I recently had the good fortune to stumble across the Qbic London City Hotel for a short, one-night stopover in London. I wanted to stay near Liverpool Street Station as I was getting a train very early the next day. Booking a few days ahead, the hotel proved to be a real delight. Here are 8 reasons why it is a great choice for the solo traveller.
1 Welcome and hospitality
As a solo traveller, you feel welcome and safe from the moment you arrive. The staff were great – genuinely kind and happy to help with every aspect of my reservation and stay.
2 Location
Locationally, Qbic London City (Whitechapel) proves to be an ideal spot if you’re spending time in the vibrant and edgy Shoreditch area. Also, with The Tower of London not too far away from the hotel and within walking distance, getting around central London is easy. Aldgate East underground and Liverpool Street Station (handy for the Stansted Express) are also very nearby.
3 It’s the little touches that count
There are lots of thoughtful touches adding to your welcome experience – from humorous signage, helpful information like weekly weather forecasts in the lifts, the art and free tea and coffee available during your stay (the good stuff, that is).
4 The rooms
Fantastically well-designed rooms reflecting an Amsterdam mindset of simplicity, practicality, design and art.
The beds…zzz
The beds are super comfy – mattresses are organically made with lambswool, cotton and coir fibre. Lovely duvets, pillows and a queen size bed ensured I had one of the best sleeps I’ve ever had in a hotel. I woke up feeling mightily refreshed. This photo was taken after I slept in the bed!
The bathrooms
The bathrooms are equally well designed with rain showers and fluffy towels.
5 Green credentials
The hotel’s green credentials – from eco-friendly toiletries, filtered water, solar panels installed in the roofing and the use chemical-free cleaning products to mention but a few of their strategies, sets Qbic out to be one of the greenest if not the greenest hotel, in London. Qbic in London is Platinum Level Greenleaders on Tripadvisor.
6 Yum…the food
The food and drink – menus are thoughtfully designed, remarkably well priced, different from your standard hotel fayre and more like a high quality, casual dining restaurant you’d want to visit. Breakfast looked fresh, wholesome and included everything you might want from juices, fruit, cereals and bread to hot options freshly prepared from the open plan kitchen. I’m not a breakfast eater, but I really felt like I was missing out and it takes a lot for me to feel tempted!
7 It’s cosy
The cosiness of the lounge area that hosts the bar, restaurant and breakfast. The exceptional design manages to encompass all multipurpose living needs. You would feel comfortable lounging, working or dining in the space while on your own. It all happens in this one space. Also, as a frequent solo traveller who can spend the good part of an evening in a hotel (out by day and back by evening), this is a place where staying in feels like you are going out.
8 Qbic offers great value
You can get great deals on rooms even a few days or weeks before your arrival. They say the best rates are to be found on their website, so you should always check there, even if you think you’ve come across an attractive rate on a booking site. Enviable prices for London. For the solo traveller on a leisure break, it can be hard to get a room and hotel stay of this quality for under £100 in London and those deals are regularly available. If you sign up to their email, you could receive even better rates if you choose to stay again. I’ve yet to try this out, but I’m in!
All in all, Qbic London City is the kind of hotel you want to see do well – it’s a super concept, made with heart. Currently, there are two hotels – one in London and another in Amsterdam. The good news for the solo traveller is they are planning on opening more!
More Info:
Website: https://qbichotels.com/
Getting there: only 2 stops on the 205 Bus from Liverpool Street Station – ideal if you have luggage, but otherwise easy to walk to.
Nearest underground: Aldgate East
Ratings: Qbic on Tripadvisor
Address: 42 Alder Street, London E1 1EE
Leave a Reply