Virgin comes
aliVe in chicago
The lobby features an original 1920s oak cigar bar , brass elevator doors and ceiling tile . Guests can check in via kiosk or with a Virgin employee .
With a bit of wit and whimsy befitting its inspirational leader , Sir Richard Branson , the highly anticipated brand opens its first hotel . by BriTTany FarB , aSSOciaTE EdiTOr
It took close to five years after the brand launch , but the first Virgin Hotel is now open in Chicago , with Nashville and New York due to come online in 2016 and 2017 , respectively . The brand ramp up has been slow , but
CEO Raul Leal said at the Chicago opening in January that more deals were about to be announced ( in California and New Orleans , to name a few ) and momentum is building for the lifestyle brand cut from different cloth .
Located in the historic Old Dearborn Bank Building that dates back to 1928 , the Chicago hotel includes 250 unique guestrooms and suites , referred to as “ chambers ” by Virgin , featuring patentpending , ergonomically designed ,
30 HOTELS March 2015 www . hotelsmag . com