’s Second Saturday ArtWalk, hosted by the Arts Alliance. The perfect weather and lively nightlife scene set the stage for an unforgettable experience as I visited galleries like Craftsman House, The Werk Gallery, and Florida CraftArt. The ArtWalk offered a rare opportunity to explore venues not typically open to the public, enhanced by wine, live music, and DIY art stations.
The ArtWalk was the perfect ending to a stellar trip and a memorable stay at Moxy St. Pete. The hotel’s integration into the community, its thoughtful design, and its commitment to providing a vibrant and innovative space for guests and locals alike make it a standout destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The Resilience of No. 2 Duke: Overcoming Adversity ###
In a different realm of excitement, the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils showcased their resilience in a recent game against Florida State. Despite a first-half injury scare to star freshman Cooper Flagg, Duke managed to secure a convincing 100-65 victory. Flagg, who played just over seven minutes in the first half due to an apparent cut on his face, returned to the court in the second half and contributed 16 points to the team’s effort.
Isaiah Evans led the scoring with 19 points, while Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach each added 14 points. The team’s depth and ability to adapt to adversity were evident as they maintained a strong lead throughout the game. Duke’s performance, particularly in the face of Flagg’s injury, highlighted their status as a formidable force in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Impact of Cooper Flagg’s Injury on Duke’s Performance ###
Cooper Flagg’s injury in the first half against Florida State was a significant concern for Duke fans. The freshman forward, who has been a key contributor to the team’s success, was struck on the face while driving down the lane. He left the court for evaluation by the training staff, missing the last 11:27 of the first half. Despite this setback, Flagg returned to the court in the second half, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Flagg’s absence in the first half did not derail Duke’s momentum. The team led 47-30 at halftime, with Evans, Knueppel, and reserve Mason Gillis each scoring nine points. Duke’s ability to maintain their lead without one of their star players speaks to their depth and the coaching staff’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Flagg’s return in the second half, culminating in a crucial block that led to a three-point play by Knueppel, was a testament to his importance to the team.
Duke’s Dominance and the ACC Standings ###
Duke’s victory over Florida State solidified their position at the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference standings. With a record of 26-3 and 17-1 in the ACC, the Blue Devils hold a one-game lead over Clemson and Louisville. The team’s performance against Florida State, despite the injury to Flagg, demonstrated their ability to maintain dominance even in the face of adversity.
The game was also notable for being the final visit to Cameron Indoor Stadium for retiring Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton. Hamilton was honored in a brief pregame ceremony, marking the end of an era for the Seminoles. Duke’s focus on the game and their ability to secure a convincing victory showcased their professionalism and commitment to success.
Implications and Conclusion: Moxy St. Pete and Duke Basketball ###
The Moxy St. Petersburg Downtown and the Duke Blue Devils, though seemingly unrelated, both embody resilience and innovation in their respective fields. Moxy St. Pete’s ability to recover from natural disasters and become a vibrant hub for the community mirrors Duke’s ability to overcome the injury of a key player and maintain their dominance on the court.
Both the hotel and the basketball team have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and adaptability. Moxy St. Pete’s thoughtful design, sustainable amenities, and integration into the local art and dining scene make it a standout destination for travelers. Similarly, Duke’s depth and ability to adapt to adversity have solidified their position as a top contender in college basketball.
As Moxy St. Pete continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a beacon of creativity and community in St. Petersburg. Likewise, Duke’s resilience and dominance in the ACC will continue to captivate fans and inspire young athletes. Together, these stories highlight the power of resilience and innovation in creating memorable experiences and achieving success.
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