Looking for a playful yet practical stay near Sydney Airport? Moxy Sydney Airport brings a fresh take on airport accommodation, blending industrial-chic design with vibrant social spaces. From the moment you’re greeted by the hotel’s signature sassy welcome to rolling balls at the Skee Ball arcade, this isn’t your typical airport hotel. Moxy Sydney Airport Hotel is a fun place to stay before an early morning flight as Joanne Karcz discovers.
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“Oh, hello gorgeous”a deep female voice answers my phone call to Moxy Sydney Airport Hotel.
She welcomes me to the hotel, describing it as “designed for the young and the young at heart.”
That describes me and I looked forward to checking in before an early flight the next morning.
The Vibe
The fun starts at the entrance where a brightly coloured mural flanks the entrance. Inside, greenery softens the industrial look of polished concrete floors and steel beams. Couples and families relax on comfy chairs and sofas arranged to create private nooks and corners.
The atmosphere is friendly and conducive to striking up conversations with strangers, if that’s your thing.
Check In
Reception is near the bar and communal lounge / dining area. While waiting to check in – it took a little time – I had a look around. Unusually, for a hotel, there were plenty of people around.
Some chatting at the bar, others relaxing with a book, catch up with work or generally chilling. The staff are helpful and friendly.
The Room
My compact Moxy Queen City View room had all the amenities necessary for a short stay. A comfortable bed with bedside tables and lamps, a step-in shower with shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.
Smart design and clever use of space creates a comfortable feel to the 18sqm/194sqft room.
A mirror above the handbasin, in the passage outside the bathroom, lights up with a switch.
Instead of single-use plastic bottles, guests use the filtered water stations on each floor to fill their glass jugs.
The room includes a kettle, tea, coffee, and hairdryer. Following the instruction on the label on a drawer beneath the bed to “Pull Me” reveals the room safe.
A folding luggage rack, canvas seat (which could double as a second luggage rack) and small round table hang on the wall.
Hooks and coat hangers on the wall provide additional hanging space for clothing or extra bags.
Family Rooms
Family rooms are also available. They include a queen connecting with a room with twin bunks or a queen with a loft bed – either queen or twin overhead.
Accessible Rooms
Accessible rooms, located close to the lift, offer spacious roll in bathrooms, grab rails and a fold down shower seat.
The amenities on the bedside table are lower down for easy accessibility.
The Laundry
The laundry, on the fourth floor, has two washers and two driers, ironing boards and irons. A poster of a shirtless man shows guests how it’s done!
Need ice? There’s an ice machine in the laundry.
The Gym
Amongst the rules for using the well-used and well-equipped gym, is “Smoking is not permitted, but you’re allowed to blow off some steam.”
After availing themselves of a towel for use in the gym, guests (who must be over 16) are faced with a choice. Treadmill or weight machine? Boxing bag or yoga mat? With a wide range of equipment, there’s something for everyone.
The Bar
Service at the bar can be on the slow side, but if, like me, you’re a people watcher, there’s plenty to entertain you.
Choose from a range of cocktails and other beverages, and perhaps nibble on a share plate (available from 3-5pm).
As I hadn’t had lunch, I ordered the pita chips with hummus. The generous serving more than filled the gap before dinner.
Dining
The dinner menu is available from 5pm. Menu items include burgers, pasta, quinoa bowl and arancini. The delicious slow cooked beef cheeks fell apart and the burger was pretty good too.
Open 24 hours, the ‘kiosk’ offers a diverse selection of soft drinks and beer as well as snacks and pre-prepared meals that can be heated in the microwave provided.
A coffee cart offers barista coffee, pastries and sandwiches. Room service is not available.
The Games area
While eating dinner, the regular rumble of balls echoed through the room. Occasionally I heard a guest cheering and went to investigate. I discovered a games area with a “Skee Ball” arcade game, giant Jenga and connect four.
After dinner, I took up the challenge and had a go at rolling the balls up a slope, aiming for the higher scoring hole. It was a fun diversion before retiring for the night in preparation for an early morning flight.
Meeting Rooms
The funky vibe continues in the several well-equipped meeting rooms. The board table in the Record Room doubles up as a table tennis table.
The Arthouse walls are lined with contemporary Australian art.
The Airport Shuttle
Operating daily between 4:45am-10:50pm, the shuttle runs guests between the Moxy Sydney Airport Hotel and Sydney’s International and Domestic airports. As the airport shuttle books out quickly, it pays to reserve your seat before you check in.
Good to know
- Breakfast is from 6am. If you need an earlier coffee hit, access the coffee cart from 5am.
- Enjoy happy hour every afternoon from 4-6pm
- A dry-cleaning service is available
- Bicycles are available for hire
- There are luggage lockers at the entrance to the hotel.
- Book your airport shuttle before checking in. The bus is small and books up early.
Visiting Sydney for the first time? Check out our guide to Sydney Airport and the Sydney Airport train service.
We also have a full guide to Airport hotels you might find helpful.
Got a question? Head over to our Sydney Expert Facebook Group and ask a local.
