Travel: Qbic London City

Right on Qbic!

After a successful launch in Amsterdam, Qbic Hotels has spread its wings across the water, landing on a new prime location in the ‘hip’ heart of London.

Just a stones throw from Brick Lane, Spitafields and Aldgate Tube station, Qbic London City is friendly, funky and perfect if you’re on a tight budget.

Inside the newly converted office building they’ve managed to create a boutique-y vibe at a distinctly low price. Rooms are from only £69 per night and they also run a promotion every month where they let 100 rooms go for just £1.

Check-in is by custom built computer terminals from which your card key is dispensed. Should, like me you have a natural aversion to technology there is a friendly staff member on hand to help.

Guest rooms are compact; there are no tea and coffee facilities or telephones (complimentary coffee machines are available in the hallways), but you do get a super-comfy, super-size bed, complete with a unique alarmingly big headboard photo or mural, free fast wi-fi and a nice flat screen TV.

They’ve utilised the space by doing away with wardrobes and clutter, instead there is a couple of hooks to hang your stuff on. Similarly there’s no bath, but the raised bathroom cubicle is nicely minimal and the shower is excellent.

There are fun arty touches all over the place; guitars in the lift, mini people in the plant pots and buoyed by it’s fashionable surroundings there is a definite ‘buzz’ about Qbic. The ground floor ‘Kitchen’ area is a cross between a cool coffee bar and an Icelandic hipsters living room.

Breakfast is a grab and go affair, but it’s included in the room price and you leave the Hotel with that rare warm feeling of having received brilliant value for money and no catches.

For more info visit www.qbichotels.com