Richard Branson Expands Virgin Hotel Brand to Washington, DC
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, is expanding his brand even more: the second-ever Virgin Hotel has been just been announced for Washington, DC. The new location, slated for Fall 2019, will open next to Union Market in a neighborhood that's fast becoming a culinary and cultural destination.
"Washington, DC is in the midst of a cultural renaissance, further establishing itself as a diverse global city that we feel will embrace the Virgin Hotel ethos and lifestyle," said Dennis B. Lee, President of D.B. Lee Development and Construction, in a press release. "The Union Market area is representative of that renaissance with significant and eclectic development embracing the historical fabric of the market and community. We feel that Virgin Hotel will not only become a hub of activity in Union Market, but will also greatly enhance the cultural growth of the city, potentially becoming an epicenter of creative spirit."
Although Union Market has experienced a surge of growth and development in recent years, the Virgin Group plans to honor the area's history, as well as the art collective that once stood on the site. To that effect, the hotel will feature an artist-in-residence program, numerous second-floor art studios and an alleyway leading to a sculpture garden.
The new Virgin Hotel will have 178 rooms — called "chambers and grand chamber suites" in brand parlance — a panoramic rooftop lounge with an infinity pool, events and meeting spaces and multiple dining options, including a Commons Club restaurant and bar.
The Virgin Group has more hotels on the way; locations in San Francisco, Dallas, Palm Springs, Silicon Valley, New York, New Orleans and Nashville are all on deck. The brand opened its first hotel in Chicago in 2015.
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Images courtesy of The Virgin Group.