DDD Spotlight: Virgin Hotels Dallas

In the few short weeks that Virgin Hotels Dallas has opened doors in our very own Design District, the brand's third location has set an all-new standard for southern hospitality. From the lobby-level eateries to The Pool Club, located on the fourth-floor rooftop, and every space in-between, their team has your back with brilliant service + heartfelt delights. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from the Virgin Hotels Dallas experience, and what makes it the most sought after reservation in town.

Tell us about the background of Virgin Hotels + how the Dallas Design District property came to be.
Bill Hutchinson of Dunhill Partners, which develops and manages the Dallas Design District, was looking for an extra special amenity to elevate the district even more. The timing just happened to be perfect, as Virgin Hotels was also looking for an edgy location in Dallas that would help deliver an immersive and uniquely fun experience that both travelers and locals alike would naturally want more of. It was a perfect match.

What are some of the features and/or amenities that are unique about or exclusive to Virgin Hotels’ Dallas property?

The 268 Chambers (guest rooms) include a two-room design with separate functional spaces. The dressing room and the lounge areas are split by a privacy sliding door. The lifestyle-focused rooms also include two closets, a shoe rack, yoga mats, plugs in all of the right places, and street-level pricing in the mini-bars. Rooms are fresh and airy, with large windows for natural light, incorporating soft wood tones throughout and those signature plush red sofas. The super comfortable beds are brand patented and include the hashtag “BBE” on the side, for best bed ever. There are two penthouse suites: Richard’s Flat King Suite and the Penthouse King Suite. Wi-Fi is always free. Plus, read on for more unique features at Virgin Hotels Dallas.

What would you say sets Virgin Hotels Dallas apart from other lux hotels in town?
We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We get to take more risks in the pursuit of bigger payoffs for our guests. We’ve thrown out any rule book that says luxury has to come wrapped in traditional packaging and we’re about to prove that in a big way in Dallas.

From live DJs to local bands, to solo performers, to comedy acts, our possibilities are endless. Guests may even be able to catch a TED Talk from time-to-time. We plan to have our outlets activated most days of the year, regardless of the season. We even have a Director of Entertainment on property and an entire Entertainment Division within our brand that other lux hotels don’t have. This alone makes us pretty unique and speaks to the experiences our guests and local clientele can expect.

For all of our fellow foodie friends, what can we expect when it comes to dining + drinking options in the hotel?

Dining and drinking outlets include Commons Club, the brand's signature restaurant where guests feel like private members without the dues. Commons Club features three components: The Kitchen by Chef Matt McCallister, The Bar, and the Shag Room, a retro-inspired intimate space. There’s even a Chef’s Table where guests can get up close and personal with the chefs and have a front-row seat for the culinary action.  Expect Texas flair with French influence, Virgin-ized creative cocktails, and much more.

The Pool Club, a fourth-floor rooftop venue boasts an incredible pool deck offering gorgeous Dallas skyline views, private cabanas, a daybed for 20, an Adult Playground courtyard with fire pit, and a Secret Garden that houses a hot tub and a bar under arched greenery and twinkling lights. 

The Funny Library Coffee Shop, which offers an alternative to the typical coffee shop, showcases whimsical decor and books, a cool vibe, and signature offerings from Laughing Man Coffee from actor Hugh Jackman. 

Executive Chef Nick Walker oversees the entire culinary program across the hotel, inclusive of all outlets, events, and in-room dining.

It’s no secret that Dallasites love their happy hour + nightlife, not to mention a good weekend brunch. Tell us about any special events and/or weekend brunch offerings we can expect.
There will always be something happening at Virgin Hotels Dallas. From DJ sets in the Commons Club to nationally touring acts on The Pool Club deck, music is a major component of the Virgin Hotels Dallas experience.

Guests will also be able to take in a movie pool-side during our “Swim-Up” summer film series; grab some friends for “Drunk Yoga” before brunch on the weekend; and stumble home from gallery-hosted chef’s dinners at the Commons Club. 

If there’s a pop-up DJ set from the biggest act playing Dallas one weekend, we promise it will be happening here. A drag show that will have people singing “Thank You For Being A Friend?” Oh, it’s already on deck.

And don’t get us started on the Virgin Hotels signature “Upside Down Tea Party,” launching in early 2020. We’re taking all the best elements from Chicago and San Francisco, and giving it some serious Dallas shine.

Speaking of events, what’s the scoop on the different private event spaces available throughout the hotel?
Whether it's a special occasion or corporate event, we tend to break quite a few clichés. Event space includes over 15,500 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor space. Options include the ballroom Giant and Giant Pre-Function. Giant Pre-Function showcases ceiling to floor windows with views of The Pool Club. The Manor, named after Sir Richard Branson's first recording studio, also boasts ceiling to floor windows, an outdoor terrace, and can be combined with The Pool Club. Rushmore, the boardroom, offers an intimate space for smaller affairs. Giant and Rushmore are both named after famous, award-winning Texas movies. Who doesn't love that?

Since setting up shop, what has been your favorite part (so far!) about being located in the heart of the DDD?
From both an entertainment and a local experience perspective, our location has provided a bottomless well of creative collaborators and event partners. Our neighbors have inspired us to develop events that really make Virgin Hotels Dallas being seated in the Dallas Design District the perfect setting. We couldn’t function the way we intend anywhere else in Dallas, and that’s exactly how we want it.

We also have to include the art galleries in the Dallas Design District and the eclectic art pieces outside that can be enjoyed with a simple neighborhood walk. Our hotel is heavily integrated with art and tells an eclectic artistic story throughout. We have metal art, murals, and whimsical pieces outside and in common areas. The Chambers include both a musical art piece and a local art piece, all unique to each room. It's these additional personal touches that guests will also immensely enjoy. 

Complete this sentence: “A visit to Virgin Hotels Dallas isn’t complete without... 
Taking a selfie in our signature red mirrored elevators that give a glowing feel and an allure of endless and exciting experiences. There's also a great swing and a "You're Welcome" sign in Commons Club that is great for those fun selfie moments as well as mobile selfie stations that guests will see around the hotel at various times.

So, chomping at the bit to stay at Virgin Hotels Dallas? Go ahead and book your staycation now! And, in the meantime, be sure to give them a follow on Instagram for an exclusive glimpse into what you can expect from the Virgin Hotel Dallas experience.