First Virgin Hotel Opens in Chicago

CHICAGO — The Virgin Group has opened its first property, Virgin Hotels Chicago. The new hotel brand will join a portfolio of hospitality companies led by Virgin Group and its founder, Sir Richard Branson. Virgin Hotels Chicago is located in Chicago’s Loop district in the historic Old Dearborn Bank Building at 203 N. Wasbash Ave. The 26-story Art Deco building includes 250 guestrooms, including 40 one-bedroom suites and two penthouse suites. All guestrooms are divided into two spaces by sliding doors. The dressing rooms include a full vanity, make-up desk and mirror, an extra-large shower with a bench and his and hers closets. Several of the building’s original features remain intact and are showcased throughout. Some of those include a 1920s oak cigar bar that serves as the hotel’s front desk, ornate brass elevator doors and an original mail slot and chute. Virgin Hotels plans to open a second location in Nashville in the summer of 2016 and a third property in New York City in 2017. The team will announce two additional locations by the end of 2016, with the brand planning to open 20 locations by 2025.