Sir Richard Branson has arrived in Chicago via his Virgin Hotel in his signature cheeky and witty way.
First, let’s discuss the rooms, err, “chambers” as they’re called. The chambers are creative and sleek, with the “sleeping lounge” separated with a sliding set of privacy doors from the “dressing room.” Rooms come with either a king bed or two double beds – or a suite for families made of connecting chambers.
The hotel is dog friendly and seems to reiterate that point with striking dog statues throughout. Like everything else, the Common Club area is whimsically decorated in a fun British kind of way.
Inside the Common Club, open from early morning to 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends, is a gathering place for socializing and cocktailing, but also a welcome spot for kids with games like Jenga and a “Funny Library” with hilarious books hand-picked by Second City performers.
Opening this month is the onsite Miss Ricky’s, a modern diner with an emphasis on comfort food that will appeal to both adults and children. The Sir Ricky Burger, Great Lakes Reuben, The Biggie Grilled Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie are a few of the anticipated highlights. There will be doughnuts promised to be “so decadent you’ll need a knife and fork” like The Tupelo King, stuffed with peanut marshmallow fluff, roasted bananas and honey glazed bacon.
