NEW ORLEANS, La.
Virgin Hotels, the hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announced plans to open a new hotel in the Warehouse District of New Orleans. Expected to break ground in April 2017 and to open its doors in early 2019, Virgin Hotels New Orleans will be developed by Gatehouse Capital.
"New Orleans is an incredibly special city and one Virgin Hotels has had an eye on from the beginning,” said Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels. “The history, the food, the music, the spirit – they all work together to make it a one-of-a-kind destination for both business and leisure travelers. We're excited to bring the Virgin experience to the Big Easy because it's a perfect fit in terms of our values and brand experience.”
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is situated in the city's Warehouse District at 550 Baronne Street. The up-and-coming area sits directly next to the Central Business District and is home to a growing number of new restaurants, galleries and shops. The new-build hotel will feature 225 chambers, the brand's flagship space, The Commons Club, a rooftop pool and lounge, gym, and dedicated meeting and event spaces.
Gatehouse Capital selected RTKL Architects, Mathes Brierre Architects and Broadmoor Construction to complete the hotel. A local design firm will bring an authentic New Orleans flair to the project.
