Ready to stay in a hotel that does not feel like a hotel? Where you feel like you are staying in an exclusive yet creative space. Leave it to Sir Richard Branson to launch Virgin’s first US based hotel in Chicago. And he thought of everything!
The Chicago property, located just off Michigan Avenue in the business district, has a history of it’s own having once been the Old Dearborn bank building. In fact, throughout the hotel you will see hints of what the building’s previous business was just adding to the hotel’s ambience.
From a business traveler’s perspective, it’s all in the details of how the hotel is run. Walk into what you would expect to be a lobby but instead find a small former cigar bar now operating as a well-run reception desk. Two smiling Virgin associates hand you your key (because you had already checked in via the Virgin app) or assist you in accessing your profile for easy check in. The first hint of many high tech details found in this hotel.
Take the brass elevators, (tribute to that bank), up to your chamber – what Virgin calls your room and discover that there is a door that separates the bedroom from the entry and bathroom giving you that added privacy should room service be called. Nice.
As you look around the first portion of your chamber, you take note of a clearly different room design from your typical hotel room. Branson’s philosophy was to design a hotel that exceeded the expectations of women travelers. What was his motivation? Female business travelers are now accounting for 50% of hotel guests. Therefore, if a hotel room’s accommodations pleased women, he knew men would also approve. The details are extraordinary. Walk in to the hotel chamber and you notice a large, well-lit vanity that is arranged to offer the comforts of home. Think of it as your personal dressing room. No need to hover over the sink to put your make up on. Add to this perk, a large two-person shower with rainfall showerhead and bench and relaxation is kicking in.
Enter the bedroom portion of the space, and you see a bed that just welcomes you. In fact, they may just become known for these beds. You will notice a lounge aspect to the design of the bed accommodating the need to work from your hotel room.
Want a snack but don’t want to pay a fortune at the mini-bar? No problem as the provided treats are sold at the neighborhood store’s pricing. Yes, that is correct. No $10 candy bar here. Speaking of amenities, you will find no fees being charged for wireless usage, movie downloads or room service either. Using Virgin’s app, you can even order room service to be ready for you when you arrive at the hotel. All about service.
The Commons Club is a space designed for work and play. Open to hotel guests and the public. Business meetings (outlets line the underside of the bar) and a relaxing cocktail.
The design of the area is all about comfort, humor and a good time.
Looking for a bite to eat? How about trying Miss Ricky’s classic American diner. This is your hotel restaurant with flair.
Just want a cup of coffee and a pastry while you get some work done? Check out the hotels Two Zero Three coffee and wine bar.
Ready for an evening cocktail where you can see the beautiful Chicago architecture? Come to the Rooftop bar.
Hitting the gym is easy:
Whether you are coming to Chicago for business or pleasure, the new Virgin Hotel is definitely worth a stop. The design and amenities are intriguing and just what Sir Richard wants you to experience. New hotels are expected in Nashville and NY in the near future.
For more information, please visit Virgin Hotels, Chicago.
Thanks for stopping by!
I love Virgin Airways, so it’s not a surprise that Virgin Hotel is awesome too. I love all the touches (that that red Vespa chair). I will be coming to Chicago next May for a conference – I may have to stay there for a night or two.
I agree. It’s all in the details that Virgin seems to excel at.
This hotel looks great! This would be perfect when we visit our family in Chicago! I love how modern it is!
Me too! It’s a very comfortable hotel in terms of seating as you can see in the photos. Not all modern hotels are like that.
Now that is a cool place. I definitely have to keep this in mind when I’m planning my next Chicago trip.
I usually stay in Albany Park when in Chicago ( my brothers). But if I ever decide to stay downtown, I will consider this!
What a lovely hotel. I like that is is very neat. I love the red mini ref. I would love to have one of these in our bedroom.
It’s a SMEG fridge. Saw them at the International Housewares Show this year and was drawn to their sleekness.
I’ve never been in this hotel, I think Chicago is in my bucket list next year, I’m gonna visit this hotel I wanted to try there foods.
I hope you get to come to Chicago and stay at the hotel. You will like the ambience. The food at Miss Ricky’s is delicious. That’s a tuna nicoise wrap. Yum!
Now that’s a swanky, trendy hotel I’d like to stay in! Mr. Branson never fails to surprise. Would love to spend a few nights there!
Agreed! Sir Richard Branson thinks of the details for sure!
Wow! That is indeed a nice hotel. Thanks for letting us know that Virgin Hotels are now in Chicago. I will keep this in mind when I am in the area. I would want to experience it myself!
It will be memorable for sure!
We should have gone to Chicago for our recent vacation because the hotels we stayed in definitely felt like hotels. What a gorgeous place to stay, thanks for sharing and for all of your photos.
Photos give a taste of what it might be like, right?! Thanks for message.
I’ve never been to Chicago but if I ever go I am getting that wrap! It looks soooo good. And I love the chairs in the hotel room. What a cool idea! <3 Christine
Yep, you’re right! This is one hotel that’s worth staying in. I love the spacious rooms and the interiors. Very modern and playful. Surely, you won’t get tired of being stuck in side a hotel room if the room is like that.
Playful! That’s a great description!
I love this hotel , i like to staying there for good, lol Such a nice place to visit. have to keep this in mind when we planing to go in chicago
I love the clean, modern look of this hotel and that they don’t charge for the extras!! Next time I am in Chicago, I will be checking it out 🙂
The no extra charges is really a big change from most hotels. It’s a fun hotel just based on design. Thanks for message.
I will keep it on my radar. We go to Chicago several times a year, and I love that city!
My list of places I want to visit is growing so fast..I can barely keep up! I love how they have designed the modern around the old. I think a building with history is so fascinating and even though we all love the new appreciating the old is so great.
I love this! I wanna stay here. They make everything so convenient. I love how it’s decorated too. Very nice!
That sounds like a lovely place to stay. I will keep this in mind if I ever make it out that way.
I love visiting chicago but this hotel looks AMAZING and I haven’t visited it yet… I’ll definitely have to check it out next time I need a place to stay while I’m in town! The modern look is just my type. 🙂
Thanks, Lauren! It is definitely a place with lots of benefits and unique characteristics. Have fun! PS. Fall is a great time of year in Chicago.
I didn’t know Virgin had hotels or a hotel check in app for that matter, this looks like a great place to stay. And I spot BUTTERFLIES in this post! 🙂
Yes! good eyes! It’s a really creative hotel. Memorable and comfortable. Hope you get to try it out one day.
Wow oh wow! The hotel looks luxurious yet comfortable. Love the red Vespa chair! The bed looks so inviting and that vanity area–every hotel room should have that.
Wow, great hotel. I love these rainfall showerheads in hotels. I get that old feeling of playing in the rain as a kid every day when I shower 😉