Qbic Hotels, a innovative concept

In the Spring of 2007, the innovative hotel concept Qbic will be launched with two hotels, in the centre of Antwerp and the Amsterdam WTC on the South Axis, respectively. Qbic focuses on a new generation of travellers, who wish to temporarily escape the pace and noise of the city in today’s increasingly mobile life, in which the dividing line between work and private life is fading. Qbic is new, and offers atmosphere, space, light and instant convenience in an absolutely unique way. It is a novel proposition for modern, budget-conscious guests, who subscribe to the motto ‘the best service is self-service’ and will find an avant-garde hotel that combines functionality and experience in a very special way.
The key element of the Qbic design concept consists of the cube-shaped living spaces, appropriately called Cubi (photo). Each Cubi measures 7 m2 and features an astonishingly practical configuration, individually designed and built with attractive materials; ‘living room’, extra long Hästens bed, Philip Starck design bathroom elements, TV, radio, safe and wireless Internet, and an ingenious work-and-dine set provide a state-of-the-art living environment.
Pressing the light button, Cubi guests create the atmosphere that best suits their mood of the moment. The integrated instant LED lighting offers a wide choice of attractive colour combinations. The stylish upholstery also allows for personal preferences; practical panels enable guests to instantly create their favourite background.
The trendy, pleasant lobby has a different atmosphere in each Qbic hotel and offers talented designers, such as Feran Thomassen for Amsterdam, or Ontwerpers.nu for Antwerp, to express their creativity. Each lobby has a digital kiosk with an ‘i- touch’ screen that enables guests to find useful information on gourmet restaurants in town or the films shown in local cinema’s. The back-office facility available in each hotel, allows guests to contact one of the executives present in the hotel.
In the self-service Grab-and-Go Corner, guests can obtain ecological food and beverages, but also items such as toothbrushes, chargers, phone cards, magazines or condoms. Qbic guests are non-smokers. And you only pay for what you use, a philosophy that appeals to the budget-conscious traveller.
Qbic uses the ‘Early Bird’ principle for reservations, so room rates may vary from ? 39 to ? 139 per night. This means that guests who book early, pay an extremely low rate. The easiest way to book a Qbic is through the Internet. Checking in and paying is done electronically on site. Safe parking is available in the underground car park.
The inventors, developers and owners of the Qbic concept are Paul Rinkens, Rino Soeters and Marcel Voermans, also known for their Design hotel La Bergère, Hip Hotel St. Martenslane, La Bergère Housing and Simply Bread in Maastricht. Realisation is in the hands of PRM