The concept of the cube hotel first emerged in Spain, and has grown in popularity in recent years to spread to many diverse corners of the world, from the Swedish Lapland to the Australian Outback and the coast of Thailand. Each hotel room occupies a cubic block and is typically situated in a picturesque location, boasting panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Hotel comparison website trivago.co.uk showcases some of the pioneers of this cutting-edge design and architecture, including a mirrored cube in the trees and a London hotel with the external appearance of a Rubik's cube. For more innovative and quirky hotels and hotel rooms, check out trivago's top ten unusual hotels.
Trend: Ten Cube Hotels
Consolación, Monroyo, Spain(01 of10)
The small village of Monroyo is conveniently located equidistance from Barcelona and Valencia, making an overnight trip to the unique Consolación hotel both plausible and worthwhile. This boutique hotel of 11 separate cube structures was created in 2003 by three Barcelona-based lovers of modern architecture. Each cube boasts slate bathtubs and flooring, hanging cast-iron fireplaces, private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views over the undisturbed Matarraña countryside. The main hotel building is housed within a 17th century church and consists of a library, a lounge and a renowned, locally-sourced restaurant.
Treehotel, Harads, Sweden(02 of10)
This once-in-a-lifetime hotel is renowned for its Mirrorcube, a mirror-covered hotel room suspended in the air and almost invisible amongst the treetops. Treehotel is located in the heart of the Swedish Lapland and consists of six tree houses designed by some of Sweden’s leading architects. Guests have the opportunity to sleep in a range of structures, from the Bird’s Nest to the UFO, whilst enjoying views over the Lule River. Summer guests can enjoy kayaking, fishing and hiking, whilst winter guests may want to try snowshoeing, dog-sledding or attempting to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic Northern Lights.
Longitude 131˚, Ayers Rock, Australia(03 of10)
Longitude 131˚ is a selection of 15 luxurious tents uniquely positioned in the dual World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, famed for the iconic Ayers Rock. Guests can enjoy private and unsurpassed views of the sun rising and setting over this 348 metre tall sandstone monolith. Although the white canvas roofs give the illusion of camping, each elevated room contains modern luxuries such as remote-controlled blinds. Guests can dine under the stars at Table 131˚, which offers three courses of traditional outback fare and fine Australian wines, accompanied by the didgeridoo and traditional indigenous dance.
Viura, Eskuernaga, Spain(04 of10)
Hotel Viura’s futuristic asymmetrical cubes are juxtaposed against the traditional Spanish village of Eskuernaga, creating a striking and architecturally fascinating design. The Rioja region is famed for its wine of the same name, making Viura the ideal destination to sample wine from the surrounding vineyards and wineries. Guests may want to explore the neighbouring 16th Century San Andrée Church, try the traditional sport of Basque pelota on the adjacent court, or hike and cycle in the shadow of the picturesque Sierra de Cantabria mountain range. Hotel Viura prides itself for its sustainable architecture and promotion of green living, even providing guests with bicycles upon arrival.
Casa de la Flora, Khao Lak, Thailand(05 of10)
Casa de la Flora is an award-winning design hotel situated on the beachfront between the Khao Lok rainforest and the Andaman Sea, in Thailand’s popular Phuket province. The hotel consists of 36 cube-shaped villas, furnished in a modern and elegant style with concrete, stone, glass and teak wood. Each villa features a private pool and sunbathing deck, all boasting views over the crystal blue sea. Guests in need of some relaxation should check in to the Spa de La Flora, featuring innovative treatments such as the Casa Touch of Tad Si (a traditional Thai massage incorporating acupressure and herbal compress treatments).
St Martins Lane, London(06 of10)
Although slightly different from the separated cube concept, St Martins Lane in London offers many features of the cube hotel. These include floor-to-ceiling windows and the external appearance of a vibrant Rubik’s Cube, due to interactive light installations inside each guest room. Conveniently located in the heart of the West End, between Covent Garden and Leicester Square, St Martins Lane prides itself as a unique urban resort. Various design influences are evident throughout, from the impossibly tall, revolving yellow-glass entrance doors, to the popular Light Bar and the innovative Asia de Cuba restaurant, blending Latin and Asian cuisine.
lebua Lodge at Amer, Jaipur, India(07 of10)
The 40 cubic structures at lebua Lodge at Amer are based on the traditional Indian nomadic tents. Although the sloping canvas roofs and abundance of open space may give the illusion of camping, each tent boasts almost 50 square metres of space, a private garden and floor-to-ceiling windows for a truly luxurious stay. This unique resort is situated adjacent to Jaipur’s renowned Amer or Amber Fort, named due to its colour and famed for its artistic style of Hindu elements. Guests can dine in the Fort’s shadow at the hotel’s Toran Restaurant, boasting creative Indian cuisine and a poolside location.
Aire de Bárdenas, Tudela, Spain(08 of10)
The cubic blocks of the Aire de Bárdenas hotel have been described as something of a mirage, due to the reflections of the surrounding Bárdenas Reales. This National Park is a 150 square mile semi-desert biosphere reserve, featuring sandstones structures and canyons which guests can enjoy on foot, mountain bike or quad bike. Guest rooms are minimally designed yet spacious and comfortable, some complete with private terraces and outdoor Jacuzzi bathtubs perfect for stargazing. Vegetarians will love the hotel’s restaurant, which focuses on vegetables locally sourced from the Navarre region.
Indigo, Birmingham(09 of10)
Housed inside the aptly named Cube building in Birmingham, Hotel Indigo has a cube theme throughout, from the external appearance of the building to the interior décor. The building’s iconic exterior is adorned with different sized cubes, whilst each hotel room occupies a cubic block and features carpets and wall hangings of cubic shapes. Inside the building guests also have the option to relax in an exclusive members-only health club and spa or dine in style at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, boasting seasonal produce, an extensive wine cellar and panoramic city views.
Indigo, Birmingham(10 of10)
Housed inside the aptly named Cube building in Birmingham, Hotel Indigo has a cube theme throughout, from the external appearance of the building to the interior décor. The building’s iconic exterior is adorned with different sized cubes, whilst each hotel room occupies a cubic block and features carpets and wall hangings of cubic shapes. Inside the building guests also have the option to relax in an exclusive members-only health club and spa or dine in style at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, boasting seasonal produce, an extensive wine cellar and panoramic city views.