Located in a quieter quarter of Edinburgh but well within walking distance to all the major sights, Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge is a very alternative experience from what you might expect in a city centre teeming with big brand names. This is an upscale boutique hotel that positively revels in challenging the status quo, with a playful hipster vibe celebrating its previous incarnation as a brewery from the copper piping and stills to the walls of living hops.
Moxy giant teddy bear c. Andy Mossack
But there’s more. Giant lounge teddies, grab and go snacks and drinks, a 24-hour gym, free luggage lockers for early arrivals and late departures, table foosball, deep comfy couches, free fast WIFI and a dog station with its own menu if your pooch fancies a tasty nibble.
Who For
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge is perfect for anyone who wants to be based just outside Edinburgh’s busy castle district but near enough to easily drop in. Whether you’re looking for a business, leisure, family or romantic stay.
Accommodation
Standard Queen Room
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge offers stylishly on-trend dog-friendly rooms with plenty of amenities. The beds are delightful. Queen-size doubles with luxurious linens ensure a great night’s sleep, and there is a genius motion-activated night light under the bed.
Plenty of power outlets (supporting numerous country variations) workspace desk, comfy lounge chair and a personalised welcome message scribbled on the mirror. You’ll also find free Highland spring water, free snacks, a huge flat screen TV and tea and coffee facilities.
There’s no wardrobes but plenty of hang-rail space.
Food and Drink
Lochrin Bar lounge has speakeasy style
Lochrin. Won cocktail bar of the year
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge’s lobby bar area is the beating heart of the hotel and doubles as the check-in reception. The multitasking front-of-house crew seem to be everywhere – pulling pints, wiping tables and refreshing the breakfast buffet (which is an impressive spread and well worth the £15 charge if it’s not already included in your booking).
The library area is a quiet hang out for anyone keen on catching up with work or simply taking advantage of the fast, free WIFI on tap. While down in the main lobby the vast wooden table and comfy couches create a communal feel with plenty of natter space over coffee and lite bites or some serious beverages come nightfall.
Lochrin is Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge’s rooftop bar and when I stayed there it had just been awarded ‘Best Hotel Bar of the Year 2024’ in DRAM Magazine’s Scottish Hotel and Pub Awards. Inside it’s akin to a cosy front parlour 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.
Facilities
Sir Woofchester Dog Station c. Andy Mossack
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge has small 24-hour gym and free luggage lockers that you can use before check in after check out. If you are there for business, the fast free wifi is useful. if you’re brining your pooch Sir Woofchester dog station has toys and a dog menu.
How Much
Rooms at Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge start from £99. CHECK AVAILABILITY
What is nearby?
Edinburgh’s famous castle and Royal Mile is less than 1 kilometre away. Mary King’s Close is about the nearest you’ll get to experiencing what life was like in 16th century Edinburgh. A warren of real streets, alleys and houses frozen in time below the Royal Exchange. And don’t miss the opportunity to visit Johnnie Walker’s iconic Tasting Exprience which is head and shoulders above the kind of tasting sessions you’ll find at distilleries.
Verdict
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.
Also read: City break in Edinburgh