Moxy Slough: London's Hidden Gem Hotel? (You Won't Believe This!)
Moxy Slough: London's Hidden Gem? (Or Just a Really Clever Discount?) - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to unleash a torrent of opinions, observations, and probably a few typos about my stay at the Moxy Slough. They're calling it London's "Hidden Gem"? Hmm, let's see about that. First impressions? It looks cool. Like, IKEA-chic meets a super-hip gas station. Modern, bright, and definitely Instagrammable. But does it feel cool? Let's get into the nitty-gritty…
Accessibility & Safety: The Basics (and a Little More)
Okay, let's start with the essentials. Accessibility: This is crucial, and thankfully, Moxy Slough mostly delivers. They've got an elevator, which is a massive win. Facilities for disabled guests are present, though I didn’t personally test them. I did notice a good amount of space in the common areas, which is always a plus for ease of movement.
Cleanliness and safety? Whoa, they went hard. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yup. Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha. I wasn't feeling too paranoid, but knowing they were on top of things gave me a big mental sigh of relief. They even had little bottles of hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE, which, let's be honest, is a blessing in disguise. They're also big on the whole contactless thing, which is a solid move. They have Contactless check-in/out. Staff trained in safety protocol sounded good, I'm trying to be more positive on this front, and I noticed a lot of signage. I’m not a doctor, so I can't say if it’s all 100% effective, but at least they seem to be trying their best with Physical distancing of at least 1 meter and Safe dining setup. I did notice a first aid kit and a doctor/nurse on call which is comforting.
Rooms: Comfort vs. Functionality (and the Occasional Sound of a Train)
The rooms at Moxy are… compact. Okay, let's be honest, they're cozy. But hey, they're also well-designed. Free Wi-Fi? Check. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Thank. The. Lord. They also had a safe box, which is a nice touch. I can safely say I had the complimentary tea, and free bottled water. No complaints about the daily housekeeping, either. My room had soundproofing, but hey, you are still near the train tracks.
Speaking of sound, and here's a caveat, depending on your room, you might hear the train. I'm a light sleeper, and it was definitely there sometimes. Soundproof rooms are available, but ask beforehand. On the plus side, the mattress was comfy, and a massive plus additional toilet in my room! Ah! Shower was good too. The thing I would change is the mirror was quite odd. I didn't use the bathtub, as it wasn't quite my style, I did use the slippers.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or Just Avoiding Hunger)
The Moxy Slough has a decent setup, restaurant, bar, and coffee shop. The breakfast [buffet] was worth it, if you like your usual breakfast options. I loved the Coffee/tea in restaurant. They had bottle of water which was good.
Services and Conveniences: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
The Daily housekeeping was great. Also, the concierge was helpful. Luggage storage was a lifesaver. Car park [free of charge]? Absolutely brilliant of course!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Beyond the Room
The Moxy Slough isn't really a spa destination, but they do have a Gym/fitness. I didn't test it out, because, well, me and gyms… We're not on speaking terms. The terrace looked cool. The pool with view is not an option at the Moxy.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibe? (Maybe)
I didn't have any kids with me, but the Moxy seems reasonably Family/child friendly. I didn't see any dedicated Kids facilities.
Getting Around: Transportation & Logistics
They've got good transport options. Airport transfer is available, and yes, they have a car park [free of charge]. Score!
Internet:
Pretty comprehensive coverage. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is amazing, and it worked well. They supply Internet access – wireless, which is great.
My Moxy Slough Experience: The Verdict (and a Bit of Raw Emotion)
Okay, look. Was Moxy Slough a perfect, flawless experience? Nope. But perfect is boring, right? It's clean, the staff are friendly, and the rooms, while small, are well-designed. The location is near, which can be good or bad. The value is decent, especially if you snag a good deal.
The BIG Question: Would I Go Again?
Honestly? Yes.
Booking Offer - The "Slough Secret Getaway"
Okay, here's the deal! Book your stay at Moxy Slough before [Date - like the end of the month] and get:
- 15% off your room rate.
- A free complimentary drink at the bar!
- A chance to win a free late check-out! This could let you sleep that little bit longer!
- Free parking.
Why this offer? Because you need to escape! Moxy Slough is the perfect starting point for adventure.
Bottom line? Moxy Slough is a solid choice. It’s not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a bit quirky, a bit edgy, and a whole lot of fun. See you there?
Escape to Paradise: Samui Zenity Hotel Awaits in Koh Samui, Thailand
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're heading to the Moxy Slough, London, United Kingdom. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the distinct possibility of me losing my train ticket. Let's dive… in.
Day 1: Arrival & Slightly Manic Expectations
- (12:00 PM) - ARRIVAL, Heathrow Airport. God, I HATE London airports. Seriously, it's like a concrete jungle designed to suck the joy out of everything. And the queues?! Don't even get me started. Hopefully, I find that pre-booked car/taxi and I DON'T get scammed big time.
- (13:30 PM) - Check-in at Moxy Slough. (Hopefully, it's not a nightmare.) Okay, praying for easy process because I'm starving. I want that lobby to be as cool and trendy as the website promised. If there's a problem, I don't want to sound entitled. This is my first time at Moxy and I feel I have to be extra nice so maybe they upgrade me… maybe. I heard good things and from the pictures it's a super chill vibe and I'm praying the bed is super comfy.
- (14:30 PM) - Room Reconnaissance & Panic Snack. I'm in. Okay, first impressions of the room. Cleanliness check. Is the AC working? (London summers are… well, let's just say they can be unpredictable.) Immediate bag drop. Immediate frantic rummaging for emergency snacks in the backpack. (Seriously, a person can die from low blood sugar in the face of a new city.)
- (15:30 PM) - Slough, The Hunt is On - Town Centre Exploration What's the vibe? Is it as drab as the internet suggests, or is there something, anything, interesting? I'm picturing myself as some kind of Indiana Jones, ready to discover buried treasure (or, you know, a decent coffee shop). I'm feeling somewhat positive, so I'm hoping to keep that mood. I'm going to visit the town centre, hit the shops, and hope to find something other than the usual chains. What about a local market? Fingers crossed. I want to see the real Slough, or at least, a slightly above-average representation of Slough.
- (18:00 PM) – Dinner, Local Pub, The Ostrich Inn Google reviews are… mixed. It's got character, maybe. My mission: find a decent pub, eat something semi-authentic (fish and chips, if I'm not feeling adventurous, because, you know, safe choices), and maybe, just maybe, strike up a conversation with a local who can tell me a good story. Because good stories make everything better. And the bar atmosphere - I want it to be good!
- (19:00-22:00) - Rambling Pub Experience:
- I get there, and it's packed. Not a bad sign, usually.
- Order the fish and chips, and the beer. (I'm going to let out a huge sigh of relief at the first sip.)
- Look around and try to look like a human being. Try to soak up the atmosphere.
- This is when the anecdotes kick in:
- Oh god, the fries. Way too many. Is this a test?!
- Eyeing the people as they try to get their drinks
- Trying to pretend the loud group are not the main entertainment
- Finally, a local! I'm trying to keep it low-key, but I'm hoping to make some friends.
- This is where it gets messy: The conversation drifts to "is Slough really a bad deal", the other people sharing their story or experience.
- Then someone asks if I think it's a bad place. Uh oh. Trying to stay diplomatic, because I'm a tourist. I end up rambling about how it could be better compared to my home town..
- The night ends with more beer than intended.
- (19:00-22:00) - Rambling Pub Experience:
- (22:00 PM) - Walk back to the Moxy. (Will I even make it?!) Stumbling. Laughing (mostly at myself). Feeling slightly sentimental. Is this the real London experience?
Day 2: Windsor Castle & Existential Airport Thoughts
- (08:00 AM) - Breakfast. (Praying for a decent breakfast.) Gotta fuel up for a day of sightseeing. Hoping the Moxy's got something other than lukewarm coffee and stale croissants.
- (09:30 AM) - Train to Windsor. (Attempting not to get lost.) Navigating the train system is always a challenge, even in my own city. Praying for a smooth journey.
- (10:30 AM) - Windsor Castle! (OMG, the Queen! Well, not literally the Queen… but still!) Okay, time to embrace the tourist. Finally seeing the real world. Feeling all the history and the power of the castle. Photos galore!
- (11:00 AM – 1:30 PM): Windsor Castle Immersion:
- The crowds. Oh. The crowds. But so worth it.
- The audio guide. So much information.
- Feeling like a true royal for a sec!
- The gift shop! (Must-buy souvenirs!)
- Lunch at some pub, (hopefully not fish and chips again.)
- (11:00 AM – 1:30 PM): Windsor Castle Immersion:
- (14:00 PM) - Return to Slough. (Hoping to remember where the train station is.)
- (14:30 PM - 16:00 PM): Free time, relaxation.
- Just chill out
- (14:30 PM - 16:00 PM): Free time, relaxation.
- (18:00 PM) - Explore restaurants in Slough.
- (18:00 PM - 22:00 PM) - Restaurant experience.
- Going out to the main food area.
- Seeing a few restaurants.
- Deciding on one
- Enjoying the food (hopefully).
- Trying not to overthink everything.
- (18:00 PM - 22:00 PM) - Restaurant experience.
- (22:00 PM) - Back to Moxy and bed.
Day 3: Departure & The Aftermath
- (08:00 AM) - Last Breakfast. (Making the most of it.)
- (09:00 AM) - Check Out.
- (10:00 AM) - Heathrow Airport. The dreaded return. Okay, deep breaths.
- (10:00 - 14:00 PM) - Airport Experience:
- Trying to navigate the security, getting through.
- Staring at all the other people, trying to guess where they are from.
- Finding a book.
- Reading it.
- Remembering every detail.
- (10:00 - 14:00 PM) - Airport Experience:
- The ending is bittersweet.
- (14:00 PM) - Leaving London
Moxy Slough: London's Secret? Maybe... (You've Been Warned!)
So, Moxy Slough... Is It Actually In London? Because, Let's Be Honest, Slough...
Okay, let's get this out of the way. No. It's not technically in London. Slough is… well, Slough. It's a train ride away, roughly a half-hour, maybe a bit more depending on the train. And that train ride... Let's just say it's an experience. I once saw a guy trying to balance a mountain of grocery bags *and* a crying toddler. You know, the usual London commuter drama. But, BUT, before you write it off, think about it. You get all the hotel perks, the fun vibe, without the central London price tag. And trust me, that price difference, after you've coughed up for a pint and a dodgy kebab after a night out, is noticeable.
What's the Vibe Like? Is it *Actually* "Trendy"? Or Just... Slough-y Trendy?
Ah, the vibe. This is where Moxy tries to pull a fast one. They *want* you to believe it's effortlessly cool, all exposed brick and Instagrammable corners. And, okay, it does have its moments. The lobby is definitely a social hub; I saw a group of lads playing foosball, a couple aggressively flirting... the usual chaotic energy. It feels… younger than I am, let's put it that way. They're definitely going for the "cool, but not trying too hard" aesthetic. Which, sometimes, it *does* pull off. Other times? Well, let's just say I witnessed a DJ set that probably needed a bit *more* trying. But hey, it's lively! It's not stuffy. And the staff? Generally pretty friendly, even when dealing with the inevitable hungover stragglers on a Sunday morning (guilty!).
The Rooms... Are They Tiny? Because, Let's Face It, That's the London Way.
Alright, the rooms. This is the classic hotel gamble, isn't it? "Compact and functional," they call them. Translation? They're tiny. REALLY tiny. My first reaction? "Well, this is… intimate". I felt like I was living in a slightly upgraded shoebox. The bed, however, was actually pretty comfy. And the showers? Surprisingly good water pressure. So, it's a trade-off. You might have to navigate around your suitcase, but you'll get a decent night's sleep and a good shower. Plus, the minimalist design is kinda growing on me. It's certainly less cluttered than my actual flat which will be a blessing for me.
Breakfast? Worth It or Is it a Sad Buffet of Pre-Packaged Pastries?
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. Okay, full disclosure: I’m a breakfast person. I *need* a good breakfast. The Moxy breakfast is… fine. It's a continental buffet, so you've got your cereals, pastries, yogurt… the usual suspects. Nothing earth-shattering, but it'll fill a hole. They have the usual DIY waffle station. You're going to want to watch out for those waffle machines, though. I once witnessed a full-blown waffle catastrophe. Batter... everywhere. So, approach with caution. If you're a breakfast snob like me, maybe bring your own avocado and make do. Or find a local cafe. There has to be one, right?
That Bar... Is it Actually Fun? Or is it Just... a Bar?
Oh, the bar. This is actually where Moxy shines. The bar area is the heart of the place, a social hub overflowing with cocktails, banter, and the energy of a Friday night in full swing. They serve a decent range of drinks, and they have a great cocktail list. Though, be warned, the prices are London-adjacent and not Slough-adjacent, so it can get pricey, especially after a few rounds. But, the staff behind the bar are pretty good, and the atmosphere always seems to be buzzy. It really is a great way to kick off the night, and, if you’re lucky, you might even stumble across some local bands. That did happen once. Don’t expect the Ritz, though; it's loud and boisterous, and in the best way possible.
Let's Talk Location. The Airport? The City? How's the Commute?
Location, location, location. Okay, so, Heathrow Airport is surprisingly close. A cab ride is pretty painless (if you avoid rush hour), and it’s a lifesaver if you have an early flight. As for the city, as I said earlier, it's a train ride. The train station is a short walk from the hotel which is good. Personally, I don’t mind the commute, I can catch up on some reading or listen to music. Just be warned, the trains can get crowded. Peak hours are a nightmare. Planning is essential, and you’ll have to set aside some time for travel. But, hey, you're saving money on the hotel, right? It's a trade-off.
So, the Big Question: Would You Stay There Again?
Honestly? Yes. Probably. Despite the sometimes-questionable DJ sets, the tiny rooms, and the whole "not-technically-London" thing, I'd go back. The bar is fun, the staff are friendly, and the price is right. It's a lively, no-frills hotel that gets the job done. It's not perfect, it's not glamorous, but it's comfortable and easy. It's the perfect hotel for a quick city trip, and I would not hesitate to recommend Moxy Slough, especially if you're looking for an affordable, fun place to stay and don’t mind being a bit out of London. Just don't expect the Ritz. You're getting a trendy, affordable, friendly stay. What else do you need?
The Most Important Question of All: Is it Instagrammable?
Okay, the Instagram factor. Yes. Definitely. The lobby is practically begging for selfies. Exposed brick, funky furniture, neon signs… it's all there. You'll look cool. Your followers will think you know what's up. But be prepared to share that space with… well, everyone else. Expect to wait for a decent photo opportunity. But hey, if that's your jam, Moxy Slough won’t disappoint. Just remember, it’s not all about the 'gram. Take the time to actually enjoy the place and the people you are with.
