There's always going to be a place for grand hotels with a story to tell, their walls holding on to generations of secrets and promising a traditional experience where the emphasis is on fine dining and formal service.
But there’s a new breed of hotel that does things differently, that takes a rebellious approach – a disruptor that likes to shake things up.
Moxy is one of them and its hotel at Fountainbridge in Edinburgh taps into the trend perfectly. It has a playful feel and it’s lively, its main bar/dining/lobby/reception area very much a hub of activity where people meet, work and socialise.
While there are smaller tables in quieter spots, the long tables dominate. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea but almost as soon as I sat down, I was chatting to tourists asking for recommendations for things to do and see in the capital.
Meanwhile, my room was bright, uncluttered and functional – perfect for an overnight stay. I’d describe it as modern and a little quirky, and there was a lovely welcome message on the mirror which was a really nice touch.
Fountainbridge its is pretty vibrant these days and the hotel sits on the site of a former brewery – there are nods to that industrial past in the hotel. For me, though, its jewel in the crown is its rooftop bar and on a warm, sunny night it was indeed a treat to sit out there with a beer looking over the west of the city. Look in the other direction and you see Edinburgh Castle.
I also had a chat with renowned chef Tony Singh whose new range of beers developed with Aberdeen-based Fierce Brewing is available in the hotel bars. Tony actually used to work in the old Fountainbridge brewery so it’s nice twist that weaves into the Moxy story. He also served up tasty, spicy delights from his Radge Chaat dining concept that is now open in the much-lauded Bonnie & Wild Scottish Marketplace at St James Quarter.
Moxy Fountainbridge opened last year and is clearly carving its niche as a go-to spot for business travellers – it’s tech enabled with everything you need to buckle down for a few hours to work – tourists and those looking for an overnight bolthole that’s not going to break the bank.
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge, 2 Freer Gait, Edinburgh, EH3 9FR. Tel: 0131 378 2013
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