Stay & Play
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda Hotel, Fukushima, Osaka, Japan
Article and photography by Steve Gillick
The word “moxie” became popular in the 1930s and was applied to people who were spirited, gutsy, and had nerve. So I can say that it’s more than fitting for Marriott to have named a Select Brand of hotels “Moxy”, especially after I had the pleasure of staying at one. Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda is described on their website as “hip, playful and fun” and, well, you know, it was!
The staff were proficient in English and extended that warm greeting that is missing in so many hotels these days. The lobby features a well-stocked 24-hour bar and complimentary coffee and tea service for staying guests. In addition, there are both communal and private tables for enjoying meals. On our first stay, the thick, fresh salmon sandwich that the hotel prepared for our early morning departure breakfast was great, and on our second stay, the in-house buffet breakfast with eggs, sausages, crispy fried potatoes, yogurt, fruit, croissants, toast, and even a rack of freshly made donuts was substantial and tasty.
The vibe at the Moxy is transmitted by the giant color-changing Octopus suspended from the lobby ceiling and continues in the lounge, where conversations or computer chats take place in comfortable chairs next to a giant Rubik’s Cube. Regular hotel events include a Saturday night DJ, Salsa nights, and Karaoke.
But as Nobuko Kotani, the Moxy’s affable Sales Specialist, explained, the hotel decorations also pay homage to Fukushima, one of Osaka City’s 24 wards in which the hotel is located. Artworks depict the rivers of Osaka, rice fields, small factories, robotics, car part manufacturers, and local companies such as Panasonic and Daihatsu.
The ‘Champagne-bubble’ elevator took us to the hotel gym with the sign beseeching clients to “Hustle for that Muscle”, and the fun signage continued in our room. There was an encouraging note on the very small refrigeration unit, “Too small? Drop by the bar. We have a BIG fridge. We’re waiting for you”.
In fact, the room amenities were full of that Moxy vibe. For example, in both the 25 and 20-square-meter rooms, the fold-away luggage stand and the table and chairs are conveniently hanging on hooks on the wall next to the large-screen television. And the retro grey telephone, with a bright orange dial and phone cord next to the complimentary water bottles, was another playful touch.
The room colors were soothing, the beds were comfortable, and the bathrooms provided ample space.
The 288-room hotel is less than a ten-minute walk from the Fukushima train station, which is one stop from the main Osaka train station. But the convenient location also allowed us easy access to Dotonbori, the principal tourist hub in Osaka, with its huge colorful restaurant signs and crowds lining up for crab, takoyaki, kushikatsu, sushi, soba, and more.
The Moxy has a very positive, unique ‘difference’ about it. I was very impressed, and I plan to return!
