Sneak peek: inside Virgin Hotels Glasgow

Situated on the banks of River Clyde, is the newest addition to the Virgin portfolio, Virgin Hotels Glasgow. The hotel was developed by Silk Property Group, which selected Twenty First Architects to work on the hotel, while UK based design firm Four-By-Two was tapped to curate the hotel interiors in accordance with Virgin Hotels’ localised approach to design. The firm’s experience in residential and boutique commercial projects made them the perfect choice to create welcoming, comfortable environments, with local touches and historical details.

The hotel will shelter 240 guestrooms – Chambers – spanning across 15 floors, and host four dining and drinking options including the playful and sophisticated Commons Club, Virgin Hotels’ flagship restaurant and bar that acts as a modern-day social club. In addition, the hotel will shelter Highyard, for entertaining, co-working and dining; Funny Library Coffee Shop and the elegant late-night bar, Rocks. With a prime city centre position, the hotel has panoramic views overlooking the River Clyde to the south, and across to the heart of Glasgow in the north, making it an ideal base to explore the city.

Image credit: Virgin Hotels

Bright and airy with warm textiles and locally sourced furnishings, the Chambers guestrooms are a welcoming space to relax after a day exploring the city, featuring Virgin Hotels’ signature layout with two distinct spaces. The Dressing Room includes a full vanity, closet space big enough for two, makeup desk with a well-lit mirror, an extra-large shower with a built-in bench and toiletries by Arran of Scotland. A sliding door or drapery separates it from The Lounge, which features Virgin Hotels patented ergonomically designed bed with a tufted headboard, a red SMEG mini-fridge generously stocked with a curated selection of local products, television and ample outlets for smartphones, laptops, or other devices.

Image credit: Virgin Hotels

“We’re thrilled to share our second hotel in the UK in a completely different city, Glasgow,” said James Bermingham, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Hotels. “Virgin Hotels Glasgow will feature neighbourhood-driven design and various restaurant and bar offerings. We truly believe the hotel will be the ideal hub for visitors wanting to soak up this vibrant city while enjoying authentic experiences. Glasgow showcases fantastic museums and galleries, a thriving music scene, and innovative food and drinks outlets, and we cannot wait to open.”

Virgin Hotels Glasgow will offer a selection of beautifully curated suites. The signature suite, Sir Richard’s Flat, features a retro-luxury design with a personal bar and games table and sumptuous velvet sofa, creating a sociable space within the suite. In a nod to Virgin’s heritage, guests of Sir Richard’s Flat will find musical references throughout, including unique pieces of record-inspired artwork.

Inspired and named after Richard Branson’s wife, Joan – a proud Glaswegian – Lady B’s Flat will feature floor and wall tiling inspired by alabaster, spreads over 69 square metres and provides guests with a light, airy and soft space with exquisite furniture and a large, curved bath. For guests looking for something a little different, there is also the Moroccan-inspired Kasbah Tamadot Suite. The calming suite features hand carved heritage wood panels, along with a sumptuous bathroom decorated with Moroccan-style tiles – inspired by Virgin Limited Edition’s property in Morocco of the same name.

With both design and technology at the forefront of the Virgin hotel concept, all guestrooms and suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy. Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to the guestrooms.

Virgin Hotels Glasgow will open in the centre of Glasgow, joining many noteworthy local restaurants, music venues and boutique hotels.

Main image credit: Virgin Hotels