If you want to be kept in the Loop, Virgin Hotels Chicago is the place to stay. The hotel is right in the middle of the ‘Loop’, a neighborhood named with a nod to Chicago’s historic overground transport, and in one afternoon, I manage to check out about a dozen main attractions, including the Cloud Gate, Riverwalk, and the Magnificent Mile, which are all within walking distance.
While the red on black neons of the Virgin Hotels are a swanky reminder that this is an established global brand, but style doesn’t outweigh substance in the Chicago site, intentionally homed in a historic building which blends in with the city’s electic architecture.
What I find the hotel does particularly well is catering for relaxing occasions as well as productive ones. You can unwind and recharge at the spa complex, or enjoy the Chicago skyline and melodic hurtle of the L Train as you catch up on emails at your desk (which is a feature of every Chamber Room).
Why stay at Virgin Hotels Chicago?
It’s not every day you get to sleep inside a designated Historic Chicago Landmark, and the hotel is the first to highlight its magnificent history and surroundings.
Not much has changed in the hotel’s exterior since Virgin Hotels moved in: the bas-relief decorations on the stocky Art Deco building date from when this was the Dearborn Bank Building, and as I sit in Miss Ricky’s over breakfast, the first thing my server points out is the imposing building just opposite—the historic Jewelers’ Building with its hundred-years-old ‘Father Clock’.
Despite keeping original features, all rooms have been designed to be fully accessible.
What are the rooms like at Virgin Hotels Chicago?
A neat retro addition to an otherwise modern and amenity-filled room, the French-window style room divider splits the room in daytime usage (with the bathroom, dresser, and wardrobe) and nighttime, with the bed, TV set, and a desk facing a large window. The adjustable desk with a view on Chicago’s overground train line is a comfortable spot to get some work done, and double glazed windows also effectively keep the street noises out.
In my Double Chamber, the bed is comfortable, toiletries are provided, there’s an immense amount of wardrobe space, and you get a beautiful view of the city. As I pack to head back home, I daydream of stuffing the pillow inside my suitcase. And that is, in my opinion, the highest compliment a hotel room can ever get. There was just one problem. ‘It’s one bottle of water. How much could it cost? $10?’ Yep. A word of advice from me would be, unless you absolutely need to, to give the eye-wateringly expensive mini bar a miss.
What’s the food and drink offering like?
The downstairs diner, Miss Ricky’s, is where the hotel delights its guests with hearty breakfasts in the morning, and Italian-inspired small plates and cocktails throughout lunch and dinner. Check out the event calendar on the front window for regular features including $5 Rosé Mondays and DJ Sets on the Cerise Rooftop (Mondays and Wednesdays).
For your morning latte before you head out exploring, you have dozens of small cafes to fuel up: there’s a series of indie roasters and coffeeshops around the corner, on North Michigan Avenue. The hotel is also just a 10-minute walkfrom arguably the best hamburger place in Windy City: the original Billy Goat Tavern. However, if you want to splurge on a special treat, white tablecloth steakhouse Morton The Steakhouse and high-end French brasserie Venteux (famous for its Oyster Tuesdays), are a two-minute walk from the hotel.
What’s the service like at Virgin Hotels Chicago?
Light-footed on elevators, starch-collared behind reception—the Virgin Hotels Chicago staff are what you’d expect from a big hotel chain popular with businessmen and conference-goers. You can count on efficient and amiable service, but bear in mind there isn’t much flexibility on early check-ins or late check-outs, which often need to be finalised up to 7 days in advance.
What are facilities like at Virgin Hotels Chicago?
The Cerise rooftop bar is a standout feature of the hotel. You’re smack dab in the middle of downtown and, at the same time, on the breezy 26th floor sitting at a classy bar. Skyline views include some of Chicago’s iconic buildings, with a glimpse of the ‘corn-cob’ Marina City skyscrapers, and a full-frontal of the historic Jewelers’ Building. The latter’s ancient clock will tell you the hour as you dance the night away at one of Cerise’s weekly DJ sets, or live music events.
Just one floor below is a fully-equipped gym open 24/7. The gym has a large outdoors space where you can roll out your yoga mat or grab your weights as you watch the city underneath.
What’s the area around Virgin Hotels Chicago like?
You’re right in the middle of the action in Chicago’s central district. The Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (affectionately known as ‘The Bean’) are a breezy five-minute walk away, and an additional two-minute walk will take you to the Art Institute of Chicago. Whether you’re exploring the city’s glistening riverside or its landlocked architectural wonders, Virgin Hotels is in a great position to serve both. Ready for the ‘all aboard’ call of Chicago Architecture Boat Tour? The departure dock at the Navy Pier is a 10 minute drive away, or 15 minutes on public transport.
Oh, and on top of that, access to the metro stops (State/Lake and Washington), respectively connecting Chicago to O’Hare and Midway, makes travel to and from the city’s main airports hassle-free.
Why you should book a stay
Virgin Hotels Chicago is a great option if you are after first-class facilities and comfortable, stylish rooms in the heart of Windy City. What the hotel lacks in personal touch (it is, after all, a massive global chain) it makes up for in reliable 24/7 service delivered with poise and professionalism. It’s worth splurging for a Suite for a truly special almost 360° immersion in the city’s skyline, but the cheaper Chamber options leaves nothing to be desired in both comfort and class.
DETAILS
Address: Virgin Hotels Chicago, 203 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, US
Price per night: Chamber Rooms from $316 per night, Suite Rooms for $530 per night (peak season)
Closest transport: State / Lake (All major lines), Lake (Red Line), and Washington (Blue Line) Metra stops.
Book now: via Booking.com
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