Virgin Hotel Chicago

Virgin Hotel Chicago (now Sports Illustrated Resorts Chicago): A Detailed Review

Note: As of January 2026, the property formerly known as Virgin Hotel Chicago has rebranded and is now operating as Sports Illustrated Resorts Chicago. This change has reportedly impacted previously booked benefits and amenities for some guests. This review primarily reflects experiences under the Virgin Hotels Chicago brand, with crucial updates regarding the recent transition.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Virgin Hotel Chicago generally enjoyed a positive reputation as a 4.5-star, Michelin Key Selected property, known for its "unique and modern design" and a "luxurious and comfortable stay". The overall sentiment was often described as "hip, playful, and sophisticated," offering a "vibrant tapestry woven with threads of modern luxury and historical significance". Guests appreciated its modern amenities and stylish rooms. However, some older reviews noted a "tired" feel in public spaces, and more recent feedback highlights significant issues related to the ownership change.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praised Virgin Hotel Chicago for several distinguishing features:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel, housed in a beautifully restored 1928 Art Deco building, skillfully blended contemporary design with historical charm. Its "chic decor" and "bold colors, sleek lines, and artful touches" created a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
• Location: Its prime location in the heart of downtown Chicago's Loop was a major draw, offering easy walking access to iconic landmarks like Millennium Park, the Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), Michigan Avenue, and various theaters.
• Amenities: The hotel offered a range of attractive amenities including fast and free Wi-Fi, a gym, a spa, and pet-friendly accommodations. A standout feature was the minibar, which offered "street-priced" items rather than inflated hotel rates, a welcome departure from industry norms. The rooftop bar, Cerise, was frequently highlighted for its "breathtaking views" of the Chicago skyline and lively atmosphere.

3. Room Quality

The 250 rooms at Virgin Hotel Chicago, often referred to as "Chambers," were designed with guest comfort and functionality in mind. They were generally described as "spacious, clean, and comfortable".

• Innovative Layout: A unique "Chamber" concept used sliding doors to divide the room into a distinct dressing room/bathroom area and a sleeping area, allowing for privacy, especially for companions with different schedules. The "dressing room" area provided ample space, double vanities, and good lighting for makeup.
• Comfort: Beds were lauded as "ridiculously comfortable" and designed to be convertible into multi-use lounge spaces with adjustable headboards and footboards. Rooms featured hardwood floors and "super crisp white bedding".
• Thoughtful Details: Guests appreciated thoughtful touches such as a yoga mat in the closet, motion-sensor lights, dimmable vanity lights, and clocks projecting the time onto the ceiling. Double-glazed windows effectively mitigated street noise, a common concern in downtown hotels. Vegan, paraben, and cruelty-free hygiene products were also provided. Many rooms boasted city or river views.

4. Dining Experience

Virgin Hotel Chicago offered several distinct dining and drinking venues:

• Commons Club: This global-inspired, New American restaurant served lunch and dinner, with some dishes, like the gnudi, receiving praise, though others were noted for "trying too hard".
• Miss Ricky's: A modern-day diner, Miss Ricky's was a popular spot for breakfast, featuring bottomless coffee, Mexican dishes like chilaquiles, and omelets. Seasonal brunch items like tiramisu French toast and pistachio cinnamon rolls were highlighted. Room service, also from Miss Ricky's, was praised for being "lightning fast".
• Two Zero Three: A lobby-level coffee shop by day, transitioning into a wine bar in the evenings.
• Cerise Rooftop: While offering "breathtaking views," some older guest experiences criticized the quality of cocktails and food at this popular spot.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff was generally positive, with guests frequently commending the "friendly and helpful staff" for their "warm and welcoming demeanor". Staff at Miss Ricky's were described as "incredibly upbeat and enthusiastic". However, some employee reviews hinted at internal issues, with mentions of management not caring for employees, being overworked, and a "toxic working environment" in certain departments, which could indirectly impact guest service.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location in the Loop was a significant asset for both leisure and business travelers.

• Central & Convenient: It offered easy access to major attractions like the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and the Chicago Theatre.
• Public Transport: Accessibility to public transportation was excellent, with the Madison/Wabash Railway Station (CTA Green, Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple lines) and Millennium Station (Metra trains) just a short walk away. The CTA Blue Line provided a direct connection from O'Hare Airport to downtown. The "L" elevated trains passed directly by the hotel, making city exploration convenient.
• Concerns: One older review expressed concern about the area feeling unsafe after dark. Noise from the proximity to the "L" train was noted, though the hotel provided earplugs.

7. Value & Pricing

Room rates typically ranged from approximately $198 per night during the low season to $436 during peak summer dates. Virgin Hotel Chicago was often considered a good value compared to other luxury properties in the area, especially for those utilizing benefits from programs like Amex Hotel Collection. The "street-priced" minibar was a notable value-add.

Important Update on Value: With the recent change in ownership to Sports Illustrated Resorts Chicago, guests have reported being denied previously promised benefits (such as a $100 food credit) and encountering new charges like a $24 service fee per night. This significantly impacts the perceived value for guests who booked under the Virgin Hotels brand.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-regarded, Virgin Hotel Chicago did face some recurring criticisms:

• Noise: Proximity to the "L" train resulted in noise, although earplugs were provided. Some guests also noted noise from the rooftop bar impacting lower floors and elevators, and an older review mentioned "paper-thin walls".
• Service Inconsistencies: While staff were generally friendly, some older reviews mentioned "lackluster" bar and food service. Employee reviews also indicated issues with management and work environment that could affect overall service quality.
• Rooftop Bar Quality: Beyond the views, some guests found the cocktails and food at the Cerise rooftop bar to be disappointing.
• Loyalty Program: Virgin Hotels' "In The Know" loyalty program was criticized for not consistently delivering promised benefits or points.
• Ownership Change Impact: The most significant recent complaint is the denial of previously advertised benefits (like food credits) and the imposition of new fees (e.g., a $24 service fee) following the rebranding to Sports Illustrated Resorts Chicago. Some guests also reported the closure of the rooftop and main restaurant, limiting dining options. This transition has caused frustration and negatively impacted guest experiences, with some advising to "be aware of amenity fees".

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