The Warehouse District in New Orleans is often referred to as being trendy, with art galleries, hot restaurants, cocktail bars and cool lofts, so it makes sense that the Virgin Hotel is located here.
It’s a striking addition to an already buzzy neighborhood, but with its own scene that makes it a destination in its own right—including for locals. On any given day you’ll find live music, a rooftop pool party, a DJ or a drag brunch. Combine all that swanky entertainment with a good dose of style, playful design and (of course) comfort, and you’ve got a stay that’s as fun as the city itself.
Why stay at the Virgin Hotel?
When it debuted in 2021, Virgin Hotels New Orleans quickly cemented itself as one of the city’s most stylish stays. It strikes a balance between high-energy and laid-back, giving guests an experience that’s beyond the usual, and while you’ll no doubt spend your time seeing the sights, hearing live music and indulging in the incredible dining scene—this is New Orleans, after all—the Virgin keeps the party going once you come back. The bold design features local artists and gives a nod to both the city’s musical heritage and its flair for spectacle. The atmosphere feels less like a hotel and more like an insider’s clubhouse, and it’s where you stay if you want to experience New Orleans with a bit of polish but without losing the playful spirit that makes the Crescent City unique.
What are the rooms like?
Virgin Hotels calls its guest rooms ‘chambers’, and it’s easy to see why. Rather than the standard boxes with a bed, they’re split into two distinct zones: one side is the dressing room, complete with a vanity, sit-down makeup table and privacy doors; the other is the sleeping lounge, which feels like a chic living room with a bed at its center. This design makes the space surprisingly functional, especially if you’re traveling with a partner or friend who keeps different hours.
Décor-wise, the rooms lean dramatic but clean: bright pops of red against crisp whites, custom artwork and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. Tech touches include app-based controls, fast Wi-Fi and TVs ready for streaming, and the beds are comfy and ergonomically designed with a little nook that’s perfect for lounging or working. It’s all very Virgin: playful, stylish and designed to keep you comfortable while making you feel just a little bit cool.
What is the food and drink like?
The Commons Club, the hotel’s signature restaurant and lounge, serves as a social spot in the mornings, the evenings and pretty much everything in between. Breakfast features inventive twists on Southern staples, while dinner brings in seasonal, globally-inspired plates that feel refined without being fussy. While it’s hard to resist the must-try restaurants within reach of the hotel, the Virgin offers some dining perks that make staying on site worth it. On Fridays, Commons Club hosts live music, and weekends mean brunch, from the regular Not Your Common Brunch and Sunday Kickoff Brunch on Saints home game days to themed drag brunches throughout the year. If you’re in a hurry, Funny Library offers La Colombe coffee and light bites on the go (and it’s a great space for working—if you must).
The Pool Club on the roof is the center of the action. By day, it’s a breezy hangout with frozen cocktails and small bites, but Golden Hour brings discounts on drinks and eats and when the sun sets it transforms into a real scene hosting DJs spinning tunes under the stars or themed rooftop parties.
What’s the service like?
Service is polished, but you could say it’s ‘chill’. Staff are quick with recommendations, but they also lean into the brand’s approachable personality—you’re just as likely to share a laugh with the front desk as you are to get expert advice on where to find the best po’boy (a must-try local sandwich) nearby.
One of the most notable things about Virgin Hotels is the way they strip away old-school annoyances. There are no hidden fees for Wi-Fi, water or gym access; check-in is fast and painless, and the app makes it easy to manage your stay without fuss. Housekeeping is attentive but not intrusive, and the bartenders and servers have the kind of local knowledge that makes almost every interaction feel like a mini tour of the city.
What’s the property like?
The Virgin Hotel’s Warehouse District location puts you just far enough from the chaos of Bourbon Street while keeping you within walking distance of the French Quarter, the Superdome and art galleries along Julia Street. You’ve got easy access to the streetcar to head Uptown and the Garden District, and if you’re lucky there will be a festival or small concert featuring local bands at nearby Lafayette Square, which is just a five-minute walk away.
However, the hotel will draw you back with its playful design that mixes contemporary style with nods to New Orleans flair. Evenings on the rooftop, happy hour in the Commons Club, a DJ set under the stars or just time spent in the art-filled common areas: these are all reasons to spend time on the property. You can also pop in the 24/7 fitness center to work off your indulgences. Whatever you choose to do, the Virgin feels like its own little ecosystem—designed so you could spend your entire trip here and still feel like you’ve tapped into the city’s rhythm.
Why you should book a stay at the Virgin Hotel
Virgin Hotel New Orleans is for travelers who like their stays with a side of fun. The rooms are cleverly designed, the rooftop is one of the best in the city and the slate of DJs, pool parties and brunches makes it feel like you’re checking into both a hotel and a nightlife venue. It’s luxurious without being uptight, stylish without being snobby and always just a little over the top—very much in the spirit of the city itself. Whether you’re in town for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, a Saints game or just a weekend of good food and music, this is the kind of place that keeps the energy going long after you’ve come back for the night. If you want a stay that feels like part of the trip, not just a backdrop to it, Virgin Hotel New Orleans is the one to book.
DETAILS
Address: 550 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70113
Price per night: starting at $200
Closest transport: One block to the streetcar
Book now: via Booking.com
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