Area Daily: Qbic Hotels, Cheap & Chic Design Hotels

Low budget hotels are nothing new, and neither are design hotels, but they’ve never been combined – until now. The cheap and chic Qbic Hotel Amsterdam opened last year and Qbic hotels in Antwerp and Maastricht are coming soon.

At the heart of every Qbic hotel is the Cubi, a cube-shaped state-of-the-art living space. Each Cubi features an extra-long Hästens bed, Philippe Starck bathroom fittings, LCD TV, safe, high-speed Internet, an ingenious work-and-dine set, and changeable mood lighting (Mellow Yellow, Red Romance or Deep Purple Love…).

Inspired by the idea that "the best service is self-service", check-in is at a self-service terminal and there’s no restaurant, rather a Grab & Go Corner with vending machines chock full of everything from wine, candy, and homemade baked goods, to toiletries and computer stuff (like phone chargers and USB sticks). A digital kiosk in the lobby helps you get info on restaurants and local film times.

This is no-frills with a futuristic feel. Rates start at €69.00.