Las Vegas is known for its over-the-top hotel-casinos that dazzle visitors with lavish decor, endless entertainment, and lively gambling action. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is the newest sensation on the Strip, part of Richard Branson’s Virgin empire. This boutique resort aims to offer a personalized, high-end Vegas experience with a youthful, playful twist. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s an in-depth look at what real guests say about their stays at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
Overview and Vibe
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas opened in March 2021 as part of Curio Collection by Hilton. It’s located off the Strip next to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The hotel has over 1,500 chambers (rooms), multiple dining outlets, a casino, and 60,000 square feet of meeting space.
The vibe is vibrant, social, and designed for those looking for a lively Vegas vacation. As Branson says, “Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will provide guests with much more than a hotel stay – it will provide a memory.” The decor features rich textures, eclectic patterns, and an airy, open layout. There’s a relaxed yet playful atmosphere, with cheeky Virgin touches throughout like tattoos on the key cards.
Key Stats:
- 676 Tripadvisor reviews
- Average rating: 3.5/5
- Ranking: #108 out of 277 Vegas hotels
Traveller Reviews: The Good
Many recent guests love the fun, stylish ambience at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Here are some of the most commonly praised features:
- Modern, spacious chambers: The rooms are thoughtfully laid out with separate sleeping, dressing, and lounging spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in natural light. The decor is sleek and contemporary.
“The room was so spacious and had the most gorgeous view of the city. The decor was modern and swanky.”
- Pool party vibe: The resort pool is vibrant and lively, with DJs, cabanas, and a relaxed, lively atmosphere. It’s a highlight for many guests.
“Best pool I’ve experienced in Vegas! Amazing music and vibe.”
- Yummy dining options: From pizza to sushi to tacos, Virgin Hotels offers tasty eats at restaurants like Night + Market, Pizza Forte, Nobu, and more.
“We had phenomenal meals every time!”
- Fun casino: The casino floor isn’t huge but provides games, entertainment, and a swanky bar scene. Some call it the “anti-casino” with its relaxed, modern vibe.
“The casino was small but mighty. Dealers were super friendly.”
- Spa and fitness center: Guests enjoy the nice spa facilities and 24/7 fitness center for working out and relaxation.
“We loved the gym! Great selection of equipment and very clean.”
Traveller Reviews: The Bad
While many guests enjoy the overall experience, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas also receives some negative feedback, primarily related to:
- Resort fee: There is a mandatory $45/day resort fee that some guests feel is overpriced, as it includes services they don’t use like the fitness classes.
“Be prepared to pay the highest resort fees on the Strip.”
- Location: Being off-Strip, the location isn’t ideal for those wanting to walk the central Vegas Strip. Some find it isolated.
“I wish it was more centrally located on the Strip.”
- Parking fees: Self-parking and valet costs extra per day, which irritates some guests.
“Having to pay for parking and it not being clearly stated was annoying.”
- Noise: The lively ambiance also comes with noise, like loud music from the pool. Light sleepers may be disturbed.
“The music was really loud and made it hard to relax in my room.”
- Long check-in: Waiting in the slow-moving check-in line can eat into vacation time. The automated kiosks are confusing for some.
“Check-in took way too long. Over an hour waiting in line.”
- Room issues: Some rooms have problems like temperature regulation issues, broken fixtures, lighting controls not working, etc.
“The room temperature was never right, and I couldn’t get the thermostat to work.”
Ratings and Recommendations
Here’s a breakdown of the ratings from 676 Tripadvisor reviews:
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Ratings
| Rating | Percentage | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent (5 stars) | 29.7% | 201 |
| Very Good (4 stars) | 23.1% | 156 |
| Average (3 stars) | 17.5% | 118 |
| Poor (2 stars) | 14.4% | 97 |
| Terrible (1 star) | 15.4% | 104 |
With nearly 53% of reviews rating the hotel as very good or excellent, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas clearly delights many guests with its fun atmosphere and amenities. But the 31% terrible or poor ratings show there are also many areas for improvement.
Overall, I recommend Virgin Hotels Las Vegas for:
- Younger, lively travelers seeking a hip, vibrant Vegas vibe
- Those who prioritize modern decor, pools, and dining over gaming
- Visitors who don’t mind some noise and a slightly off-Strip location
If the resort fee, parking costs, and potential wait times are deal breakers, you may prefer a more traditional Vegas mega-casino hotel on the central Strip. But for a lively weekend getaway or bachelor/bachelorette party, Virgin Hotels offers a trendy, uniquely Vegas experience.
What Real Guests Say
Here are some quotes that sum up the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas experience:
“Beautifully designed hotel! Loved the pool and restaurants. Gym was great too. Staff was hit or miss – some very friendly and others clearly overworked. Rooms so spacious and comfy. Would definitely recommend!”
“Check in was a nightmare but once we got to the room all was forgiven! Gorgeous, clean, and high-end. Pool scene was lively and fun. A bit loud at night but worth it for the overall experience.”
“Great concept but poor execution. Resort fees and parking fees out of control. Long lines everywhere you turn. Rooms beautifully designed but fixtures breaking andtemperature never right. Wanted to love this hotel…maybe after some kinks worked out.”
The Last Word
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas brings a fresh sensibility to the Vegas Strip with its playful atmosphere, stylish chambers, hip dining, and vibrant pool scene. Guest experiences are mixed, with praise for the fun vibe but complaints about fees, noise, and service issues. It’s not a hotel for everyone, but travelers seeking a lively, high-energy Vegas escape will find plenty to enjoy. Ultimately Virgin Hotels Las Vegas delivers on its promise of an elevated, personalized Vegas experience – albeit with some rookie stumbles.
