Boutique, budget hotel concept from Holland to launch in London

Located close to Spitalfied Market, the 171-bedroom Qbic Hotel London City is the second property to open following the launch in 2007 of a pilot property, the Qbic Hotel Amsterdam WTC.

The expansion of the brand is to be financed by London-based Bridges Ventures and headed by Paul Rinkens, who started his hotel career with Hyatt and Trusthouse Forte Hotels, and Paul Janmaat, a hotelier who later moved into the airline industry.

Prior to setting up Qbic Hotels, the business partners started Cubi Total Living Concept, a modular cube-shaped living space that incorporates a bed, bathroom, kitchenette, workspace and wardrobe in an individual piece of furniture and has gone on to inspire the Qbic Hotels bedrooms.

The pod is composed of 40 loose elements and can be constructed within two hours within a prepared building.

Up to 15 hotels are expected to be launched over the next six to seven years, with empty office buildings being targeted for development.

Janmaat, the managing director of Qbic Hotels said that there is plenty of opportunity for growth with around 15% of office buildings in regional cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, standing vacant.

“We are confident that we can roll out the concept with the conversion of properties, on average, taking five to six months, at a cost of around £27,500 per bedroom.”

As well as opening in regional UK cities, further Qbic hotels are planned for London and mainland Europe.

Qbic intends to offer five core essentials â€" immaculate cleanliness, a comfortable Naturalmat bed, a great shower, free wifi and soundless bedrooms, achieved by doors with sound seals â€" as well as focus on innovative design, sustainable practices and community initiatives.

At least 50% of staff will be recruited locally with two charities â€" Food Cycle and Bike Works â€" providing 20% of employees. Food Cycle will also offer bikes tours for guests, while Food Cycle will provide pop-up food stations in the lobby, where check-in will be self-service.

Starting room rates will be £59, inclusive of breakfast and free, high-speed internet.

Amsterdam-based Qbic Hotels targets four UK cities for expansion >>