Virgin Hotel Chicago

Virgin Chicago offers modern and hip accommodations inside a converted bank building in Chicago’s Loop.

• The rooftop bar with skyline views
• Youthful, minimalist vibe
• Daily social hour for guests

Set in a renovated bank building, Virgin Hotel Chicago is a modern retreat in downtown Chicago spanning over 25 floors. Though the lobby is small, a grand staircase leads to the buzzing Commons Club, the hotel’s lounge that hosts a daily social hour for guests, as well as the Upside Down Tea Party, a boozy take on traditional afternoon tea. After entering the chic lobby, guests can check in at the front desk or at one of the many iPad kiosks.

Sleek hallways lead to Virgin’s 250 guest rooms, referred to as chambers. The minimalist accommodations are spacious and decorated in neutral tones punctuated with Virgin’s trademark red accents. All chambers feature the patented “Virgin Lounge Bed,” a mini Smeg fridge stocked with fair-priced beverages and snacks and a yoga mat for in-room fitness. The spacious, all-white bathrooms have double sinks and mirrors and oversized showers. The hotel even has its own app called Lucy, which handles all aspects of guests’ stays from city recommendations to setting the room temperature.

The rooftop bar, Cerise, has panoramic views of the city and hosts DJs and live music on weekends. The hotel also houses Miss Ricky’s, an upscale diner that serves classic comfort foods for breakfast and late-night bites. For working off indulgences, there is also a rooftop gym and a spa.

Young travelers and couples looking for a fun and lively scene while exploring downtown Chicago.