New Orleans is a city where sophistication and creativity come to life, so it’s no wonder that the Virgin Hotels New Orleans is such a prefect fit!
New Orleans is a city steeped in history and traditions, but it’s also a place where 21st century sophistication and creativity come to life. So it’s no wonder that the Virgin Hotels New Orleans (550 Baronne St. Tel: 504-603-8000. virginhotels.com/new-orleans) is such a good fit for the Big Easy.
The Virgin Hotels brand first launched in 2010, extending Sir Richard Branson’s innovative vision into the hospitality segment, and the small chain quickly gained a reputation for buzzy, forward-thinking style that’s complemented by playfully nostalgic nods to the past. The Virgin Hotels New Orleans is no exception, as my husband and I discovered during a recent stay. We found ourselves delighted and enticed by the hotel’s vibrant colors, unique design elements and comfortable style, as well as its staff, which embodies the concept of Southern hospitality.
Opened in 2021 along the borders between the Central Business District and Warehouse District, the Virgin Hotels New Orleans is a L.V.X. member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, a designation reserved for hotels that provide “upscale luxury with local flair” as well as exceptional dining, according to the hotel consortium, and this hotel certainly lives up to those standards.
Richard’s Flat Living Room (Photo by Virgin Hotels)
My only personal experience with the Virgin brand before this trip was aboard four long-haul flights with Virgin Atlantic Airways, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Virgin Hotels when I checked into their property in New Orleans. What I found was a well-rounded, well-designed hotel with an enchanting blend of cheeky, flirty, eclectic design, extensive amenities, and a youthful vibe that welcomes all ages.
Unlike some boutique brands that present trendy style with shiny, modern, sleek elements that may short-change comfort for the sake of making a visual statement, the Virgin Hotels New Orleans showcases a delightfully eye-catching and quirky eclectic style that never skimps on the comfort. You can tell they want you to relax and feel at home.
From the moment my husband and I entered the building, a new construction that blends perfectly with the neighborhood since it bears the architectural features of a historic building, we knew this was a far cry from cold minimalism or a stuffy luxury hotel. And the human touch is evident right way, with a warm and cheery reception desk staff.
Even as we conversed with the friendly receptionist, my eyes couldn’t help but stray to the adjacent lobby lounge, which is home to the appropriately named Funny Library Coffee Shop, an inviting space with comfy seating and rows of shelves laden with books and random knickknacks. There’s even a life-size statue of a seated man wearing a rabbit suit staring at a chess board (an absolutely irresistible photo opportunity).
Lobby & Funny Library (Photo by Virgin Hotels)
The Guest Room Experience
Anyone familiar with the Virgin brand is aware of its unique approach to nomenclature. In any other hotel chain you check into a guest room, of course, but not here. Rooms are called chambers, and there is a total of 238 of them at the Virgin Hotels New Orleans, including standard, 294-square-foot chambers, Grand Chamber Suites, a Penthouse Suite and Richard’s Penthouse Flat, a 1,097-square-foot space where the floor-to-ceiling windows provide memorable views of the city.
Penthouse Suite Bedroom (Photo by Virgin Hotels)
We stayed in one of the standard chambers, and while the square footage may not be the most expansive, we appreciated the thoughtful floorplan and design, which is called Virgin’s “signature layout.” With two separate and smartly divided living areas, it’s a wise use of space that makes the room much more livable, especially for two people.
Here’s what makes the guestroom layout so nice, and so different from most hotels: when you enter from the hotel corridor, you first find yourself in a small Dressing Room that’s furnished with two closet areas, a sink, water closet and large shower, which has brilliantly matching red shower head and handles. For me, the Dressing Room’s most eye-catching feature was the vintage-style vanity desk, which was paired with a large, illuminated mirror worthy of a Broadway dressing room.
From there, double French doors open out into what is called the Lounge (in every day parlance we’d call it the bedroom). Highlights of the space include a red SMEG mini-fridge, high-definition TV, yoga mat, ergonomically designed bed, and a “café worktable” with built-in window seating; we found it to be an ideal place for drinks, dining. and remote working.
Virgin Hotels New Orleans King City View (Photo by Virgin Hotels)
I found the layout especially helpful when my hubby wanted to sleep late and I needed to work early. I set up shop at the Dressing Room desk, which thankfully has multiple outlets, and the lighting was especially good for Zoom meetings (and participants were wowed by the dazzling lighting, which made me feel like a celebrity). When it came time for my hubby to work too, he set up shop at the table in front of the window. The chambers are decidedly high-tech as well, with the mobile app LUCY capable of controlling lighting, room temperature, the television, and ordering room service.
Speaking of room service, we never actually tried it. The hotel dining venues were simply too beautiful to stay in our chamber. On the rooftop, we found a great place for drinks, light bites, and swimming at The Pool Club, a chic oasis furnished with poolside sofas (if you’re dying to experience this space but aren’t staying at the hotel, you can buy a day pass).
An even more stunning option for drinks and dining is the Commons Club, which is the name of the signature restaurant at every Virgin Hotels property. In New Orleans, it’s a spacious and chic hotspot for culinary creativity, where a sophisticated contemporary American menu is graced with tasty Southern influences. We savored dishes including prime sirloin filet and Louisiana shrimp bucatini, accompanied by an extensive cocktail menu that also helps to make this a popular spot for afternoon drinks.
Commons Club Kitchen (Photo by Virgin Hotels)
If you’re there during the weekend, don’t miss the Country Diva Brunch (which is described as a “Dolly Parton burlesque brunch”), and the Bottomless Bubbles Brunch (which features bottomless mimosas and Veuve Cliquot, priced accordingly).
