Why book?
Quirky and eclectic interior design is backed up by thoughtfully-designed rooms, solid dining, and a pool area that’s already a local hotspot.
Set the scene
A full and varied entertainment program, from DJ’d dance parties to stand-up comedy and themed quiz nights means that there’s a steady influx of locals joining visitors in the social spaces. The crowd skews younger as befits a culture-conscious brand such as Virgin, and the pack here is hip, but not snobbily so.
The backstory
The New Orleans outpost of Virgin Hotels opened in 2021, a welcome addition to the CBD’s steadily-increasing portfolio of stylish, smaller hotels. The design-forward aesthetic sits somewhere between Old World and contemporary via Art Deco and Southern residential.
The rooms
The interior design has a playful feel, with intelligent design choices that even the entry-level Chamber King rooms enjoy. Of course, the ‘Virgin red’ accents pop, from fabric-lined bed frames to SMEG refrigerators. Hardwood floors and a love seat in the window nook elevate the elegance, and the room is reassuringly tech-friendly, too. The no-nonsense, fairly-priced minibar is a rare feature in this day and age. There’s also a sliding pocket door that gives you added privacy, separating the bedroom from the bathroom, and if you’re, say, a solo traveler ordering room service, you can keep the door closed during the delivery and not change out of your (great quality) bathrobe. It’s a small, but thoughtful, touch. Dressing room-style lights surround the in-room sink and while the shower has its own wetroom, the toilet has its own space—again, considerate choices that make all the difference.
Food and drink
Hotels in New Orleans know there’s a wealth of city entertainment options luring guests off property, but the Virgin Hotel makes an impressive effort to keep you on site for a while. There’s a rooftop pool (The Pool Club) that’s relatively tranquil and with its bar and classy, conservatory-style lounging areas, you’ve got a spot where you could stay all day with pleasure. Downstairs, the bar and restaurant of the Commons Club are equally commodious, with Executive Chef Chris Borges doing fine work.
The neighborhood/area
The Central Business District has a more utilitarian air than the neighboring French Quarter, but the Virgin Hotel bucks against its surroundings. I like hotels that feel immediately welcoming, and the ‘Funny Library’ living-room-style space just past the front desk, is exactly that. There’s a cute coffee stand and plentiful tables to stretch out and work on. It’s framed by strikingly colorful local art, books of course, and the centerpiece: one of Alex Podesta’s instantly recognizable ‘bunny man’ sculptures, hunched over a chessboard. The Instagram content practically creates itself.
The service The front desk staff were chatty, friendly, and nothing but helpful and clued into the city’s social scene, making several recommendations for cool spots in the vicinity. Everyone was approachable and knowledgeable, from the receptionists to the bartenders.
For families
It’s not a bad choice for families, and kids should respond to the colorful, fun aesthetics and love the pool area. It’s a good base for exploring downtown, too.
Eco effort
Virgin owner Sir Richard Branson is an advocate for eco-friendly policies, and the company has a transparent sustainability policy.
Accessibility
The hotel is ADA compliant and has rooms with roll-in accessible showers, tubs with grab bars, wider entrances for the rooms, as well as lowered countertops and amenities.
Anything left to mention?
The hotel feels youthful but not immature, colorful but not gimmicky, elegant but egalitarian. The prices, even beyond the minibar, offer good value—I loved both a rooftop beer in the sun in my swimsuit and an evening spiced mule. In short, there’s enough variety in the spaces and experiences to keep you around, and they’re not fleecing you for the privilege.
550 Baronne St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
United States
https://virginhotels.com/sustainability/