Richard Branson Opens the First Virgin Hotel

Sir Richard Branson is a force to be reckoned with. While his travel businesses have mostly been focused off-land-including cruise lines, airlines and a space tourism company-Branson is coming back to shore.

Virgin Hotels unveiled their first hotel last week in Chicago’s Old Dearborn Bank Building. The flagship hotel will be a trial run of sorts, with plans to expand to other cities Virgin Airlines flies.

Virgin Hotels are anticipated to have between 150-400 rooms, and start at $209 per night. Virgin promises guests won’t experience any nickel and diming or hidden fees. Mobility will also play a role in the hotels operations as guests are able to reserve rooms, order food, change the climate and check out on their mobile devices.

The Chicago hotel offers three flexible spaces to book business meetings or special functions, each varying in capacity. It also offers a variety of ways to satisfy your appetite, and allows for some “me” time with a spa lounge slated to open in the spring and a rooftop gym equipped with Internet-equipped machines.

Virgin Hotels are expected to open in New York, New Orleans and Nashville. Each hotel will be unique to its location, catering to the personalities and needs of the citizens and customers in that area.

Source:  Paste Magazine - 19th January 2015