GM Q&A Moxy Sydney Airport is Marriott’s first hotel in the Sydney Airport precinct
WILD c hild
FIRST-TIME GM MICHELLE SCOTT SPOKE TO RUTH HOGAN ABOUT FLEXING HER SALES AND MARKETING SKILLS TO BRING MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL’S ‘WILD CHILD’, MOXY, TO LIFE IN ITS FIRST AUSTRALIAN HOTEL.
Michelle Scott, Moxy Sydney Airport
M
ichelle, tell us about the Moxy brand and what makes this hotel different?
This brand has been described by some of our clients who use Marriott globally as Marriott’s Wild Child. Everything we do at Moxy challenges that traditional hotel experience. To start with, check-in is at the bar; every guest who checks in receives a free cocktail. When you walk into this hotel, you’re just greeted with that amazing industrial chic design and Art Deco pops throughout. There’s a lively atmosphere at the bar and that homely feel in the lounge area around the fireplace, so it really does make our guests want to sit down and enjoy the space. Our rooms are cosy. Additional furniture hangs on the peg wall so it’s not taking up space, and the safe is tucked away under the bed.
What type of traveller does Moxy appeal to?
It’s for the young and the young at heart – it’s more of an attitude than a number – so guests will range from 22 to 82. I was talking to a guest at the bar a few nights ago who was 82 years old, and she was saying that she felt younger just by staying here. It’s great to see people of all ages come together and connect in the social spaces. 32
HM The Business of Accommodation
How does that ‘playful’ guest experience come to life?
We want to give guests a fun place to stay with those playful touch points throughout – games in the lobby area, Happy Hour every day and a DJ on Friday nights. Our team members are encouraged to mingle with guests and challenge them to a game of Skeeball or Jenga.
