I recently visited Virgin Hotels New Orleans and have to say, when it came to service, cleanliness, amenities, décor and great vibe, this eclectic boutique hotel nestled in the heart of downtown New Orleans hit all of the right notes for me. I honestly loved this hotel.
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Virgin Hotels New Orleans Review
Virgin Hotels New Orleans – Great service
Stepping out of our Uber in front of Virgin Hotels New Orleans, we were immediately greeted by two friendly doormen politely offering to grab our bags. Turns out, that level of enthusiastic service wasn’t just a one-of, but instead was what my friend and I enjoyed from the mostly younger staff for the entirety of our two-night stay earlier this year.
Initially, due to the fact the staff members all looked so young and, because of the hip vibe of the hotel, I was concerned two “women of a certain age,” would largely blend into the background, but the exact opposite was true and we were treated like rock stars — which, I guess we should have expected considering that’s totally on brand with Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotels.
Virgin Hotels The Know Loyalty Program
The very friendly reception staff at the Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
During check-in, two (also young and friendly) staffers immediately signed us up for The Know, Virgin’s loyalty program — think free room upgrades, pillow and mattress preferences, and the member’s Spirit Hour, which meant we got to enjoy free cocktails in the bar for one hour on both days of our visit. One of the best hotel loyalty perks I’ve ever experienced — and I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels.
Writer Sandra Thomas with one of the friendly staff at Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Inside the rooms at the Virgin Hotel New Orleans
Virgin Hotels New Orleans was the fifth property in the chain when it opened in 2021 in the city’s artsy Warehouse District, which means it’s surrounded by some really great local restaurants, music venues and galleries. Historical details interspersed throughout the hotel give a nod to New Orlean’s Art Deco history.
This “boutique” hotel features 238 “chambers” (rooms) and two penthouse suites. I liked the smart layout of my room, which had two distinct spaces. When you first walk into the chamber you enter the dressing room, which includes a full vanity, makeup desk and an extra-large shower in the bathroom.
The “chambers” at Virgin Hotels New Orleans are divided by French-inspired doors to offer privacy. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Walking through the French-inspired, panelled doors to the sleeping area, I immediately fell in love with the lounge bed, complete with burgundy velour head and footboards edged in a bullion fringe trim, giving a flirty nod to vintage New Orleans. A red mini-fridge, easy to navigate flatscreen, yoga mat, and rattan worktable placed in front of a window offering city views completed the vintage meets urban feel of the room and I was there for it.
Inside a room at the Virgin Hotel New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Also available are the Grand Chamber Suites, including Richard’s Penthouse, a 1,097 square foot stunner with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown New Orleans.
Eating and Drinking at Virgin Hotels New Orleans
While exploring the rest of this boutique property, we discovered the Funny Library Coffee Shop on the ground floor, which is where we stumbled upon Rabbit Man reading a pretty racy book.
The Rabbit Man dominates the Funny Library at Virgin Hotels New Orleans. We could not resist sitting down for a discussion with him. Photo: Sandra Thomas©
The library coffee shop offers an assortment of games and a carefully curated collection of whimsical and funny books gathered from local book stores. The eclectic décor and furnishings, unusual books and great coffee made this my favourite room on the property.
The eclectic décor and furnishings, unusual books and great coffee made this my favourite room on the property. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Commons Club
Meanwhile, the Commons Club, located on the ground floor encompasses the Bar, designed to feel like a private members club, the Shag Room, suitable for small groups, and the Kitchen, featuring an indoor porch and is helmed by Executive Chef Alex Harrell who brings his modernist approach to southern cuisine.
We enjoyed a southern-inspired breakfast at the Kitchen at Commons Club, which has become one of THE “go-to” brunch spots in the city, so reservations are highly recommended. I devoured the gulf shrimp and grits, but passed on the Bottomless Bubbles option because we had a day of exploring ahead of us.
Southern-inspired breakfast at the Kitchen at Commons Club – Pork Belly Breakfast Bowl – Cora grits, braised greens, pepper jelly crispy pork belly, sunny-side up egg. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The lounge and bar at Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Inside the lounge and common areas of the Virgin Hotel New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
13th floor pool, bar and restaurant
It’s on the thirteenth floor where guests will find the pool, bar and restaurant featuring gorgeous views of downtown New Orleans, and Dreamboat, an intimate indoor space with a mid-century modern vibe. These rooftop locations are open year-round to hotel guests, visitors and locals. The expansive terrace, filled with leafy foliage and a tropical vibe, wraps around the building comfortably seating up to 150 guests.
The Virgin Hotels New Orleans expansive terrace, filled with leafy foliage and a tropical vibe, wraps around the building comfortably seating up to 150 guests. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The pool area on the 13th floor terrace of the Virgin Hotel New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Tropical vide of the pool terrace on the 13th floor of the Virgin Hotel New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
More details about the Virgin Hotel New Orleans
- The Know members also have exclusive use of the LUCY app, which allows guests to use their mobile device as a room key, to control lighting, thermostats and TVs, and for ordering room service.
- The hotel features 5,000 square-feet of flexible meeting and event space, and a state-of-the-art fitness center open 24 hours.
- One-of-a-kind beds: All chambers have the brand’s custom-designed and patented bed that features an ergonomically designed headboard and footboard.
- Minibars are stocked at street prices and feature drinks, healthy snacks and local treats.
- Pet friendly: Pets stay for free with no size or breed restrictions. Virgin Hotels offers “Pet-Menities,” including dog beds, food and water dishes, and a Virgin Hotels bandana.
Where is Virgin Hotels New Orleans located?
While Virgin Hotels New Orleans isn’t in the middle of the French Quarter, it’s a very close ride by Uber or cab ride. It’s also close to bus and street-car stops, which at $1.25 a ride, is a bargain. Meanwhile, a three-day Jazzy Pass is $8 and allows you unlimited rides on New Orleans Regional Transport Authority buses, streetcars and ferries.
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is located at 550 Baronne Street. Make a reservations
Read about out visit the iconic Preservation Hall New Orleans where you can be part of the incredible jazz scene. Don’t miss our first-timers guide to the music scene in New Orleans.
Our stay was part of a media trip organized by Visit New Orleans, which did not read or approve of this review before it was published.
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About the Author:
Award-winning journalist and travel writer, based in Vancouver, B.C. Co-chair of the B.C. Chapter of the Travel Media Association of Canada, member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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