Phase two, set to open in stages between mid-February and mid-April, will include Miss Ricky's, a hip street level diner; Two Zero Three, an old fashioned coffee and wine bar; two penthouse suites and The Spa, featuring a rustic design that sets the mood for relaxation and mingling.
NEW YORK – Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has collaborated with award-winning design firm, Rockwell Group Europe on its first property, Virgin Hotels Chicago. Rockwell Group Europe and Virgin Hotels have completed phase one of the design; 250 guest rooms, known as Chambers, including 38 one-bedroom suites and The Commons Club, the social epicenter of the hotel.
Phase two, set to open in stages between mid-February and mid-April, will include Miss Ricky’s, a hip street level diner; Two Zero Three, an old fashioned coffee and wine bar; two penthouse suites and The Spa, featuring a rustic design that sets the mood for relaxation and mingling.
“Bringing to life the Virgin Hotel brand has been a fluid, collaborative process,” says Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels. “While we came to the project with a specific notion of hospitality that builds on Virgin’s innovative and playful spirit, Rockwell Group Europe helped us design a unique guest experience focused on customization and efficiency.”
“Design is critical,” Branson has commented about the hotel’s many clever features. “There’s just a feeling you get when you walk into a Virgin property. Design is what sets it apart.”
Virgin Hotels Chicago is located in downtown Chicago in the Old Dearborn Bank building, a 26-story Art Deco landmark. Several of the building’s original features have been restored and are showcased throughout, like a 1920s oak Cigar Bar that serves as the hotel’s front desk and ornate brass elevator doors,
“The Old Dearborn Bank building adds a lot of historic Chicago character to the hotel and allowed us to work with wonderful original details while bringing in contemporary design elements to underscore Virgin Hotels’ vibrant identity,” comments Diego Gronda, Managing & Creative Director, Rockwell Group Europe.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
