CUBE
The Evolution of the American Motel
Introduction
CUBE is modernizing the $60B “asbestos-era” U.S. interstate-highway hotel market with a nationwide network of sleek, pre-fabricated “cube hotels" to address the lack of quality, affordable overnight accommodations for road trippers. CUBE is an aesthetically contemporary, modularly-constructed category-killer that aims to create a "home-base" for the underserved "Yuppie Millennial & Gen Z" traveler. Modular in nature, CUBEs can be built in 50% of the time at 60% of the cost of traditional hotels.
Visit our website at: cubeproperties.us
Problem
The hospitality market along the U.S. interstate highway system is outdated, unsafe, and plainly, depressing. Consequentially, younger road trippers have a strong aversion to roadside economy (Motel 6, Super8, etc.) and midscale hotel brands (Best Western, Comfort Inn, etc.), viewing them as low-quality and unsafe – and for good reason - the average hotel along the U.S. interstate highway system was built during the Gerald Ford administration! Unsurprisingly, an internal survey of road trippers aged 20-40 showed that only 15% enjoyed the design of the popular economy and midscale brands, only 32% felt safe when staying at these brands, and only 9% enjoyed the breakfast options available at these brands. However, this problem is so ubiquitous throughout the existing supply that road trippers generally don't have much of an alternative.
In sum, the U.S. motel market is an outdated $60B monolith ripe for a disruptive entrant with an innovative form factor and refreshed brand that better communicates with a younger audience through innovative design, technology, and marketing.
Opportunity
CUBE - the coolest hotel in the world. A nationally scaled, owned and operated network of category-killing hotels along the U.S. interstate highway system that is equal parts aesthetic masterpiece and ruthlessly efficient free cash flow generating machine. CUBE adds value relative to peers across 5 distinct categories: design, amenities, safety, operational efficiency, and scalability.
Incredible "Japandi" (Japanese + Scandinavian) Design: CUBE is a bold, modern architectural statement that looks like it's straight out of a Black Mirror episode. CUBE Hotels are a jet black, aluminum composite paneled buildings equal in length width and height. Each CUBE has a central Japanese Zen garden + atrium. Our lobby spaces offer modular coworking space, sunken conversation pits, and warm wood accents. Every detail is designed to be Instagram-worthy while maintaining an effortless, minimalist aesthetic that appeals to the modern traveler.
Aspirational Amenities: A curated experience that delivers more than just a place to sleep. CUBE rooms have Playstation5's, 60 inch Roku TV's, and Nespresso Machines. CUBE gyms have infrared saunas, cold-plunges, and Pelotons. CUBE rooms offer offers high-end bedding, brand name toiletries, and rainfall showerheads. Hi-Fi SONOS speakers in the CUBE lobby play LoFi-house music from cool European DJ's you haven't heard of yet. Thoughtfully designed communal spaces include rooftop terraces, fire pits, and co-working lounges, making CUBE the perfect stop for road trippers, adventure seekers, and digital nomads alike.
Operationally Efficient: Tech-enabled and lean, CUBE operates with minimal staffing while maximizing guest experience. A seamless mobile check-in, keyless entry, and AI-powered guest support reduce overhead while maintaining high-touch service. Smart energy management systems, automated housekeeping scheduling, and data-driven pricing strategies ensure every CUBE location runs at peak efficiency, driving unbeatable free cash flow generation.
Safety: One of the biggest pain points of the traditional roadside motel experience is security. The typical open-corridor, exterior-facing room layout of motels creates safety risks - anyone can walk right up to a guest's door, and there’s little oversight of who is on the property at any given time. CUBE eliminates this risk through a controlled-access, tech-enabled design that prioritizes guest safety without sacrificing convenience. Unlike traditional motels where rooms open directly to a parking lot or exterior walkway, CUBE features a fully enclosed building with controlled entry points. Guests can only access the property through secure, keycard or mobile app-based entry systems. This prevents unauthorized individuals from wandering the premises, creating a safer and more private environment.
Scalability + Cost Savings Through Modular Construction: CUBE is designed to be a copy-paste model. CUBE’s proprietary prefabricated construction model allows for rapid expansion with cost-efficient, factory-built modules that reduce construction time by ~50% and construction costs by ~30%. By leveraging modular design, CUBE can be deployed at scale with consistent quality, reducing site work and accelerating time to revenue. This can allow CUBE to capture the market before incumbents have sufficient time to act. Modular construction also massively reduces carbon emissions, putting us within range of carbon-neutrality.