Moxy celebrates one year in Bangkok and continues to delight guests with its playful and colourful character. Travel writer Roderick Eime embeds himself for the full experience.
The Marriott people really broke out of the stodgy “cookie-cutter” hotel business with the introduction of the Moxy lifestyle brand, and the new, one-year-old Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong fits like the proverbial glove into this lively, youthful persona comprising 100-something sister properties around the world.
My introduction to this offbeat brand was the first Australian property located at the Sydney Airport. It struck me straight away with its brash, industrial-chic decor, which included various nods to retro eras like vinyl records and classic vintage arcade games.
Moxy is unashamedly pitched at the young and young-at-heart. Punchy beats echo around the welcome area, along with Liberace-meets-Banksy-meets-Warhol decorations and wall art. Naturally enough, these intentionally gaudy spaces lend themselves to social media sharing, a smart marketing strategy given the target customer base.
While similar in style and feel, the Bangkok property is the first Moxy hotel in the Asia-Pacific region and located in the vibrant and rapidly developing Pathum Wan district, near the Chit Lom BTS, takes the Moxy concept to the next level.
With more than 500 rooms on 20 levels, the rooms are almost identical to what I recall from the Sydney Airport hotel. Sixty per cent of the rooms are standard Queen rooms, with the remainder in twin and deluxe configurations. If I had any criticism at all, it would be the “cabin” size (18sqm) of the entry-level rooms, although the available space is cleverly adapted so that one doesn’t feel cloistered. Features like the “walldrobe” and folding furniture maximise the scant floor space, and the massive floor-to-ceiling windows offer a dizzying cityscape panorama.
The largest rooms are the Deluxe 36sqm ones, of which there are 18. Another 18 corner rooms offer 26sqm of floorspace.
As a finicky sleeper whose aging bones are easily upset with many mattress types, even the expensive ones, I can soundly (pun intended) say the Simmons brand mattresses preferred by many top hotel chains, including Marriott, mean I don’t have to crane myself out of bed in the morning.
Comparisons with my local experience diverge completely when it comes to dining and event spaces. While Moxy Bangkok still retains an “industrial” feel with its long-bench cafeteria format, it blends perfectly with the arena-sized space on Level 9 where the reception, bar and various play spaces are located.
An expansive, themed outdoor terrace area is ideal for large or small events, and guests can choose to dine there while overlooking Bangkok’s glitzy ‘Blade Runner’ cityscape.
The ‘grab’n’go’ convenience booth is still tucked into the wall opposite the bar for those on the move, but a fulsome sit-down experience is preferred, especially since the kitchen proudly spruiks its many delicious offerings.
Chef P and his deputy Chef Mind, proudly recommend some of the tasty creations offered in the Moxy Bar & Restaurant while I ponder the many choices. It seems the Massaman beef curry is their dinner favourite, while pork (or chicken) in black sauce soup is suggested as a bold breakfast boost – and I find both hard to dispute.
The cocktail menu reads like a Hollywood film festival and exemplifies the breakout bravado of the bar team. As they say in their own words, “our new cocktail lineup is a love letter to iconic scenes and legendary characters.” They go on to tease us with such creations as The Infinity Kiss, The Ice Berg, Hunter’s Last Shot, Galactic Stardust and Felix Felicis. I’ll leave you to make the various cinematic connections.
Promotions of various kinds are always on offer at the Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, both with Food & Beverage and Rooms. For example, the ‘STAY FOR BREAKFAST’ promotion runs all year and entitles guests to a complimentary breakfast with their stay. I can personally attest to this feast, which will easily sustain you through your busy Bangkok day. For more information visit the website.