THE stylish Moxy hotel looms large as soon as you leave Birmingham's NEC complex.

You can’t miss it – its check pattern and funky purple logo immediately draws the eye.

Inside the hotel, it becomes even more stylish and funkier, once you get over the amazing smell as you enter.

It’s full of quirky touches from the jenga, table football and record player complete with classic albums, to the various slogans and pieces of artwork throughout.

Thankfully, for this 50-something visitor, it wasn’t too cool, and a range of guests from families to a cheery team of construction workers were made to feel right at home.

The hotel lies a stone’s throw from both the aforementioned NEC and Resorts World, so there are plenty of places to shop and eat and drink.

However, I was keen to try the Moxy’s menu once I settled in.

The charming Ari, who like all the staff was down to earth and friendly checked me in and explained the hotel’s layout – all fairly simple.

I took a lift, complete with funky music, up to my sixth floor room.

Again, it smelled lovely, they must be putting something in the shake and vac.

It was spacious and very comfortable with a nice automatic LED lighting effect under the bed to guide you in the dark.

The complimentary chocolate – three family bars was staggering – meant I had to forget about my regime for the evening.

Kettle, tea and coffee were provided and the décor was very minimal in keeping with the hotel’s design.

You won’t find wardrobes here. More rails to hang your shirts on and bags containing hairdryers etc hanging on a stylish wall frame, which all adds to the charm.

The room was spotless and the shower and bathroom top notch.

The view of the lake outside and Resorts World is stunning and you feel a world away from the nearby airport and convention centre.

I took a stroll before dinner around the lake and checked out Resorts World which is packed with stores, a fine array of restaurants, bars, cinema and casino.

However, I soon returned for a spot of dinner.

The hotel like many is coming out of lockdown.

Its bar area does tend to concentrate on drinks. However there is a decent menu with staples such as burgers, lasagne and pizza.

After my complimentary cocktail, French 75, on which Ari at her first attempt, did a consummate job, I ordered the thai chicken curry which came with rice and naan.

It was very tasty and reasonably priced and my cheesecake for dessert was a delight.

By now our team of construction workers had settled into the bar and there was a lively atmosphere with guests attending a nearby conference also having pre-drinks.

The various artefacts, books and games in the spacious bar area ensure no-one is bored if the conversation dries up.

There is also a lounge area by the bar complete with comfy seats and books where families gathered to chill out.

After a sound night’s sleep it was time for breakfast.

The buffet breakfast was of a very high standard – a fine array of yoghurt, fruit salad, cheese, jam, cakes, bread and cereals.

The hot breakfast was a delight – sausage, bacon, scrambled egg and beans.

There was plenty to choose and I could see other guests were impressed with the variety on offer.

After another walk around the lake, it was time to check out the gym.

I was delighted to find a boxing bag and gloves available and rolled back the years as I pounded the bag reliving my very brief stint as a teen boxer.

It was certainly very Rocky and maybe not in the sense of Marciano or Balboa but I had fun and after a quick weights work out was set up to face the day.

The gym, like all the areas of the hotel was spotlessly clean, hand sanitiser aplenty and friendly reminders of covid procedure.

To sum up Moxy's is in a great location by the airport, train station, NEC and resorts world.

It’s a boutique hotel, which looks and smells great and has a great sense of fun and it is very reasonably priced.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay pre/post flight or post show, it comes highly recommended.

FACT FILE

Rooms: 210 rooms, 14 suites

Room price: from £79 GBP

Pets are welcome.

Tel: +44 121 468 0879

Website: Marriot.co.uk