The only hotel you need to know in London

I've got to tell you about the London hotel I stayed in last week. It was great. It wasn't an 'ordinary' hotel experience, rather a redefined hotel experience, and definitely one I'd recommend. If you need a great place to stay in central London that doesn't cost the earth (or even normal London prices), then this place is for you.

The hotel is called Qbic, and there are two - one in London and another in Amsterdam. So what about it? Well, Qbic declares itself as an 'evolved' hotel - a new kind of hotel where the basics are perfect: a spotless, soundless room, a lavishly comfortable bed, a powerful shower, and free wi fi. And it's all of this and more.

What I loved about it...

The bed

It was enormous. And sooo comfortable. The first night, I slept diagonally across the bed and felt like I was asleep on a football field - I had that much space. The mattress was deliciously comfortable.

The bathroom
The bathroom and bed are all attached as one unit. It sounds strange but in reality it really works. This allows the hotel to 'set up' bedrooms in old buildings, without any damaging construction work. In fact, each 'cubi' of bed/bathroom can be assembled in just two hours.

Anyway. Back to the bathroom. It has everything you need, but most important of all, it has a rainforest shower. And my goodness, after a long day in London, we all know how much a good shower is needed. And boy, was this one good. And very hot. Just the way I like it.

And the entire shower experience is nicely rounded off with extra large, impossibly white and super fluffy towels. None of that skimpy thin hotel towel here! Quite simply, bravo.

No frills

All the usual hotel frills have been stripped out. There is no phone in the room. No fancy furniture. And no tea/coffee making facilities. All of this was fine by me! If you need to contact reception, you can message them on your phone. Tea/coffee? Outside in the corridor you'll find a well stocked coffee station with everything you need. Furniture has been replaced with cool and simple wooden structures by a young designer - perfect for hanging your coat or sorting your stuff.

Mood lighting and TV
But the hotel knows the importance of ambience. A super cool 'mood light' at the end of the bed is a great way to change the atmosphere of the room from cool and impersonal to warm and friendly. You can see it up above in the 'cubi' photo of the bed. And of course there's a TV if you need one.

The lift
The lift was a charm. Both days I was there the clipboards nailed to the inside of the lift bore different quotes and inspirationals to perk you up for the day. A nice touch.

The lounge
Downstairs there is a really funky lounge/living room/bar (pictured in the top photo in this post). I only had the pleasure of trying out a coffee here on the morning I was leaving, but it looked like a super place to chill out after a long day exploring the city.

The staff

So friendly, welcoming and helpful. There's no traditional reception desk here - rather just a couple of people hanging around the lobby with a laptop. Checking out - just throw your key card into the basket and away you go.

The website
Go on - check it out and tell me you don't want to stay??

With rooms starting from £120, this is my best London secret. I can't wait to visit again.

All photos from the Qbic London City website.