The first Virgin-branded hotel has opened in Chicago’s Loop district in the 26-storey Old Dearborn Bank Building, originally designed by architecture firm Rapp and Rapp.

The Art Deco building, a Chicago landmark, has 250 guestrooms, including 40 one-bedroom suites and two Penthouse Suites. There are four restaurants – three of which are scheduled to open between February and April of this year. The hotel’s spa will open in Q2 and “will be a wellness lounge, designed with beauty, comfort and mingling in mind.”

Virgin founder, Richard Branson, said: “It’s been a long-held dream to start beautiful, comfortable, fun hotels for guests and give them what they want and need while being gentle on their wallets.”

Rockwell Group Europe were responsible for the design and have created a playful vibe with social spaces. Bedrooms are divided in two by sliding doors, complete with peephole and Virgin Hotels is in the process of patenting its ergonomic bed which features a built-in corner snug and comfy headboard.

At the heart of the hotel, the 11,000sq ft Commons Club is divided into four zones – The Commons Bar, The Shag Room, The Funny Library and The Kitchen, which will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to guests at the bar, the communal tables and in booths.

The feel is of a private members’ club without the fees. The aim is to remove hassles, with free wifi and no fees for early check-in or late check-out, room service, delivery charges, business centre transactions, or other services that cause frustration for travellers.

Virgin Hotels will open in Nashville in Q3 2016 and New York City in Q4 2017. The aim is 20 locations by 2025. @virginhotels

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