In January 2015, Richard Branson and the Virgin Group opened their first Virgin Hotel in Chicago and announced future locations in Nashville and New York City. The hotel which hopes to grow into a worldwide chain is doing what Virgin does best by shaking up the industry with their modern design, chic style, industry shattering technology and fee structure as they try to attract tech savvy, high income, well-educated, metropolitan professionals. The entire hotel was built around the consumer and ensures that customers are not nickeled and dimed, but also enjoy first class amenities in a world class environment.
The hotel offers modern luxury without the added fee or price tag in the refurbished historical Dearborn Bank Building! Guests are promised free high speed Wi-Fi, social hour, and early check-in and late check out without occurring additional fees. When was the last time you stayed at a luxury hotel without the upcharges? Well at the Virgin hotel that’s all included in the cost of the room!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk-iGjyTTSU]
- Guests enjoy free high speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel!
- Free early check-in or Late check-out upon availability!
- Daily social hour with free premium alcoholic beverages from 6pm to 7pm!
- Mini bars with street market prices! No more paying $5 for M&M or $12 for a mini bottle of vodka!
- No Gym fees!
- No Resort fees
- Pets stay free!
- Free Bottled water!
- No room service delivery fees!
- and more!
The hotel builds upon the stylish Virgin travel culture and the award winning Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse by designing their communal spaces as “unique spaces where our guests can get work done, nourish and refresh themselves, meet other interesting people, or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city”. The unique Virgin culture doesn’t stop there, but flows over into the restaurants, hotel rooms, and even the smart phone application which allows guests to order room service, adjust room temperature check in and out, and more! As Virgin Hotel is not you parents stuffy Ritz, but instead a hotel whose targeted “guest is more than comfortable with technology and craves customization and efficiency — so [Virgin Hotel] properties will provide simple, yet intuitive systems to help them get the most out of their stay (both in-room and throughout communal spaces).”
The hotel also has their own unique loyalty program, The Know, and is a Virgin America, Atlantic, Australia, and Galactic loyalty partner! Currently Virgin America Elevate guests receive 1000 bonus miles per stay and Virgin America Elevate Gold members will receive daily complimentary breakfast and a room upgrade, based on availability. Silver members will also receive an upgrade, based on availability
I will be staying the Virgin Hotel this Thursday night as I was invited to join Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin team at the hotels official opening ceremony and media tour! Although the hotel had their “soft opening” in January, the offical grand opening ceramony is Thursday April 16. Be sure to follow me on twitter to see updates throughout the night and photos of the event!
