Kube Hotel Paris

A strange spot for a chic hotel

There is no shortage of luxury hotels and palaces in Paris. They’re an integral part of the French capital. However, the vast majority of them are situated in the city’s chic areas such as the 8^th and 16th arrondissements, at prestigious addresses where the rich and the famous from France and throughout the world come together. To set themselves apart from these establishments which cultivate a certain high quality French classicism, others have opted for a more design approach. Boutique hotels with a limited number of rooms but with a unique concept and a more intimate type of charm have therefore begun to flourish throughout the capital, thereby creating more daring ideas, cozier, more design type interiors and ultra high technology. And one of these hotels has gone a step further by opening up in a very working class neighborhood. Although it’s located near the popular tourist area of Montmartre, the Chapelle quarter is more well known for its Indian convenience stores and its kebab restaurants.

Design “on the rocks”

Located in a U shaped building on a small street off the boulevard de la Chapelle, the Kube Hotel seems to be hidden behind a very classic façade. However, in the middle of the interior courtyard, we find a plexi-glass cube, and like the Louvre pyramid, it also has the function of a reception area. As its name indicates, the decorations and the architecture of the Kube Hotel are inspired and modelled after a very specific geometric shape. The cube is therefore used in several different ways, giving the entire hotel a very elegant contemporary touch. With its furry sofas, its design furniture and its plasma screens, the Kube looks like a 1960s science-fiction film décor, kitsch, contemporary and off the wall. This retro-futuristic style is highlighted by pieces of furniture that have become design classics like the Eero Aarnio Bubble chair. The hotel’s 41 rooms and suites are spacious, and equipped with the latest in high tech equipment. The décor is north European, complete with small, interesting details like for example, the beds which are lit from below creating a sort of floating impression. The bathrooms are equipped with the Jelly Cubes range by Philippe Starck. But the highlight of the hotel which has earned it its reputation throughout Paris is its Ice bar. Twenty-five tons of ice were needed to create this unique spot where one can enjoy vodka based cocktails in a ten degrees below zero Celsius atmosphere. It’s a totally innovative design experience which for many defines the success of this unusual site.

The Ice bar has a capacity of 20 people at one time, and is limited to 30 minutes per person. It’s therefore advisable to reserve well in advance in order to take full advantage of Paris’ “coolest” bar. Mittens, chapkas and other arctic apparels are supplied by the hotel.