Ian 
Virgin Hotel in Chicago is not only a notable establishment due to its brand and hospitality but also for its historical significance tied to the building it occupies. Located at 203 North Wabash in the Loop area of Chicago, this building has a rich history that predates its current incarnation as the Virgin Hotel.
Architectural Significance:
The building that houses the Virgin Hotel was originally known as the Old Dearborn Bank Building. It was designed by the renowned architectural firm Rapp and Rapp, primarily known for their design of lavish movie palaces in the early 20th century. Completed in 1928, the building is a striking example of the Art Deco style, a popular architectural trend of that era. The 27-story structure features a distinctive façade, ornamental banding, and a setback design typical of the skyscrapers of the time.
Historical Context:
The Old Dearborn Bank Building was constructed during a booming era for Chicago when the city was rapidly expanding both economically and culturally. The 1920s saw a surge in skyscraper construction in the city, reflecting a period of optimism and growth. The building itself was a symbol of the prosperity and architectural innovation of the time.
Transition to the Virgin Hotel:
The building underwent various changes over the decades, reflecting the evolving nature of downtown Chicago. It was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2003, recognizing its architectural and historical importance. In the early 2010s, the building was acquired for redevelopment into the Virgin Hotel, the first of its kind in the United States.
The conversion of the building into the Virgin Hotel, which opened in 2015, was undertaken with a commitment to preserving its historical and architectural integrity. The developers and designers aimed to retain the unique Art Deco elements while infusing the space with the modern, eclectic style associated with the Virgin brand. This transformation was not just about creating a new hotel but also about revitalizing a piece of Chicago’s architectural history.
The Virgin Hotel Today:
Today, the Virgin Hotel in Chicago stands as a successful blend of historical preservation and contemporary hospitality. It offers guests a chance to experience the glamour of the roaring twenties alongside the modern amenities and unique flair of the Virgin brand. The hotel has been praised for its distinctive design approach, which honors the building’s past while creating a vibrant, new chapter in its history.
Travel:
Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s bustling Loop district, the Virgin Hotel Chicago isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a journey into a world where historic charm meets modern awkwardness.
The Allure of Location:
Situated at 203 North Wabash, the Virgin Hotel stands in a prime location. This area is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, and the hotel itself is housed in the historic Old Dearborn Bank Building. You’re steps away from iconic sites like Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the vibrant riverfront.A Peek into History:
The building, designed by Rapp and Rapp and completed in 1928, is an Art Deco masterpiece. It was initially a symbol of economic prosperity and has now been masterfully transformed into a modern hotel while retaining its historical essence. The hotel’s design pays homage to its past, with Art Deco stylings intermingling with contemporary chic.
Accommodations and Amenities:
The Virgin Hotel’s rooms, or “Chambers” as they call them, are a blend of comfort and style. Each room is quirky, and supposedly designed with ergonomics and aesthetics in mind, ensuring a luxurious stay (more on that later). The hotel boasts of personalized service, high-tech amenities, and pet-friendly policies.
Don’t miss the rooftop bar and lounge – an ideal spot to unwind with breathtaking views of the city skyline. But don’t try to go late on a weekend. When we went up on a Friday night at 9pm it had already transitioned into a club. We didn’t end up going back up, but the view is probably pretty good.
Our overview:
I imagine this hotel as being an idea. Branson wanted to “shake up” the hotel market, and this hotel is a good example of fitting an ideology into a space where it could work. He took an old office building in a prime location and made a hotel. The only downside is.. making an old office building into a hotel…
The building has lots of charm, but also causes some quirks. With a suite, you walk through the living room, through the bathroom, into the bedroom. It’s not awful if you are with your partner, but just one of the quirks of the hotel.
There are artistic choices Sir Branson made that didn’t turn out well. Such as the disintegrating leather straps used as wardrobe handles in the video to the left. They are all admirable choices given that the building was not designed as a hotel, but time shows its patina. There are weird transitions between some of the rooms. The air conditioning ducts occasionally vaguely disguised. The elevators open to spaces that were definitely not designed as landings. The whole space feels like it is cute, but in a thrown together by your college roommate sort of way.
I really like the concept of the mini bar and room service being reasonably priced, it is one of those things that I wish would catch on among other hotels. But I see what detractors are pointing out when they mention worn or outdated rooms. At some point the chic of being “retro” runs into the reality that it is just old and hasn’t been cleaned or repaired frequently enough.
Dining Experience:
Supposedly the hotel’s dining options are an epicurean delight. The Commons Club apparently offers a dynamic culinary experience in an upscale setting, but there was a private event when we had the opportunity to go, so we didn’t check it out. I can say that the room service breakfast was wonderful and very inexpensive! More on that later.
Cultural Immersion:
Staying at the Virgin Hotel means you’re at the crossroads of Chicago’s cultural heartbeat. Explore the nearby theater district, dive into the local jazz scene, or enjoy a scenic walk along the Chicago River. The hotel’s location was one of the main reasons we chose it. You are basically in the center of town.
Traveler’s Tips:
- Getting There: The hotel is easily accessible via public transport, with several metro stations nearby. If you’re flying in, both O’Hare and Midway Airports have convenient connections to the Loop.
- Best Time to Visit: Chicago shines in the summer and fall. However, the Virgin Hotel offers a cozy getaway even in the windy city’s brisk winters.
- Booking in Advance: The Virgin Hotel is popular, so booking your stay in advance is recommended.
- Exploring the Neighborhood: Make time to explore the surrounding area, rich in shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Review:
We stayed at the Virgin Hotel for a few nights during our weekend visit to Chicago. We went to Chicago because I had never been, and there was also a free concert for one of our favorite bands on the “Navy Pier”. One of the reasons we chose to stay at the Virgin Hotel was because it is on the AMEX list of hotels that offer a free night, upgrades, and hotel credit. More on that later.
The Virgin Hotels are trying to pitch themselves as high class/quirky hotels. It is a fun concept that is definitely a niche in the american market. I was curious to see what exactly this meant in a hotel stay, so we gave it a shot. The price of the hotel was one of the lowest in the AMEX “hotel collection” and it was only blocks from the pier, so we gave it a shot.
