Moxy hotels, an urban concept by Marriot, recently opened one of its newest properties, in Brooklyn, New York.
Adding to its existing stable of five locations across Manhattan, Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg is situated across the East River at 253 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, in the buzzy district of Williamsburg.
Reminding me of Hoxton in London, Williamsburg is New York’s creative art district, with a long and fascinating history. Regarded as the Big Apple's hottest up-and-coming neighbourhood, it faces the Lower East Side, making it ideally placed for those looking to see Manhattan from a new perspective.
The welcome
After a seemingly endless taxi ride from the Upper East Side of Manhattan it was good to finally get out of the car. Because it was my first visit to Brooklyn, I was a little unsure of what to expect – I am old enough to remember the days when the borough had a less than glamorous reputation. Evidently, those days are long gone, and the converted warehouse feel of The Moxy is upmarket and intriguing. Despite being very busy when I visited – just a week after the hotel had launched – I was greeted by name by the front desk team, who were welcoming and charmingly informal.
The neighbourhood
Having once lived in Hoxton, London, during its up-and-coming days, I really enjoyed the buzzy atmosphere of Williamsburg, where high rubs shoulders with low, creating a raw, exciting energy. Williamsburg is the hottest district of New York right now, and is filled with Manhattanites who cross the East River to make the most of its shops, markets and restaurants. There are brow bars, nail salons, bike shops and music stores, and Williamsburg Cinema is just around the corner from the hotel. If you fancy a dip, the nearby indoor Metropolitan Swimming Pool is ideal.
It is also bursting with vintage shops, with the likes of Rabbit’s Vintage Fashion, Brooklyn Vintiques and The Attic, all a short walk from the hotel, while farther afield is the oddly named 10ft Single by Stella Dallas, and Stella Dallas Living, two back-to-back treasure troves of 1930s dresses, 1990s consignment fashion, old Mexican blankets, vintage fabrics and hand-sewn quilts. Anyone who is into vintage clothes or fabric will be in heaven, and I bagged a length of 1950s patterned fabric, perfect for re-covering a chair, for just $30.
Williamsburg also runs up to the East River, where the once-abandoned Domino Sugar Refinery is gearing up to reopen as a revamped office and retail space. Heading in the opposite direction will take you deep into Williamsburg's Caribbean history, including Graham Avenue – a place still marked on some maps as Puerto Rico Street.
The room
I was given a King Executive room, with a view over Brooklyn and some rather natty warehouse apartments next door.
The room was compact, but functional thanks to some clever design work. A huge window provided plenty of light, while the room is filled with space-saving ideas such as fold-flat wall pegs instead of a wardrobe, under-bed storage and a flip-down desk that ensure the room feels cute, not cramped. Decked out in light birch wood and steel, the vibe is modern and streamlined, while the retro dial telephone adds a quirky touch. Wi-Fi is free and fast, and the flat-screen TV is set up for Netflix, YouTube and HBO. The bed was exceedingly comfortable, with crisp white Egyptian cotton sheets.
The service
Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg is clearly aiming at a laid back, personable style of service, so if you prefer something more formal, then perhaps this is not the place for you. If, like me, you prefer the casual ease of being called by your first name, and the open-ended approach of asking for something rather than it being automatically laid on, then you will enjoy this easy-going mentality.
The scene
Designed by New York architect firm Stonehill Taylor, the Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg is a 216-room, 11-storey building that still feels like a boutique hotel. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and the lobby has a lofty 6m height, and is filled with artwork. The space is dominated by a piece by Rare Culture, that rises up from behind the check-in desk and rolls on to the ceiling. Made from thousands of carefully-arranged coloured crayons, it depicts the underside of the nearby Williamsburg Bridge at sunset. On a side wall there is an artwork of a half melted ice cream, called The Drip, while another wall is decorated with skateboard decks, painted by local artists. Outside, a mural by British street artist D*Face reads, “Get me to the Moxy”.
The food
There are three in-house dining options at the Moxy. In the lobby is Bar Bedford, an all day cafe and cocktail bar, that serves free coffee every morning, including an excellent soya latte. At the time of my visit, Bar Bedford was offering a very simple breakfast of bagels and jam, but this was just for the soft-opening stage (the property launched in March). There is also Mesiba, serving Levantine food, while rooftop bar and lounge Lilistar is a year-round space with breathtaking views across Brooklyn and the lower Manhattan skyline.
Highs and lows
The location is excellent with the buzz of Williamsburg on your doorstep. Being able to stroll across Williamsburg Bridge to the Lower East Side of Manhattan is fabulous, with pedestrian access to the bridge just a few steps from the hotel. I took about 45 minutes to amble across, with numerous photo stops.
Overall, I am huge fan of warehouse interiors and the mix of utilitarian with comfort that features at the Moxy, but this can have some drawbacks. In the name of compact design, the hand sink in my room was actually that – inside the room. Although it looked great, in stainless steel and dark green subway tiles, it splashed water everywhere, so I quickly gave up and used the fully enclosed shower each time I needed to wash my hands.
The verdict
This is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for something a bit out of the ordinary. Youthful and funky, but very welcoming, it definitely allows a total newcomer to immerse themselves in the buzzy energy of Williamsburg. Well served with three subway lines (J, Z and M), two ferry terminals (at North and South Williamsburg) that connect to Manhattan, taxis aplenty and even an option to cross to the Lower East Side on foot, it opens up a whole new approach to the city that many visitors would not otherwise sample.
The bottom line
Rooms at the Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg start at $325 per night, including a daily destination fee which is redeemable as a $25 daily credit against food/beverage, laundry and fitness classes; www.marriot.com
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects hotel standards during this time. Services may change in the future.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Scores
New Zealand 266 for 9 in 50 overs
Pakistan 219 all out in 47.2 overs
New Zealand win by 47 runs
The%20specs
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The%20Iron%20Claw
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20WonderTree%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20April%202016%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Muhammad%20Waqas%20and%20Muhammad%20Usman%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Karachi%2C%20Pakistan%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%2C%20and%20Delaware%2C%20US%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Special%20education%2C%20education%20technology%2C%20assistive%20technology%2C%20augmented%20reality%3Cbr%3EN%3Cstrong%3Eumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGrowth%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Grants%20from%20the%20Lego%20Foundation%2C%20UAE's%20Anjal%20Z%2C%20Unicef%2C%20Pakistan's%20Ignite%20National%20Technology%20Fund%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Matrix Resurrections
Director: Lana Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick
Rating:****
HIV on the rise in the region
A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.
New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.
Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.
Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.
Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Empty Words
By Mario Levrero
(Coffee House Press)
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2 (Benzema 13', Kroos 28')
Barcelona 1 (Mingueza 60')
Red card: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
