Qbic London, review: Too good to be true?

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This was published 9 years ago

Qbic London, review: Too good to be true?

Bed-sits be gone - these bright, funky and quite stunning accommodation options are a revelation.

By Rob McFarland
Qbic bedroom.

Qbic bedroom.

On paper Qbic London sounds too good to be true. A design hotel in the heart of Shoreditch with bespoke furnishings, rain showers and free Wi-Fi from £69 a night? Are you 'avin a larf?

Since opening in November last year, the property has garnered well-deserved praise for its funky design and altruistic approach. Fifty per cent of its employees are from the local area with many sourced through Springboard, a charity that helps unemployed and disadvantaged youngsters find work in hospitality.

There's nothing earnest about the hotel, though. In fact, irreverent touches abound from the "Oh no, not you again!" message in the lobby to the stuffed toy with a "Do not disturb" T-shirt to hang on your door.

The building was previously an office block which means the rooms are on the cosy side. Qbic has done a good job of maximising the space by installing "living boxes" – essentially a bed bolted to a shower room – and by keeping furnishings to a minimum. The decor is bold and quirky – one wall in my room is bright green while another has a large mural of a graffiti artist. Downstairs there's an eclectically furnished communal lounge and a well-equipped kitchen with complimentary tea and coffee. Vending machines sell snacks that can be heated and £7.50 buys you a decent continental breakfast.

Qbic rather grandly declares itself "a game changer in the budget boutique market" and, for once, the marketing hype rings true.

Rooms from £69, 42 Adler Street, london.qbichotels.com.

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