Moxy London Excel: Your Epic UK Stay Awaits!
Moxy London Excel: My Epic UK Stay? Hold My Beer (and Let's Talk Wi-Fi!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Moxy London Excel, and let me tell ya, it's a… well, it's something. Let's be honest, travel reviews are usually either glowing praise or utter disasters. This one? It's a bit of both. Think of it as a mildly adventurous rollercoaster ride of expectations, Wi-Fi woes, and surprisingly decent coffee.
First things first: Location, Location, Location! (Sort Of…)
The Moxy sits right next to the ExCeL London exhibition center. Perfect if you're there for a convention, expo, or… well, anything happening at the ExCeL. Otherwise, you’re a bit removed from the heart of London. Getting into central London takes a bit of planning (DLR, tube, etc.), so factor that journey time into your plans. My advice? Download Citymapper. You will need it.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like a Mystery Box of Chocolate
Okay, let's get serious about accessibility. They do mention "Facilities for disabled guests," and yes, there's an elevator. That's a good start! I'm going to lean heavily on what I observed as I am not disabled. However, I did see a wheelchair user maneuver around the common areas relatively smoothly. The hallways felt wide enough, and the automatic doors are definitely a plus. HOWEVER! I didn't see specifics beyond that. The website could be a lot clearer.
Internet: The Great Wi-Fi War of 2024 (or, Why I Nearly Threw My Laptop Out the Window)
Okay, I'm going to be straight with you. The Wi-Fi? It’s a battle. A daily, soul-crushing struggle. They advertise "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" (and shout it from the rooftops), but in reality, it’s… well, it's fickle. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes, it died a slow, agonizing death, leaving me staring blankly at my laptop screen, cursing the gods of connectivity.
- (Internet [LAN] and Internet services): They do offer wired internet in some rooms. But are you seriously bringing a cable into the 21st century? I can't even.
- (Wi-Fi in public areas): Better, but still not perfect. Think of it as a slightly less agonizing version of the room Wi-Fi.
The Verdict on the Internet? Pack a strong data plan. Trust me.
Rooms: Style Over Substance (But Still Cool)
The Moxy has a distinct, modern vibe. Think minimalist chic meets… well, a slightly sterile IKEA showroom. But hey, it works! The rooms are small, yes, but surprisingly well-designed.
- (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service): They actually have most of the essentials. The mini-bar? Sparse but present. The blackout curtains? Essential for a good night's sleep after a hard day of… well, staring at the ExCeL.
- (Room Decorations): Minimalist, as I mentioned. Nothing particularly inspiring, but they do the job.
- (Additional toilet, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Carpeting, Closet, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, High floor, Interconnecting room(s) available, On-demand movies, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Window that opens): All those? Present and accounted for, as you would expect. The bed was comfortable. The shower pressure was decent. The tea was… tea. Job done.
The One Thing That Really, Truly Annoyed Me: The Lack of a Decent Chair! Seriously. You're expected to work on a laptop without a proper desk chair. This is a modern hotel in 2024! I ended up hunched over my laptop on the bed, developing backaches and neck kinks that even a deep tissue massage couldn't fix.
Food and Drink: Fueling the ExCeL Experience
This is where things get… interesting. Moxy's got a bar and restaurant situation, which is a solid win.
- (Dining):
- (Breakfast [buffet]): Solid, with a decent selection of the usual suspects - eggs, pastries, cereals, and the all-important coffee.
- (Bar): Lively, with a decent cocktail selection – essential after a day of navigating the ExCeL.
- (Restaurants, Snack bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant): Standard fare. Nothing mind-blowing, but perfectly acceptable.
- (Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant): They got the basics covered.
- (Alternative meal arrangement, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Bottle of water, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant): They have the international basics.
Things to Do (Besides Staring at the ExCeL):
Well, that's the thing, isn't it? The Moxy itself doesn't offer a ton of activities.
- (Fitness center, Gym/fitness): They’ve got a gym, which I poked my head into. Looked… adequate. (I’m a spa kind of guy, myself.)
- (Pool with view, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]): Nope. Nothing like that.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling… Clean?
- (Cleanliness and safety): They seemed to be on top of it. Hygiene certifications, anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas – all the buzzwords of the post-pandemic world.
- (Staff trained in safety protocol): They seemed competent.
- (Hand sanitizer): Plenty of it.
- (Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup): Reassuring.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
- (Services and conveniences): They provide basic services.
- (Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Luggage storage): Present.
- (Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Safety deposit boxes): Standard options.
- (Meeting/banquet facilities): They offer event spaces.
- (Pets allowed unavailable): Don't bring your furry friend.
The "Quirks":
- The Vibe: This place markets itself as fun and trendy. The staff are friendly, and the common areas are brightly colored. But… it's a little… forced?
- The "Room Decor": The slogans… the random quotes… it's all a bit much. Like they're trying too hard to be cool.
- The "Free" Breakfast: It’s included in the price, which is a plus. But don't expect a gourmet experience.
My "Epic" Experience: A Stream of Consciousness
Okay, so you want the real story? The Wi-Fi was abysmal. Seriously! I had to tether to my phone constantly, which annihilated my data plan. I spent half my time staring at loading screens and the other half trying to find a decent chair.
The food? Okay. Not terrible, not amazing. Standard hotel fare. The gym… well, I didn't go. The ExCeL? Let’s just say my feet got a workout.
But here's the thing - I laughed. I grumbled. I eventually got my work done. I slept. I survived. And, against all odds, I actually had a decent time. Despite the flaws, the Moxy has a certain… charm. It's not perfect, but it's… fine. I liked the fact that it was cheap, basic and easy to get to from the airport.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
If you're going to the ExCeL, it's a convenient choice. If you just want a base while you explore London, consider other options.
Here's the deal:
- Pros: Convenient location (for ExCeL), modern design, generally clean, friendly staff, decent price.
- Cons: Crappy Wi-Fi, lacking desk chairs, a bit "soulless," a bit far from central London. Potential for a very, very frustrating experience.
Book if:
- You must be near the ExCeL.
- Your budget is tight.
- You're okay with occasional tech meltdowns.
- You’re looking for a no-frills stay.
Don't book if:
- You rely on consistent, reliable Wi-Fi.
- You
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into a London adventure that's less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "chaotic good." This is my Moxy London Excel itinerary, and trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. Think of it as my travel therapy session… with a spreadsheet.
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at London City Airport (LCY). Okay, first impressions: tiny. Like, REALLY tiny. I'm used to JFK, where you could practically host a small musical. This is the airport equivalent of a charming, slightly neurotic chihuahua. My luggage, however, decided to channel its inner Hulk and took ages to appear. Seriously, I thought it had run away to join the circus.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to Moxy London Excel. The cab driver, bless his heart, was a chatterbox. "Lovely weather, innit?" he chirped, even though it was drizzling. "Right, Moxy Excel, you're in for a treat! That place is… well, it's a place." That's reassuring, I thought.
- 11:45 AM: Check-in at Moxy. The lobby is like a rave threw up a hotel. Neon lights, loud music, and a general vibe of "anything goes." I kind of love it. The check-in process, though, took a bit. Apparently, my ID’s picture didn’t quite match my current sleep-deprived face. “You look… a lot happier in this photo, love” the receptionist chuckled. Honestly? Fair.
- 12:30 PM: Room Exploration & Mild Meltdown. My room's small but functional. It’s clean-ish, kinda cozy, and has the essentials. My travel pillow? Present and accounted for. Okay, good. Panic subsiding. Until… I tried to operate the TV. Seriously, are they designed by aliens? After 20 minutes of futility, I gave up and just blasted my Spotify playlist. Victory! Kind of.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Burger at the hotel. Okay, standard hotel burger. Edible. Nothing to write home about, except to say, "It filled a hole."
- 2:00 PM: Wanderlust's Revenge: Docklands Discovery Museum. I ventured out into the drizzle. This museum? Surprisingly amazing. The history of the docks? Fascinating! I spent way too long staring at old maps and imagining pirates… and maybe falling in love with a particularly dusty exhibit about maritime trade. Don't judge me.
- 5:00 PM: Coffee & Attempted Selfie. The cafe had strong coffee (thank GOD, because the jet lag was hitting hard). I attempted a selfie. Failed miserably. Looked like a zombie who'd lost a fight with a pillow. Deleted.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: Street food at the nearby market. The market! Oh, the glorious market! I could have spent hours there. I devoured some incredible Ethiopian food. Seriously, my taste buds did a happy dance. Afterwards I felt a bit stuffed and a bit broke. Worth it.
- 8:00 PM: Drinks at the Moxy Bar. Back to the hotel for some badly-mixed cocktails but good company. I met a group of incredibly cheesy but lovely people.
- 10.00 PM: Fall asleep in the middle of watching telly. And in the hotel's bed.
Day 2: East London Echoes & Unexpected Detours
- 9:00 AM: Woke with a groan. The bed was okay, but my back ached. My attempt at morning yoga consisted of a series of groans and a general feeling of being an ancient, creaky puppet.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast: Continental breakfast, still feeling exhausted
- 10:30 AM: Headed towards Spitalfields - a cute area with lots of character and history.
- 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Walk the streets - I saw a lot of colorful walls, independent shops, street food vendors, and markets. I was excited to take pictures, some of the shots didn't turn out well because the camera was acting up.
- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch break - I went to a restaurant and had a sandwich.
- 1:30 PM: Headed to the Brick Lane: This place is famous for its street art, so I went to see them. The art was amazing. I was completely blown away.
- 3:30 PM: Walked in the streets - I continued walking and admiring all the places.
- 5:00 PM: Shopping: I decided to shop in a store, I found a nice T-shirt.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner: I had dinner in a restaurant located in Brick Lane, the food was delicious.
- 8:30 PM: Back to the hotel- tired but happy. Tomorrow more!
Day 3: Going Home
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. That morning I ate a lot and decided to go out for a walk.
- 11:00 AM: Walked through the beautiful neighborhood: I walked next to the Thames. The River was lovely, the weather was amazing.
- 1:00 PM: Time to take the flight and go home, I was sad, but happy at the same time - the city has magic.
- 2:00 PM: The End
There you have it. My brutally honest, slightly messy, and utterly human London adventure. Hopefully, it made you smile. And maybe, just maybe, inspired you to embrace the chaos a little. Safe travels, friends!
Escape to Paradise: Unveiling France's Hidden Green Beach Gem!
Moxy London Excel: Your Epic UK Stay Awaits... Maybe? Let's See!
What is Moxy London Excel REALLY like? Is it all Instagrammable angles and no substance?
Okay, buckle up, because this is where it gets REAL. Moxy Excel? It's a *vibe*. Think loud music, a lobby that's more a party than a waiting area, and decor that screams "Millennial on a budget with a Pinterest board." It's definitely got the Instagrammable angles – seriously, the lighting is *chefs kiss* for those selfies. But substance? Well, that depends. My first impression? "Whoa, this is…a lot." There was some sort of rave going on when I first walked in. Not literally, but the energy was *intense*. Like, I felt too old to be there, even though I'm probably in the target demographic (supposedly!). And the room? Tiny. Like, seriously tiny. I could practically touch both walls with my arms outstretched. My suitcase barely fit. But hey, the bed was comfy! And the plug sockets were plentiful, which is a huge win in my books.
Is the location convenient, or am I doomed to a life of public transport hell?
Okay, location-wise, it's a bit of a mixed bag, I'm not gonna lie. It's, well... in the Excel. And 'in the Excel' means right near the Excel Exhibition Centre. That's great if you’re going to a trade show or something, clearly. But if you're aiming for central London attractions? Yeah, you're looking at a bit of a commute. The DLR (Docklands Light Railway) is your friend. It's RIGHT there, practically next door. But, and this is a big BUT, the DLR can get *packed*. Picture yourself sardine-packed. Or, you know, like that scene from "The Tube" (if you've seen it, lucky you). It can be a bit of a trek. Expect to factor in at least 30-45 minutes to get into the city center. And the weekends? Forget it. Absolutely mental. I once got stuck on the DLR when it died, with a bloke next to me talking loudly about his Bitcoin investments. Traumatic. So, convenient-ish. Depends on your definition of 'convenient'. If you like a bit of an adventure (and don't mind the occasional delayed train), then you're good.
The 'bar' – is it actually good for anything beyond grabbing a mediocre pre-packaged sandwich?
The bar. Ah, the bar. It's the heart of the Moxy, isn’t it? The "hangout spot" they keep advertising. I went with high hopes! I was told it was a place to chill, meet people, etc. I thought, "Great! I'll strike up a conversation with a friendly stranger, share some travel tales..." Yeah, that didn't exactly pan out. First off: it was *rammed*. Every surface covered in people. Finding a seat was like winning the lottery. The cocktails were... well, let's just say they were *generous* with the ice and a little less so with the ingredients. My mojito was basically mint-flavored water. The sandwich? Yeah, the sandwich was as described, a "pre-packaged mediocre sandwich." I did, however, see some people ordering pizza, which looked… passable. Honestly, the music was so loud, even the bar staff seemed stressed. It's less "hangout" and more "hurried-drink-before-you-collapse-in-bed." Okay, maybe I’m being harsh. It's *fine*. Certainly not a destination bar. But at least they have things open late – and free popcorn. I do love popcorn.
Breakfast! Is it a continental catastrophe, or worth waking up for?
Breakfast. The most important meal of the day, especially after a night of "exploring" their bar. So, is Moxy Excel's breakfast any good? Prepare yourself for a lukewarm opinion that, like the breakfast buffet itself, is best taken in moderation. It's a continental set up. Think: pastries, cereals, yogurt, fruit, cold meats, and that all-important coffee machine. I'm not going to lie, the pastries weren't *terrible*. They weren't exactly fresh-out-of-the-oven, but they were... edible. The coffee? Well, at least it *exists*. It gives you enough caffeine to function. The fruit looked a bit sad, though, a bit like me with a hangover. I'd say it's good enough if you need a quick, cheap bite before heading out. Don't expect gourmet, but also, don't expect to starve! For the price you pay, it covers the essentials. Just don't expect any culinary fireworks. Or real coffee.
Are the staff friendly and helpful, or are they just going through the motions?
Okay, this is where Moxy Excel gets a big thumbs-up from me. The staff genuinely seem to *care*. They're not just robots going through the motions. I had an issue with my room key once (classic) and the person at the front desk was so nice and efficient. He even cracked a joke about how it always happens. Small things like that make a huge difference. They’re young, energetic, and clearly trained in how to deal with a revolving door of weary travelers. They’re patient with those of us fumbling with technology, and actually, they seem genuinely interested in making your stay as good as possible. It wasn’t just politeness, I got the feeling they enjoyed their jobs. Huge bonus points for that. That’s pretty rare these days, and really elevates the whole experience.
Room size: Am I going to feel like a canned sardine?
Let's talk rooms. You've heard me mention the tiny rooms already, right? Well, it bears repeating. They're…cozy. Okay, let's be honest, they’re small. Think efficient, not spacious. And that's putting it mildly. Now, I'm a minimalist. Honestly. I travel light. I can fit everything I own into a backpack and still feel like I’m carrying too much. So, when I say the room was small, you KNOW it’s small. There wasn't a lot of space to *do* anything in the room that wasn’t lying on the bed or staring at the wall. There was barely enough room to walk around the bed to get to the bathroom! I'm talking the shower was almost IN the toilet. It was a very... intimate experience. But, and this is a crucial 'but': they're well-designed. Everything you *need* is there: a good bed, a decent shower, and fast WiFi (thank god). The space is used cleverly. The storage is there, albeit tucked away in ingenious ways. So, while small, it's not claustrophobic. Unless you're claustrophobic. Then, maybe reconsider. Or, you know, take a chill pill.
Roaming Hotels
