Properties / Hotels

Virgin Hotels to open in Chicago

Virgin will open its first hotel in Chicago in the fall of 2014. The 250-room hotel will feature contemporary style and great functionality.

Apr 05, 2014 | By Anakin

Chicago skyline

After planes, trains and spaceships, Sir Richard Branson has revealed new details on his latest travel-related venture: Virgin Hotels.

According to a new infographic released from Virgin, the inaugural Virgin Hotel is slated to open in Chicago’s central business district, The Loop, and feature 210 rooms, 38 suites, and 2 ‘Rock Star’ rooms.

In line with the brand’s overall branding strategy, Virgin Hotels will target a creative, high-income audience by pitching a “sophisticated hotel experience.”

Other specs for the hotel include a rooftop lounge, the Boheme, two restaurants, a coffee and wine bar; gym, yoga and relaxation center; business area, theater and dance floor.

The hotel takes over the 27-storey landmark Old Dearborn Bank Building and is expected to open in September.

Virgin said that the Art Deco building, designed in 1928, “has significant historic and architectural features that will be restored and recreated.”

The Virgin Hotels brand is expected to offer accommodation competing with upscale lifestyle or luxury chains such as W HotelsAndaz or Hotel Indigo.

Branson has also expressed interest in moving his Virgin brand into the cruise industry, telling German business daily Handelsblatt that he’s already in negotiations with shipyards in Italy and Germany.

Old Dearborn Bank Building


 
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