Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotels plans to open and operate a new hotel in New Orleans, with work expected to start in April and the property opening for business in early 2019.
The property is in the city’s Warehouse District at Baronne Street. The up-and-coming area is next to the Central Business District and home to a growing number of new restaurants, galleries and shops.
Virgin Hotels CEO Raul Leal said the company, which was launched in 2010, had had New Orleans in its sights since the beginning as it had all the elements to make it a one-of-a-kind destination for business and leisure travellers.
He added: “We’re excited to bring the Virgin experience to the Big Easy because it’s a perfect fit in terms of our values and our emphasis on creating unique and immersive experiences for our guests.”
The new-build hotel is being developed by Dallas-based Gatehouse Capital with 225 rooms, the brand’s flagship space, the Commons Club, a rooftop pool and lounge, gym, and dedicated meeting and event spaces.
Virgin is also working with Gatehouse to develop a property in Dallas and a Virgin Hotel is under construction in San Francisco. Others are in Chicago, Nashville, New York and Palm Springs.
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