Andy Mossack stays at Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge and discovers a playful boutique approach to an urban lifestyle stay.
Calum was looking pretty smug as he welcomed me into Lochrin , Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge’s new rooftop bar. And smugness was completely in order as far as I was concerned, seeing that Lochrin had just been awarded ‘ Best Hotel Bar of the Year 2024′ in DRAM Magazine’s Scottish Hotel and Pub Awards. A very impressive achievement considering it had only been open a couple of months and was up against some serious heavy hitters.
Make no mistake, this is a big deal in a city literally teeming with stellar hotel brands. Yet, following my previous Moxy experience in Dusseldorf , I’m not that surprised because staying with Moxy is quite an alternative experience from what you might be expecting from a city center hotel.
All of them have a playful hipster vibe, but each also represents its own city’s roots in some way. Cue Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge’s previous incarnation as a brewery. There are plenty of decal clues dotted around, from copper piping and stills to signage and walls of living hops. Plus, all the usual Moxy signature bits and bobs of course: Giant lounge teddies, 24-hour grab and go snacks and drinks, a gym, free luggage lockers for early arrivals and late departures, foosball table, deep comfy diapers, free fast WIFI and for dog lovers, the Sir Woofchester dog station, ensures your pooch is perfectly happy with its own menu if it fancies a tasty nibble.
There’s also my personal favorite up in the guestrooms; a movement-activated night light under the bed. Absolute genius.
And talking of the rooms, here it gets a little bit controversial. The bed is delightful. Queen size double with luxurious linen for a great night’s sleep. And rejoice! Plenty of power outlets (supporting numerous country variations) so often overlooked by other hotels, a workspace desk, a comfy lounge chair and a personalized welcome message scribbled on the mirror. You’ll also find some spring water a few free snacks, a huge flat screen TV and tea and coffee facilities.
But here’s the controversy, no wardrobes just hang rails. Apparently, it’s a thing these days. No need to unpack into dusty old drawers and dark wardrobes, just hang on rails and leave the smalls in your case. Agreeable I would say for a short stay. Discuss.
Moxy’s lobby bar area is the beating heart of the hotel and doubles as the check-in reception. The multitasking front of house crew seemed to be everywhere – pulling pints, wiping tables and refreshing the breakfast buffet (which was an impressive spread and worth the £15 charge if it’s not already included in your booking). One thing’s for sure though, down here there is no shortage of company or people watching opportunities.
This is a true hub of activity from morning till night; the library area is a quiet hang out for anyone keen on catching up with work or simply taking advantage of the free WIFI on tap. While down in the main lobby the vast wooden table and comfy layers create a communal feel with plenty of natter space over coffee and lite bites or some serious beverages come nightfall.
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge is a little west of the Old Town center (Fountainbridge was a former industrial neighbourhood, now redeveloped into a lively entertainment hub) but it’s well within walking distance of all Edinburgh’s famous sights but away from the hubbub and general hoo-ha.
If you fancy diving into the Old Town hook line and sinker, you could try to solve the mystery of the Midnight Body Snatcher Walking Trail . The hotel has partnered with Mystery Guides to offer an intriguing walking tour of Edinburgh’s famous sights through the lens of a clue-based trail. I did just that over an afternoon, hunting for hidden messages and symbols around the city to solve a fictional crime. You get a colorful book with all the information you’ll need and a curated packed lunch in a cooler bag from the hotel to keep up your energy levels. Which, take it from me, you’ll need with all those Old Town steps to negotiate! Fantastic value at just £20.
Which brings us back to Calum up at Lochrin, still feeling smug in his new award-winning rooftop bar. Inside it’s akin to a cozy front parlor speakeasy with table lamps, velvet drapes and floral wallpaper but the outside terrace area needs no such window dressing, it is simply the stage for a bird’s eye view over Edinburgh bookended by two famous landmarks. On the left side the spiers of St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral while to the right the magnificent ancient castle atop Castle Rock.
Back inside Calum is busy making me one of his own signature cocktails: Castle in a Rock (£12), a potent but delicious ruby red concoction of whisky, Aperol, Martini Bianco and peach schnapps, all nestling languidly in a very fancy coupe glass . Lochrin also stocks an impressive range of award-winning craft beers and there’s a tasty food menu of small plates and appetizers to soak up all that potential imbibing.
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge is an excellent example of a contemporary boutique brand which pretty much ticks all the boxes for a city stay if you enjoy plenty of light-hearted playfulness mixed with serious comfort where needed.
And if you bump into Calum still looking smug, they’ve probably won another award.
Teddy, Dog Station and Packed lunch images (C) Andy Mossack. All others (C) Moxy Hotel.
Tell me more about Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge , 2 Freer Gait, Edinburgh EH3 9FR
Rooms from £99. Book a room here for the special Explore.Play.Discover package £20pp for two people.
Getting to Edinburgh on the Caledonian Sleeper
If you’re traveling from London, why not travel in style on the overnight Caledonian Sleeper in a Club En-Suite Room. Twin bunk options with Glencraft mattresses. Private en-suite with shower. Breakfast included on the Caledonian Sleeper.
Combining travel to and from the heart of London with comfortable overnight accommodation, prices for Seats start from £50, Classic Rooms from £190 for Solo or £240 for Shared, Club Rooms from £250 for Solo and £320 for Shared and Caledonian Doubles from £360 for Solo and £425 for Shared. Accessible Rooms are priced separately.
