Virgin Hotels has opened the doors to its first property, Virgin Hotels Chicago. The new hotel brand will join a portfolio of hospitality companies led by Virgin Group and its founder, Sir Richard Branson.
Designed by Rockwell Group Europe, the property is located in the heart of Chicago’s Loop district in the historic Old Dearborn Bank building. The 26-story Art Deco building, a Chicago landmark, offers 250 guest rooms, including 40 one-bedroom suites and two penthouse suites.
“It’s been a long held dream to start beautiful, comfortable, fun hotels for guests and give them what they want and need while being gentle on their wallets,” says Branson. “I’m tremendously proud of the brilliant Virgin Hotels team, and I look forward to hosting our fans and spending more time in Chicago.”
Several of the building’s original features remain intact and are showcased throughout, such as a beautiful 1920s oak cigar bar that serves as the hotel’s front desk, ornate brass elevator doors, and the original mail slot and chute serving all floors. At the heart of Virgin Hotels Chicago is the Commons Club, a dynamic space where guests can dine, drink, work and mingle, as well as attend a nightly hosted social hour. The two-story space it occupies was the original bank floor with its beautiful coffered plaster ceiling.
Guestroom corridors set a residential mood with red wall lamps, reminiscent of street lighting, and townhouse-inspired guestroom doors in Virgin’s signature red. Their design is timeless yet playful, with a simple palette of natural woods and finishes. Each Chamber is styled after a pied-à-terre with two distinct areas—a dressing room and a lounge.
Penthouse suites have a glamorous, rock ’n’ roll vibe. Instead of the typical dining area, the suites boast a large bar with shelving set against a bronzed mirror.
The hotel will have four additional dining options, including Miss Ricky’s, a 23-hour, All-American diner, and a rooftop bar and lounge, all opening between February and April.
Virgin Hotels has plans to open a second location in Nashville in the summer of 2016 and a third property in New York in the fall of 2017. The team will also announce two additional locations by the end of 2016, with the brand aiming to have 20 locations by 2025.
