Sir Richard Branson Opens Virgin Hotels NOLA With Flourish and Fun

It was a huge week in New Orleans as Virgin Hotels NOLA operate its first full week since opening. Trumpeting

Virgin Hotels

It was a huge week in New Orleans as Virgin Hotels NOLA operate its first full week since opening. Trumpeting into town came Sir Richard Branson and all his signature flair and flash, to celebrate the ribbon-cutting at the new location in the Virgin Hotels family. New Orleans is a city of history and strength, along with rich culture and heritage, making it the perfect place to open the newest Virgin Hotel. 

Parading through NOLA

Virgin Hotels

Branson does everything big. And the opening for Virgin Hotels New Orleans was no exception to his rule. Branson walked at the head of a parade filled with the internationally-acclaimed St. Augustine High School’s “Marching 100” band, down the streets and right up to the front steps of the new hotel. There, Branson joined Virgin Hotels Chief Executive Officer James Bermingham and Dave Pollin of the Buccini/Pollin Group. 

Dressed in a flashy marching band conductor’s outfit of NOLA blue and gold, Branson presided over the opening ceremony and cut the ribbon alongside Bermingham. 

Travel Weekly shares Branson’s excitement about the new hotel; “‘We’re glad to be part of this community and embrace the incredible spirit of New Orleans,’ Branson said in a statement. ‘How wonderful it is to celebrate this beautiful new property and becoming part of the continued growth of one of the world’s most magical cities.’” 

As part of their commitment to the community that has embraced the newest Virgin Hotels family member, Branson and Bermingham presented the St. Augustine High School with a donation to aid in recovering from damages caused by Hurricane Ida. It was a jubilant and celebratory mood as the hotel opened its doors for the first time.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Virgin Hotels

And what tremendous doors they are. The new location boasts 238 guest rooms, and includes 294 square foot “chambers” along with a 1,097 square foot Richard’s Penthouse Flat with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows. The guest “chambers” are richly appointed, with a classic but futuristic design and more than a touch of New Orleans in every piece. The website shares the reason behind refusing to call the accommodations, “rooms;” “Our guest rooms work twice as hard as others so calling them rooms is like calling the space shuttle an airplane. From our patented technology beds, to the ability to separate your room into two separate areas for living and sleeping, every stay feels like an upgrade. Plus our mini-bars are stocked with street-level priced items and Wi-Fi is always free. No nickel and diming with us. Everything you’d expect in a New Orleans hotel room is here, plus a few surprising extras, including an entire Dressing Room area, yoga mats, and more.”

The hotel also offers a number of suites, each one spacious, comfortable, and brimming with the kind of style, dignity, and class you come to expect at a Virgin Hotels property. Guests looking for a taste of New Orleans can kick back at the lounge-meets-cafe Funny Library or step into The Commons Club for some upscale, on-site dining. The Pool Club is a rooftop oasis, perfect for escaping the warm Louisiana weather.

The Virgin Hotels Family

Theater Virgin Hotels

Although Virgin Hotels New Orleans stands out head and shoulders above the crowd, it’s but one of the Virgin Hotels family. Virgin Hotels has breathtaking properties in four other cities:

  • Nashville: Situated in the heart of this historic music city, the Nashville location offers breathtaking views of the city, richly-appointed chambers, and the kind of flair and flavor a visit to the Southern city absolutely requires. With over-the-top elegance and at-your-fingertips service, the Virgin Hotels Nashville is a bucket list must-see. 
  • Las Vegas: As perhaps the best known location, Virgin Hotels LV opened its doors earlier this year in what was once the Hard Rock Hotel. Opulent and filled to the brim with service and entertainment options, the Virgin Hotels LV also boasts The Theater, one of Vegas’s preeminent entertaining venues. 
  • Chicago: Like its sister properties, Virgin Hotels Chicago digs deeply into the local flavor of the city it calls home. Guests can perch high above the Windy City and partake in a variety of dining and relaxation options, all from the home base of their stylish and state-of-the-art chambers.
  • Dallas: Everything’s bigger in Texas and the style and comfort of the Virgin Hotels Dallas is no exception. With soothing interior decor and a contemporary, eye-catching exterior, this location offers peak Southern hospitality and amenities galore. 

Branson has been focused on the stars recently as the billionaire space race heats up, but his feet are also firmly planted on the ground. The Virgin Hotels family is growing rapidly, and it’s a name that promises on and delivers quality, comfort, and class. To plan and book your stay at the newest location, visit Virgin Hotels New Orleans’ website

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