BACKGROUND
Marriott International launched its economy Moxy brand last September with this hotel next to Malpensa airport.
Tina Edmundson, the group’s global officer for luxury and lifestyle brands, says Moxy is “fun, edgy and social” and intended to “resonate with the young and young at heart”.
Hotels are also expected to arrive in Munich at the end of this year, followed by London (three sites including Heathrow), Berlin, Frankfurt and Oslo in 2016, along with eight in the US (three in New York, plus locations in San Francisco, Seattle, New Orleans and Chicago).
The brand has been developed in conjunction with Vastint Hospitality, part of Swedish furniture giant Inter Ikea Group.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Before you ask, you won’t find any flat-pack Billy bookcases.
The open-plan public areas feature rather more expensive-looking Scandi fixtures and fittings, Tom Dixon pendant lights, Vitra tables and colourful Fat Boy cube stools. There are felt couches slung with throws, stacks of art books, candles, curios, a fireplace and raspberry rugs.
Plenty of thought has gone into making the ground level a welcoming communal space, with areas for working, eating and relaxing. Instead of a traditional reception, there is a small desk next to a bar and self-service canteen. (You can also check in with the Moxy app.) Dozens of illuminated motorcycle helmets line one wall, while a screen displays guests’ hash-tagged Instagram photos (#atthemoxy).
Corridors are painted Moxy’s signature blackcurrant and you can expect to come across giant glossy photos of sexy couples.
WHERE IS IT?
Straight across the road from Terminal 2. A free shuttle bus goes from outside T2 to the train station at Terminal 1.
ROOM FACILITIES
Standard rooms are compact, at 19 sqm, but not claustrophobic. Premium accessible rooms are 38 sqm.
The simple interiors are livened up with feature walls depicting attractive people jumping on beds.
Facilities include free wifi, a 42-inch TV with Dolby surround-sound and Apple/Android connectivity, comfy beds with motion sensor lights underneath (but fairly thin duvets), black-out blinds, well-placed EU sockets, an armchair (no desk), coat hangers (wardrobes only in Premium rooms), and a small bathroom with a power shower.
Windows open, and I didn’t notice any aircraft noise. There are no phones or ironing boards, but every floor has a pressing room (look out for the door with the half-naked tattooed man on it).
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The 24-hour canteen offers freshly made soups and chilli, microwave meals, antipasti platters and salads. Food is made by airline caterer Supplair but dishes are far superior to what you’d get on board.
There is a good selection of fresh juices, barista-served coffee, pre-mixed cocktails, beer, wine and prosecco on tap.
Breakfast (e10) is available 6.30am-10.30am. While there is no room service, you can take your items upstairs.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
This Moxy doesn’t have any dedicated event space but future hotels will have a couple of small rooms.
There are, however, public areas such as the Library to hold informal meetings, where you can take advantage of the free wifi, wireless printing and power points in the tables.
LEISURE FACILITIES
None – some Moxys will have a gym.
VERDICT
Given that I fall under the Moxy’s target demographic (generation Y), it’s no surprise that I enjoyed my experience.
While some people will be turned off by the idea of Instagram media walls and cheeky imagery, airport hotels have long been dreary places and it’s time someone stirred things up.
But don’t worry, it’s not too edgy – it is Marriott, after all. What’s more, it provides everything you need for a short stay, with friendly staff and a pleasant communal space to eat and catch up on work.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? 162 – 152 Standard and ten Premium (accessible).
- HIGHLIGHTS Inviting public areas, free wifi and high-tech bedrooms with a sense of humour. The self-service food is also good.
- PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April started from e89 for a Standard room.
- CONTACT Moxy Milan Malpensa Airport, Terminal 2; tel +39 294 757 100; moxy-hotels.marriott.com
