First Ever Virgin Hotel Opens in Chicago

By Ioana Neamt, Associate Editor

203 N Wabash Ave

The first property to be part of Sir Richard Branson’s new Virgin Hotels brand opened its doors in Chicago, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Virgin Group.

Located at 203 N. Wabash Ave. in the historic Old Dearborn Bank Building, Virgin Hotels Chicago offers 250 guests rooms, including two penthouse suites and 40 one-bedroom suites. According to a statement released by Virgin, the new hotel offers free Wi-Fi with unlimited bandwidth, and has eliminated room service delivery charges, early check-in fees, late check-out fees, as well as any other fees that might overcharge its guests.

“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,” said Virgin Group founder Richard 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.”

Virgin Hotels Chicago will offer guests a variety of dining options, including the two-story The Commons Club, Miss Ricky’s all-American diner, and a rooftop bar and lounge.

The Commons Club

The hotel also incorporates a rooftop gym, three modular spaces for social events and meetings, and a spa that will open in the spring of 2015. Room amenities include a full vanity, make-up desk and mirror, extra-large shower, LG Smart TV, mini-fridge, as well as the brand’s patent-pending, ergonomically designed bed.

Virgin Hotels intends to open 20 brand hotels by 2025, all designed to achieve LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. According to a news release, the brand plans to open its second location in Nashville in 2016 and a third in New York City in 2017.

Images courtesy of Chicago Magazine.

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