One magical December night the world stopped for a moment in time, suspended like a dancer in flight. The air was laced with chill, but despite the frost, we were warmed by the prospect of our first hotel stay at Moxy London in Stratford. The neon lights beckoned us ever closer, as they twinkled merrily in the distance, like an intoxicating drug that had been injected into our system. For tonight was the night where all inhibitions would go out the window and delicious and decadent debauchery would run wild. The office suits would leave behind their desks and step into the night, watching us sparkle under the mischievous glint of the nearby Christmas tree. The drinks would be served with a poised flourish, as the bartenders would chatter to us excitedly, warmed further by the prospect of the Christmas holidays. The cherry lolled seductively in the small glass tumbler and the red liquid posed the question ‘were we naughty or nice’?
Moxy London Had An Abundance Of Neon Lights That Drew Us In Like A Magnet
We shimmied upstairs in a languorous fashion, taking delight in the festive treats that awaited us. There were the elevators emblazoned in snow and the ‘Secret Santa’s’ that chronicled our every move, but it was the surprise that awaited in our Queen hotel room that made us gasp with ecstasy. The soft croons of the television was deceptively soothing, while the lights glimmered gently, but it was all a facade for the sumptuous decadence that lay beneath the surface. The walls were plastered with an urban print that was reminiscent of the street art I knew I loved but it was the personalized details that astounded us both. Lipstick smears on the mirror was a throwback to a party that once was and the promise of what could be to come. Would we, the ‘sequin singletons’ finally find our prince and make it a night to remember? Only time could tell, but we marveled at the neon letters that were spread out across the bed, A-N-A , it rolled off the tip of our tongue, in beautiful harmony. Moxy London had treated us like Queens and for one night only we felt like royalty. Like children we jumped on the bed, our eyes clouded with euphoric excitement, as we moved our bodies to the music one beat at a time.
Making Our Way To Party Town
Sequins and ladylike skirts entered the bar vicinity, one heel at a time. Famished, we stocked up on food and drinks and headed to the back, where the neon was a magnet that drew us in. We sipped thirstily on our passionfruit cocktails and glasses of wine, awaiting the triumphant arrival of our chosen food. It was time; the baked macaroni cheese was coated in creamy bechemal sauce with a crusted cheddar topping, while Lucy’s pizza calzone dripped cheese creating a sumptuous snail trail across her plate. Plates of salad laced in vingerette and lemon were fresh to the taste and the tomatoes popped cheekily in our mouths. With one large mouthful we had conquered our plates and turned our attention to recent events. Tales of betrayal and long lost loves floated across our tables as we recapped the events of weeks past. That night we came ever closer, like sisters united by Moxy London’s ‘Midas Touch’. The night was young and our fun wasn’t over yet , what would happen next?
Why Have One Neon Light When You Can Have Two?
Suitors courted our attention with cursory glances,glazed with lustful desire but we paid them no mind, too caught up in our ‘catch up bubble’ to even notice. The first sat directly opposite us, nudging his friend and conversing in their native tongues. The youngest one came up to us and made pretense at ‘conversation’ regaling a story of needing a ‘Tutor to teach him better English’ could it be us? We laughed, a tinkling sound and bid the pair goodbye but it would not be the last we would hear of them, not just yet. We ordered more drinks, fueled by the magical energy of the night, another cocktail for me it would seem. The man was back, ruffling his hair nonchalantly like the birds that preen their feathers in the hope of attracting a ‘mate’. He cut straight to the point, reciting his hotel room number like a chant, inviting us up for a ‘night of fun’, sweat dripping of his skin as he blustered through his clearly rehearsed conversation. We politely declined and watched them walk away, denying them the sweet victory of our affections.
Music Is Always The Key To A Good Night!
We licked the juices of our plates and slurped the remainder of our drinks, as we propped vibrant velvet cushions behind us to retain comfort. But the table to next to us, who had been watching our conversations with the ill fated pair, thought it would be time to make a move. Disguised in the pretense of poking fun at the ‘youth’ who had invited us up for an all night long romp, we smiled and once more turned away. But they were everywhere we went, it was 3 AM and still they lurched, watching us take photos, while they slurped their overflowing pints of beers. Eventually they were gone and we breathed a sigh of relief. They weren’t making us uncomfortable per say, but tonight we had decided to put our quest for our ‘forever prince’ to one side and focus on strengthening our friendship, while we poured out our hearts to each other.
Nothing Like A Delicious Drink To Get The Night Rockin’
Upstairs we climbed, as the clock struck 3.30 and we clambered into our rooms, kicking off our heels and sighing contently. Like cats we purred, as slipped into our ‘comfies’ and laughed merrily at the Tinder horror stories that we had, little did we know that the upcoming weeks would have more surprises in store for us… We danced around in our pajamas and jumped on the beds, entertaining Instagram with our childish but enduring exploits. Videos were made, boomerangs were created and our night of hedonistic pleasure was drawing to a close. It was 5.30 AM and groans of having to get up in the morning were made but still we smiled.
Our adult sleepover was sugar, spice and all things nice and as we settled into brief slumber, we dreamed that we would never have to leave. In dreamworld anything was possible and as reality had fled the building we danced through the clouds, taking a step into the wondrous unknown. Morning had broken and L had to leave, forced to enter work once more. Squinting blearily at the bright sunshine that peered into our room, I locked the door behind and slid down the stairs , where fresh soft croissants, slabs of bread and butter and fresh orange juice were awaiting my arrival. As I closed my eyes once more, I remembered the events of the night before and sighed. Today reality had its hand outstretched but last night decadence and sisterhood danced in merriment, as it twirled sensually through the night.
I will be back.
The Christmas Lights Twinkled Mischievously …
What Has Been The Most Exciting Hotel Stay You Have Had & Why?
*Disclaimer
Please note I was given a complimentary hotel stay for two with food and drinks at Moxy London in Stratford but all thoughts are my own and are not affected by complimentary services. A massive thank you to the kindness and generosity of Moxy London, who not only offered us complimentary services but also personalized our stay with my name on the bed, mirror and TV. Thank you Moxy London for a truly magical night that we will never forget.
How lovely! My favourite hotel stay this year was at Chester. I can’t remember the name of the hotel but it was very central and absolutely lovely. Very romantic.
This sounds fantastic! Your description of Moxy makes it sound so magical, and I’m with you, why only have 1 neon light when you can have more? I love London and visit a lot so will heck out Moxy sometime! Nikki x
Great post! My favourite hotel stay so far has been at Miami Beach in the US a year ago. Although, at the moment I can’t remember the name of the place, then I just loved everything about the hotel and if I should ever visit Miami Beach again, I would love to stay there again.
That sounds like a great hotel and you clearly had a great time there. My favorite hotels are the ones in Disney World 🙂
Looks like you had such a great time, I am yet to have a fun and memorable hotel stay so fingers crossed next year is full of those. This hotel also sounds like lots of fun.
Sounds like an amazing play to stay at. Looks like you also had a lot of fun! everything sounds so great! A bed with your name on it, how thoughtful!
That sounds like the most amazing night! You licked your drinks, neons lights! Wow! Also, love your writing style!
Wow what an exciting, fun packed stay! Its great that you decided to focus on building your friendship, that’s what little breaks like that are all about xxx
What a wonderful night. There is a delectable joy in having an experience where there are no expectations, nothing to gain or lose. In those moments you cant take the time to enjoy the little nuances that can make a memory an experience!
Interestingly, I never been to any party so I cannot really tell how the scenes like… I’m quite a loner type and parties are not really my thing haha.. I love what you did with those flirty guys though haha
My favorite stay so far was in Parque España, it offers spanish-inspired design with so much homey atmosphere!
By the way, i really like your writing style and your awesome choice of words.. it feels like reading a chapter of a well-written book.. kudos!
Ana, your writing is amazing! You are such a talented writer. Your stories capture the readers imagination and pull them in. It’s impossible to look away without finishing the whole story. Moxy London in Stratford sounds like a fairytale place!
Hey Ana! Thanks for sharing your experience with us! Seems like a great time and I shall check it all out when I come visit that way.
What a lovely post and it sounds like a really fabulous place to stay. I can’t remember the last time I got away for a child free night away!
I couldn’t stop reading! Can you take me on your next adventure! By the way I can totally picture the young man who came up to you guys to be his tutor. That made me laugh.
Those shots you captured are great. Looks like you had a blast!
I’m so very envious of this hotel stay, it sounds amazing!
This does sound like an exciting night. I think I’m too old to do something like this. I am fast asleep at 3 AM.
I think my most exciting stay was when we were at Disney World, ha.
That sounds like a magical evening spent with enchanting sisters. I am glad that no gentleman was able to break the bond or magic of this captivating evening. This made me think fondly of my girls night out times. Thanks for sharing and I loved the Christmas story theme, it made a nice setting for the story.
Sounds like an amazing hotel stay! I like to go to NYC and stay in a boutique hotel that has an awesome wine hour. It is fun to chat with others staying at the hotel before dinner.
You described the scenary very well, I felt as though I was reading a short story! It sounds like you had ana amzing time, and the pictures are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
This sounds like it was a very fun night! It has been a long time since I was in London, and I cannot wait to return- it truly is a magical place.
Sounds lovely. I always always love finding new places to stay in London and The Moxy looks perfect!
Sounds like you had a great hotel stay and you’re making me want to book a room for a couple of nights!
Awesome place , great that the services were amazing and wow, personalized name on bed & TV. Indeed music makes for a great night with some good drinks. I’m sure that this hotel gives a great service to its guests.
You had me at the neon lights, what an impressive stay it seems you had and I bet it was fun exchanging tinder horrors. Not heard of Moxy London but seems like a lovely hotel
It sounds like an absolutely fantastic night. I can’t remember the last time I stayed up so late!
Sounds like a great night out, perfect for a girly catch up. I’ve not had a night out like that for some time, think I need to plan one in for 2018!
Sounds like you had a brilliant night. Sadly my hotel stays involve telling the kids not to have a pillow fight and to go to sleep these days LOL
WOW. This hotel looks like it stepped right out of tumblr! The pictures you’ve taken are amazing & make the hotel look like a dream! I have never stayed in a hotel in London as I tend to opt to staying with family but I look like im missing out another world entirely!
Moxy looks like my kind of place, I love it. we get away about 3 times a year mostly to just local hotels but we love it all the same 🙂
I really like your writing style. Every time I read your posts I feel like I’m reading a book. I can imagine it like I’ve been there, too. This hotel really sounds like a place to visit. It is so nice that they made you feel so welcomed.
My most fun hotel stay was in Miami. I’m very big on service & they provided amazing service.
This sounds like such a fun experience! I’ve always wanted to go to London. It seems like such a wonderful city to visit.
The place looks amazing! Seems like you had a great time there. Such a great way to spend the holidays! This would make a perfect place for photoshoots too. I’ve been going cray cray for fairy and neon lights lately because they accentuate your photos real good.
I’ve never stayed at a Moxy hotel, but your stay sounds EPIC Ana!! Loved your descriptions of the party too, I am a sequined singleton hehe! x
Oh wow this sounds like a great night! Having a club and a hotel is one is a great idea. I am hoping to spend a but more time partying in 2018 as I near 40 its on my 40 before 40 list… since the kids are that bit older now. I would like to find ‘me’ again instead of just ‘mum’. Nice chat up lines… I think the best I have ever had was an enquiry to see if I wanted a boyfriend pillow!!
It sounds like you had an amazing time! How do you cope with so little sleep?! Love the personal touch the hotel gave you
This sounds like an awesome night out and a stay too. It must have been lovely to be able to party late and then not have to get home by cab. I have not heard of this hotel but will definitely check it out.
Sounds like you had a wonderful evening! Staying in a hotel that has a club and everything is definitely convenient!
No matter if you got two free nights or not – your style of writing, your way of describing even the smallest detail is very nice and even poetic and fun to read. You’re very talented. Beautiful pics, They underline your description of the place, the people, the atmosphere. Nice job!
Moxy sounds like so much fun! And I LOVE the neon signs, they make everything a little bit extra, which is awesome! Glad you had a good time x
Sounds like you had such a great time! I love the photos in this post
What a fantastic review. It was like I was right there with you. Sounds like you both had a lot of fun in a great atmosphere
The Moxy London looks like a fabulous place to stay! So far the best hotel I’ve been to was in New York City. It’s called the Essex House and it’s beyond gorgeous!
Sound like a spectacular night. I love family friendly hotels like Appartello Hamburg.
Sounds like a great time in London. I always wanted to visit London in my youth. Maybe we’ll plan a family trip with the kids when they’re a little older.
Oh my heavens! What a beautiful, exciting and FUN trip!! All the grown up fun. So amazing to have that adult time.
Wow! This sounds like a winning girls night out. It could be a perfect holiday party too. It just so nice to feel the happiness and enjoyment in your blog – this seems like a memorable night.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time, it really is best sometimes just to enjoy the time with a girlfriend. So glad you both had fun x
Gorgeous pictures, I love them. Sounds like you had a great time. You know it’s good if you’re licking the plate!
Sounds like a great hotel and I really like the pictures 🙂 I wouldn’t be able to choose a hotel as my favourite as there were so many nice ones. But for staying in a city the Buddha Bar Hotel in Budapest was one of the winners.
I read another review of the Moxy a little while back and it looks like such a superb hotel for those who want a trendy night away. My favourite stay this year has been in Feb with my Mum for a girls weekend in London. Happy New year, Mich x
I read every word with both excitement and jealousy, my hotel stays are far from this!! It sounds like the perfect place for a girly getaway!
This sounds like it was such an amazing time! I would love to experience the night life and a hotel like this.
That sounds like such a lovely hotel stay, I’m perhaps a little bit jealous! Would love to visit there one day
Sounds like a fun place to stay. We stayed in some great hotels last year too.
What a lovely night apart from a few guys making you a little uncomfortable.The calzone you mentioned sounds very delicious, I’m trying not to drool!
This looks like a great night! Love the stylish pics.
Wow what an amazing night away! It sounds like such a fun place to stay! For us our best was a hotel in London where there was a Jacuzzi bath and an amazing meal which I had won in a competition.
What a fun sounding place to stay, it sounds like it allowed you and a friend to have an amazing night out, something we all need from time to time.
It sounds utterly divine and totally worth staying up til 5:30am for. You write in such a descriptive way!
Decadence and sisterhood danced in merriment – my favourite line of the post! It sounds like so many amazing nights I’ve had with my friends too.
This sounds like such a great place to stay in – I will certainly have to check it out!
Wow! You really made that come alive! I need to get me to Moxy ASAP! Best hotel room I’ve ever stayed in was Maldives – the floor was glass so we could see the fish swimming beneath us.
Oooh very nice! I’ll definitely keep in mind this beautiful place should I ever be in London!!
What a wonderful and memorable stay! The personalisation was definitely a nice touch. Love your writing style too…so immersive x
Oh wow this sounds so lovely! Glad you had such a fab night – my hotel stays are dictated by creeping round a sleeping toddler from 7pm onwards 🙁 x
Wow sounds like an amazing stay. I had a lovely hotel when I was in Venice which had a hot tub on the balcony outside, I do think a good hotel really makes a stay x
That sounds like a real fun party. I must admit, with a one year old I don’t party much now. But I am living through you haha.
It definitely sounds as though you had a great time at the Moxy Hotel. It looks like so much fun!
I’ve heard of Moxy London, but I didn’t know it was a hotel! It sounds more like a trendy restaurant or nightclub! I really want to stay there now, though. Great post, Ana 🙂
Louise x
Wow! Looks like you had a glamorous night and I Iove how your described every little detail right from food, drink, music to ambience. By the way ‘baked macaroni cheese was coated in creamy bechemal sauce with a crusted cheddar topping’ sounds sinful! 🙂
Happy New Year!
Sounds like a great PJ party (adult slumber party) and my mummy is well jealous of your freedom! Moxy sounds like her kinda hotel, however she’d have to bring me along 😉 Happy New Year and we hope your shenanigans continue into 2018…
I love you’re story telling – you really make this event come to light. I’m loving all the illumination pictures too – so vibrant!
C x
Can you please invite ME to your next adventure?? This sounds awesome! I’ve stayed in some incredible hotels but the best was in Switzerland, in the Alps.
Our room had carpeted walls and there were complementary hand made slippers! It was deliciously retro
I love how you’ve written this post, it’s such a cool and interesting read! I love the lights they’re beautiful. Sounds like a lovely stay, I love it when hotels go the extra mile 🙂
I was mesmerised reading this 🙂 sounds like an amazing night. I love how the hotel personalised your stay!
You went to bed at 5:30? – I admire your staying power and you really brought the Moxy alive in your post. It sounds like a place of infinite naughtiness.
I have a soft spot for Stratford, one of the better towns I have seen. Your stay sounds absolutely brilliant, and your description of the food, perfect. Calzone yumm. I have not heard of ‘Moxy London’ but am checking them out right now.
Moxy sounds like a great hotel. So cool of them to personalise your room a little bit for you.
Wow what an incredible evening you had!