Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
Set in the heart of the Loop district of Chicago sits the Old Dearborn Bank Building, a 1920s structure filled with neoclassical charm. The building was once used for business, but now it's intended for a whole lot of pleasure. Virgin acquired the building and renovated it to become the company's very first hotel — Virgin Hotels Chicago.
I was invited by Virgin to attend the grand opening, and to say the hotel is impressive is an understatement. Its 1960s mod decor, mobile service app, and nod to founder Richard Branson's British roots give this hotel a unique appeal. Millenials looking for a trendy experience will be satisfied, while adults of older generations will still feel right at home. Prices start at $299 a night.
I would even venture to say that Virgin Hotels Chicago is the coolest place to stay in the states. I pored over every last corner of the place so that you know what to expect if you're thinking of booking a stay. Check out all 29 reasons why this hotel is worthy of your attention.
1Chambers
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
Don't ever call your space a room — it's the chambers. Dividing the space into two separate areas (the sleeping lounge and the dressing room) is genius; you don't ever feel crowded.
1 / 28
2Easy Access
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
All you have to do is tap your key card on your door to get in — it's way easier than sliding your card a million times before accessing your space.
2 / 28
3Sliding Doors
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
The dressing room and the sleeping lounge are divided by sliding privacy doors. This way, if you order room service or don't want to disrupt your bedmate, you can have a chamber all to yourself.
3 / 28
4Peephole
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
Still want to know what's going on in the dressing room? A sneaky peephole allows you to see what's happening.
4 / 28
5Custom-Designed Beds
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
I kid you not, this bed is like sleeping on a cloud. The custom beds made especially for the hotel feature ergonomic details that make the bed extra comfy.
5 / 28
6Clever Comfort
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
One of my favorite features is the erectable footboard on the end of the bed. This can be used as a lounge chair when you're not looking to bury yourself under the covers.
6 / 28
7Cheeky Commentary
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
Just about everywhere you turn, both inside and outside your chambers, there's sassy little notes with hidden innuendos. Staying at a hotel should be fun, and Virgin makes sure to give you a chuckle.
7 / 28
8Poliform Closet
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
The closet is huge and easy to use. What I was even more pleasantly surprised by was the yoga mat and umbrella set inside.
8 / 28
9Pour-Over Coffee
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
No ugly coffee pots here. Instead, a pour-over coffee and tea kit is supplied next to your bed.
9 / 28
10Cozy Details
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
A flannel accent wall with red stitching makes the chambers feel cozy.
10 / 28
11Smeg Fridge
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
This adorable little Smeg fridge is stocked with every beverage under the sun. Plus you can actually look at the products without an obnoxious sensor charging you for simply picking up a drink.
11 / 28
12Affordable Snacks
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
You guys, the snacks are actually affordable. You won't have to pay 10 bucks for a bag of pretzels or a candy bar. Most of the food is $1 to $3.
12 / 28
13Chamber Doorbell
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
Sometimes it's hard to hear a knock at the door, so the chambers are equipped with doorbells. You'll never miss a visitor.
13 / 28
14Rainfall Shower
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
Spa not necessary; you'll want to stay in the shower — complete with a rainfall showerhead — basically forever.
14 / 28
15Work/Play Station
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
The swivel desk with a task lamp was cool, but I was more excited about the Stelle Audio Pillar in my chambers. It was great for listening to music before getting ready for a night out or having background noise while doing some work.
15 / 28
16Eco Friendly
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
It seems like such an obvious feature to have, but most hotels just have trash cans in their rooms. Each chamber has a bin dedicated to rubbish and recyclable items.
16 / 28
17Space-Saving Vanity
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
I thought this feature was genius: a sit-down makeup vanity that doesn’t take over the entire bathroom. The oversize mirror has lighting set in it — incredibly useful.
17 / 28
18Speedy Service
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
All you have to do is hit the Yes! button on your hotel phone to be directly accommodated with anything you need, including room service and special requests.
18 / 28
19Dog Friendly
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
If you're bringing a dog along, you can request a chambers equipped with dog beds.
19 / 28
20Centrally Located
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
Since Virgin Hotels Chicago is located in the Loop, visitors are superclose to some of the city's big attractions like the Magnificent Mile and Willis Tower. Make sure to check out Do-Rite Donuts too.
20 / 28
21Mod Decor
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
From the second you walk into the hotel, there's something interesting to look at in every corner. The color palette of Virgin's signature red combined with warm earth tones makes you feel welcome rather than intimidated by the edgy elements.
21 / 28
22The Commons Club
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
The second floor is the Commons Club, a bar, lounge, study, and restaurant rolled up into one space. My favorite area is the Funny Library, an area filled with kooky odds and ends you can certainly consider conversation pieces.
22 / 28
23Shag Room
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
For a more intimate setting, the Shag Room is filled with comfy lounge seats and furry throws. The heavy velvet curtains make you feel like you've stepped inside an avant-garde circus tent.
23 / 28
24Cutting-Edge Art
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
The hotel's art is anything but ordinary. Video paintings by the elevators and projected murals on the stairs are more than decorations, they're entertainment.
24 / 28
25Instagram-Worthy Details
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
The 26th floor has a rooftop bar with so many cool details you'll want to Instagram them all. A wall filled with giant bugs and a chintz-covered deer head are some of the more memorable features.
25 / 28
26Killer Views
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
Step onto the balcony of the rooftop bar to see Trump Tower and an amazing view of the city skyline.
26 / 28
27Innovative Eateries
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
There are a few places to eat inside the hotel, but my favorite is Two Zero Three. The casual coffee bar turns into a wine bar at night.
27 / 28
28Convenient App
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams
If you download the Virgin Hotels mobile app, you can control your chambers' temperature, order room service, and check in or out of the hotel. That's forward-thinking.
