Holiday Stay at the Virgin Hotel in New York City

The hotel's exterior itself looks like many modern New York City skyscrapers - this one is 39 stories with never-ending glass windows. The lobby is not very large and doesn't have much to it. We were there during Festive, so there were Christmas trees and of course they were red, the brand color for all things Virgin. The check-in desks are along one side; staff behind them, welcoming and eager to help. After checking in and getting the details of our included perks explained, we were sent off to the elevators with a friendly "Cheers!"

Our room was a King Chamber with city views on the 36th floor and oh, the city views! The rooms are not huge, but they have high ceilings and the floor-to-ceiling glass walls with spectacular views make the space somehow feel bigger. One of my favorite features of the room was the sliding door (which when closed revealed a full-length mirror) between the bedroom section and the front area encompassing changing area with separate compartments for shower and toilet.

Our included breakfast (perk!) was served in the Everdeen Restaurant on the third floor. Coming off the elevators on this floor is a sensory treat. There are the walls of windows that let in so much light, the airy feel with the super tall ceilings, leafy green plants everywhere, and cozy teal velvet cushioned seating. On this same floor is a beautiful light wood and brass bar and beyond that another seating area - this time red velvet sofas - with a dramatic red fringed lighting fixture descending down from the ceiling over them. A bright red staircase leads up to the 4th floor, where you will find more seating areas as well as another bar. This bar is looking out on the pool area and evokes a feeling of tropical paradise - from the floral-patterned tile on the floor to the botanical print wallpaper to the gorgeous teal colored wooden canopied bar itself.

In the early evening before we headed out to dinner, we decided to explore the bar on the very top floor of the hotel. On exiting the elevator, we found ourselves completely in the dark. Turns out, this club and bar area is for private events only at this time. It goes without saying that the views are really something up there.

Despite the reputation Virgin has as having a party atmosphere, I didn't find this at all during our stay. We saw teenagers, families with older children and there were certainly no noisy events keeping us up at night. Everyone who works there was personable and fun and immediately available to help if we needed something. The common areas are well designed and lovely to be in. Make sure to request a higher-floor room for the amazing views!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to New York City. In need of further inspiration? Check out Megan Ashley’s guide, The Perfect 48 Hours in New York City: Holiday Edition.