Virgin Hotels Website Launches Ahead of Brand’s Debut

Ryan Rudnansky
by Ryan Rudnansky
Last updated: 10:00 PM ET, Wed October 8, 2014

Photo courtesy Virgin Hotels Facebook page

Virgin Hotels launched its official website today, complete with an animated video that highlights how the four-star lifestyle brand courtesy of Sir Richard Branson will eliminate the usual frustrations for travelers.

The website, www.virginhotels.com, boasts a sleek, interactive and mobile-friendly design, keeping up with the times while providing easy browsing whether you are using a desktop, smart phone or tablet.

"Our goal in the creation of Virgin Hotel's website was to clearly differentiate the entire experience from what typical hotel websites have been offering up, while also improving upon ease of use," said Doug Carrillo, vice president of sales & marketing for Virgin Hotels, via a press release. "Guests will no longer have to sift through unnecessary or irrelevant information. The site will show exactly what guests want to know and helps them find it effortlessly."

The new video illustrates the "unbrilliant" ideas of hotels that lead to frustration for travelers, and counters them with the "brilliant" ideas Virgin Hotels promotes.

Aspects of the Virgin Hotels experience include: free Wi-Fi with no bandwidth restrictions, cheaper minibar pricing, no hidden fees at checkout, a pied-a-terre style room that can be divided into two chambers (allowing for flexibility and privacy), room amenities that cater to the female business traveler and-perhaps most eye-catching-an app that controls the room environment, entertainment, service and check-in/checkout.

"The video goes beyond just a tour of the two chamber concept, it's our anthem for rebellion in the name of the guest," Carrillo said. "For too long, guests have put up with hidden or absurd fees for common services, outrageous minibar prices and slow Wi-Fi at ridiculous prices. And they've settled for a room that's focused on form, rather than function. Virgin Hotels is here to change that and set a new standard."

The first property to debut under the new brand, Virgin Hotels Chicago, is scheduled to open in December. It will be located in the heart of Chicago's Loop district in the historic Old Dearborn Bank Building at 203 N. Wabash Avenue. The 27-story Art Deco building will feature 250 rooms, 40 one-bedroom suites and two "rock star" suites. Meeting spaces, restaurants, lounges and other public areas will also be included.

More properties in New York, Nashville and beyond are also planned.

Guests can now make reservations at www.virginhotels.com for stays starting Jan. 15, 2015.


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Ryan Rudnansky

Ryan Rudnansky

Born and raised in Santa Rosa, California. Graduated from San Diego State with a B.A. in journalism. Worked for Bleacher...

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