Sir Richard Branson hails 39-storey venue at the heart of Manhattan.
A near 40-year wait has ended for Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson with the opening of the company’s first hotel in the Big Apple, Virgin Hotels New York City.
It was 1984 when the first Virgin plane flew from London to the US that the entrepreneur decided he wanted to open a hotel in New York, and this month his wish has been achieved with the 460-room venue on the corner of 29th Street and Broadway.
The 39-storey establishment at the heart of Manhattan also boasts a rooftop pool and bar, with its range of chambers, – as they’re calling them – suites and penthouses all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, and a number offering unparalleled views of the Empire State, the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
All rooms feature Virgin Hotels’ patented ergonomic lounge beds, and amenities like a mini-fridge, smart TV, yoga mat and sensory-activated lighting, with a number offering pet-friendly facilities.
There will be multiple dining options including Everdene, a 4,000sqft dining and drinking venue occupying the entire third floor, and the hotel’s signature, fine-dining restaurant concept on the fourth floor which will open soon, encompassing immersive culinary experiences inspired by Italian and Latin cuisine.
On the 38th floor is the Sky Lounge, an event space with an outdoor observation deck, with a cocktail bar on the 39th floor overlooking the Empire State Building, available for private events.
“We’ve wanted to open a hotel in New York City since Virgin Atlantic first flew here in 1984,” said Sir Richard. “We have had so many milestones in this city, from opening America’s biggest record store to driving a tank through Times Square to lighting up the Empire State Building. I'm looking forward to even more adventures in the city and having a place to call home at the end of the day.”
