Canadian World Traveller Spring 2023 Issue

64
Photo: Marriott
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda Hotel, Fukushima, Osaka, Japan
Article and photography by Steve Gillick
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 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,
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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”.
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!
https://www.marriott.com