Hotel Review: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton
Punk ethos, bold red color in handwritten typography, and quintessentially British—these descriptions represent the Virgin Group established by Richard Branson. He long desired to tap into the Las Vegas hospitality scene and achieved his goal with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, which is one of the newest hotels in Las Vegas. The property was previously the Hard Rock Hotel but was fully renovated and opened in early 2021 with a desert oasis theme. There are currently only a handful of Virgin Hotels in the U.S., and since I’ve been fascinated by dauntless branding and marketing decisions by Richard Branson, I had to try the hotel when I recently visited Sin City. Here is my review of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton:
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, is located at 4455 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire
The AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card is currently offering a signup bonus of 150,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $4,000 in 3 months. Be aware that since this is an American Express card, you’re only allowed to receive the signup bonus once per lifetime. With a valuation of 0.6 cents per point, the signup bonus is worth about $900. The annual fee is $450, but cardmembers get a weekend night certificate (redeemable on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at non-premium hotels), $250 incidental credit towards your airline of choice, $250 Hilton resort credit at select Hilton resorts, and Hilton Diamond status, the highest in Hilton’s member ecosystem.
The AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card is one of my favorite credit cards for its benefits and perks.
The AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card earns 14X per dollar spent on Hilton hotels and resorts when booked directly through Hilton and 7X on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly with select companies, and U.S. restaurants. All other purchases will earn 3X per dollar spent. As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, you’ll get a 100% points bonus and 10 extra points per dollar spent at Hilton properties. Therefore, the AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card earns a total of 24X per dollar spent on Hilton properties when booked directly with Hilton, yielding a grand return of 14.4%. With Hilton’s frequent points promotions, you can rake in a serious amount of Hilton Honors points in no time. Even if you don’t stay at Hilton properties too often, this card is definitely worth the annual fee due to its amazing perks and benefits, and I strongly believe it’s the best hotel credit card available on the market right now.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass
The AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass card currently offers a sign-up bonus of 130,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 in the first three months of card membership. With a 0.6 cents per point valuation, the sign-up bonus is worth $780. Since the card is issued by AMEX, you can only receive the sign-up bonus once per lifetime; so make sure to apply when the highest sign-up bonus is available.
The AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass card can be a valuable addition to your wallet depending on your travel style.
The AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass card earns 12X per dollar spent on Hilton hotels and resorts when booked directly through Hilton and 6X at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. supermarkets. All other purchases will earn 3X per dollar spent. The 6X return rate for purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. supermarkets would be great for weekly household expenses, and the card really shines when you stay at Hilton properties. The 12X return rate is slightly below the 14X return rate for the AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card. Nevertheless, the AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass card does come with complimentary perks that will increase the return rate for Hilton stays.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
AMEX Hilton Honors Business
Alternatively, I could’ve used my AMEX Hilton Honors Business card to book my stay. The AMEX Hilton Honors Business card is currently offering a signup bonus of 130,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $3,000 in 3 months, which is also worth about $780. Like other AMEX cards, the card is subject to the once-per-lifetime signup bonus rule. The annual fee is $95, and unlike the Aspire, it doesn’t come with airline or resort credits. However, it can be a great workhorse card as it offers generous everyday and business multipliers. It earns 12X Hilton Honors points per dollar spent on hotel and resort purchases booked directly with Hilton and 6X at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, U.S. wireless telephone services, U.S. purchases for shipping, and flights booked directly with airlines or with AMEX Travel. All other purchases earn 3X points per dollar spent. Because cardmembers receive automatic Honors Gold status, you’ll get an 80% points bonus and 8 extra points per dollar spent at Hilton properties. In addition, you’d receive 10 complimentary Priority Pass visits and have an opportunity to earn a free weekend night certificate after spending $15,000 in a calendar year. As a result, the Surpass earns a total of 20X per dollar spent on Hilton properties when booked directly with Hilton, yielding a return of 12%.
The AMEX Hilton Honors Business card can cover a wide range of daily expenses and still comes with a great multiplier for Hilton stays.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Hilton Honors Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is conveniently positioned on the east side of the Strip, near Harry Reid International Airport and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. For the quintessential Vegas experience, head to the main Strip, where you'll find endless gambling, adult-only shows, nightclubs, and luxury dining.
Check-In & Lobby Review
Because my fiancé and I visited Las Vegas in December, the festive Christmas decorations in the lobby instantly put us in a celebratory mood.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas was in the holiday spirit, with Christmas decorations creating a festive atmosphere.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas was relatively small compared to massive hotels like Ceasar’s Palace, but the lobby still offered a wide variety of gambling options like slot machines and blackjack tables scattered around. Vegas hotel lobby with gambling machines for entertainment and Christmas tree decorations at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
The lobby's entertainment floor may have been more intimate than the grand casinos of Las Vegas, but it still brought a thrilling atmosphere.
Due to the party-forward ambiance, there was only one waiting area with works desks by the check-in area, and it was beautifully decorated with faux plants and mood lighting.
The lobby featured a communal workspace that expertly blended contemporary design with inviting elements, creating an atmosphere conducive to creativity and collaboration.
I especially adored the look of the skylights above the front desk, as they reminded me of cenotes in Mexico.
Lush greenery enveloped the ceiling to add a hint of natural vibrancy.
As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, I was happy to find a dedicated line for priority check-in, bypassing a long line of guests. The front desk representatives were busy but efficient, and upon checking in, I was upgraded to Chamber King Grand Deluxe, which had a separate living space and a kitchenette. Because Virgin Hotels is part of the Curio Collection brand, we each received a $15 credit toward food and drinks.
Double-check with your restaurant ahead of time whether they accept the food and beverage credit to ensure everything is taken care of when you place an order.
Unfortunately, not all onsite restaurants and bars were eligible, but I was still glad we could take less damage to our food bill. Make sure to confirm with the restaurant of your choice before you place an order
With the daily food and beverage credit, you can grab one drink or an appetizer for free.
After grabbing our room keys, we went up to the fifth floor, where our room was located.
Living Room Review
Our room was in the Canyon Tower—the closest tower to the hotel entrance. The living room was bright and spacious, and its trendy interior matched what I’d expect from a newly renovated Virgin hotel.
After a busy stay in the lively city of Vegas, I found solace and rest in my comfortable suite.
Centered around California cool style, the living space had stylish gold-accented modern light fixtures and a pristine velvet couch.
The iconic vibrant red-orange hue of the Virgin Group was showcased artfully through a brilliant couch in the living room.
Although I liked its design-forward look and bold color, it wasn’t as comfortable as it appeared to be. The bar cart-themed media stand included a mini fridge fully stocked with alcoholic beverages. Just one thing to keep in mind—the mini fridge was pressure sensitive, so don't touch it unless you're ready and willing to pay for what you take.
When taking items from the mini fridge, make sure that you are certain of what it is you plan on consuming.
One of the highlights of the room was the large, rotatable smart TV hanging above the media stand. What I appreciated most about it was its real-time display of the total bill for our stay, which included the resort fee allowance of $250 from my AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card. This was a great way to keep track of expenses and stay within our budget. A beautiful white marble top dining table with four half-moon chairs created a stunning focal point in the room.
I used the dining table to send late-night emails, but it’s perfect for in-room dining as well.
Adjacent to it, a small kitchenette with a high-top breakfast bar and leather barstools also boasted the same attractive white marble surface.
The kitchenette provided a cozy spot to start your day with coffee or enjoy an evening beverage.
The kitchenette's sleek design included modern conveniences like plates, utensils, and a K-cup machine stocked with plenty of coffee and tea pods.
The suite was equipped with a plentiful supply of coffee, offering an economical way to savor every drop.
The only flaw I noticed was the external installation of electrical wires, but the hotel had covered them with cord covers to minimize the unsightliness. Despite that minor detail, the room showcased bold colors, pop art, and trendy design elements that were characteristic of the Virgin brand, creating an aesthetically pleasing living room environment.
Bedroom Review
The bedroom seamlessly continued the California cool style of the living room, designed to provide a cozy and relaxing stay. The king-size bed with a unique seashell-shaped headboard took center stage, perfectly complementing the modern beach lifestyle that California interiors are famous for.
The seashell design provided the perfect accent to complete a laid-back, California-inspired look.
The seashell design extended to the foot of the bed, solidly anchoring the theme. For added comfort, the mattress was cozy, and the accent wall behind the bed featured a modern and abstract art collage—not specifically tied to Las Vegas but fitting the overall atmosphere nicely. Gold-accented reading lights were embedded in the wall, while matching birchwood-colored nightstands were on either side of the bed with built-in mood lighting and master light switches.
With its timeless neutral color scheme, the bedroom could easily complement a variety of decor styles.
The mood lighting and the birchwood color of the nightstands made it easy to set whatever tone you desire. Alike the living room, the bedroom had a wireless charging pad, which was a convenient option even though I had to align my phone perfectly. Of course, there were many USB ports and outlets to keep your devices charged, and I was so happy that my chargers were firmly connected to the output when I plugged them in.
The nightstand provided plenty of tech conveniences to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.
A ribbed chaise lounge added an aesthetic touch to the room, but there was no cushioning at all. Across from the bed was a modern mid-centric TV stand with a white marble top, and above it stood another smart TV.
Sleek gold accents on wooden furniture evoked an elegant and pristine atmosphere in the bedroom.
Not only could you stream shows on platforms like Netflix and Hulu, but also, the hotel offered complimentary personalized training by Fitbod. I used Fitbod from time to time, and it built a guided workout routine depending on your fitness goal.
Fitbod offered the perfect way to stay fit while traveling, giving you access to customized workouts in your hotel room.
Though it is convenient to exercise in your room, I recommend heading over to the onsite gym because you can take your workouts beyond bodyweight exercises. The bedroom overlooked the outdoor pool, but the balcony door could only be cracked for ventilation.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas was located near the Strip but also far enough to feel private.
The bedroom exceeded my expectation; the unique design of the bedframe was not gimmicky and brilliantly encapsulated the modern California beach environment, and it was great to see technological amenities such as master light switches and a smart TV keeping up with the trend.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was connected to the bedroom, but a powder room stood between the two. A sliding door with a peephole ensured privacy while changing in the powder room, which also housed a closet.
The walk in closet was equipped with strategically placed motion sensitive lighting, ensuring one could easily navigate regardless of the time.
There was no bathroom door other than the door to a water closet, a minimalistic peephole made perfect sense to ensure privacy. The closets were divided into two so that you could split up the space with your partner. Furthermore, the motion-activated closet lights make navigating the space safe and easy. The powder room had a makeup vanity and a persimmon-colored chair and bench.
The powder room showcased furniture exuding the distinguished hue of Virgin Group's renowned brand.
My fiancé loved the chic setting, but the powder room went beyond just the looks. The makeup vanity opened up to provide an extensive range of mirrored views, making it perfect for anyone who would love to see themselves from different angles.
The makeup stand furnished with USB charging ports and outlets, allowing guests to style up in comfort.
To top it off, the makeup vanity had USB ports and outlets to keep your phone charged while getting ready. The bathroom boasted a stunning white marble countertop, which was consistent with the living room's design.
Despite its single sink vanity, the bathroom was still equipped with the latest tech features.
Despite featuring only one sink, the vanity mirror's integrated lighting in its corners served a practical and stylish purpose. While the lack of double sinks was notable, the bathroom surprised me with a set of USB ports and an outlet on the bathroom mirror. Separate from the shower and toilet, the shower had both a standard showerhead and a handheld option, and there was a wooden stool inside in case you needed to sit down.
There wasn’t enough lighting in the walk-in shower to illuminate the shower booth.
The toiletries were by Red Flower—an NYC-based wellness beauty brand—and the scent used palo santo as a primary note.
The bathroom lacked the iconic Virgin Group style—the bold, creative flair that is part of their signature look.
The spacious bathroom reminded me of the bathroom at Marriott Marquis Chicago. I think the space could’ve used a little more art on the walls because its blank white walls were uninspiring. Aside from unexciting walls, it was outstanding to see technologically advanced design details in the bathroom and the powder room.
Dining Review—Night + Market
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has 16 restaurants and bars on site. From luxury dining options to affordable eats, the hotel offers a wide range of venues depending on your mood and style.
Kassi Beach House welcomed visitors with an awe-inspiring entrance.
For instance, Kassi Beach House offers Italian dishes in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Its outdoor dining area was facing the pool, positioning itself as a prime dining spot on hot summer pool days.
If you feel fancy, you can grab fresh nigiri and sashimi from Nobu.
Try miso-marinated black cod—a fan favorite at Nobu!
Another popular destination was an ice cream shop called Afters Ice Cream which features creative ice cream flavors like jasmine milk tea and french toast churro.
Save some room for dessert and grab creative ice cream at Afters Ice Cream.
Because my fiancé and I always crave Asian food, we made a reservation at Night + Market, where chef Kris Yenbamroong serves Thai food with a twist.
Night+Market expertly captured the lively atmosphere of Asian night markets.
We booked a table for two at 9 PM, so the restaurant was fairly empty. The decor reminded me of an Asian night market, with neon lights on the walls and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling, adding a touch of Vegas-style glamour.
We visited the restaurant at an off-peak time, and the dining floor was quite empty.
We started our meal with the refreshing Thai Paloma and Future Collins cocktails, which were enjoyable but not the perfect pairing for our dishes.
The cocktails were decent on their own, but they unfortunately did not pair well with the meal we chose.
Next, we dug into the Crispy Rice Salad, which was a delightful medley of flavors and textures. The rice bits added crunch, while the ginger slices provided a spicy kick. The fish sauce-based dressing added a rich, umami flavor that brought everything together.
The crispy rice dish was an ensemble of interesting textures.
For our main courses, we ordered the Good Luck Tiger Noodles with black tiger shrimp, as well as the XO Fried Rice garnished with fried bok choi.
I never knew that fried bok choi would taste like roasted seaweed until I tried one.
The XO sauce in the fried rice provided a complex depth of flavor, and the bok choi tasted like roasted seaweed, adding another layer of deliciousness. The lo mein noodles were cooked perfectly with the right amount of chewiness, and the black tiger shrimps were tender and juicy.
The only downside with the food at Night+Market was that it was quite salty.
The food portions at Night+Market were quite generous, and though we were very hungry, we couldn't finish all three dishes. While the intricate flavor profiles of each dish were impressive, they were all very overseasoned. Although it's expected for Thai cuisine to be high in sodium, the food at Night+Market was excessively salty. If the sodium levels were reduced by half, the food would be more appetizing. Despite the saltiness, the waitress provided phenomenal service, which added to our enjoyable dining experience at Night+Market.
Gym & Pool Review
My room was in the Canyon Tower, and because the gym was on the opposite end of the hotel, it meant taking a bit of a walk. However, for those staying in the Opal Tower, it's just a quick and easy trip. To get there, all you need to do is pass by Night+Market and walk straight until you reach the escalator leading to the second floor. Once you arrive, you'll have convenient access to the gym, spa, and juice bar, and if you're looking for a tasty breakfast option, be sure to check out their selection of fresh smoothies and cold-pressed juice.
You can grab a healthy cup of smoothie to go after working out at the gym.
The fitness center was completely decked out with TechnoGym equipment. In the center of the gym, a collection of high-end equipment—a curved treadmill, a Peloton bike, and a rowing machine—was facing a massive wall-mounted TV.
The fitness center was equipped with the latest equipment from TechnoGym, providing guests an extensive selection of exercise options.
You could connect the TV with classes provided by TechnoGym and incorporate medicine and kettlebells into workout routines.
The gym was well-stocked with towels, allowing patrons to stay refreshed throughout their workout.
Additional cardio machines were positioned along the windows, and everything was in pristine condition.
If a Peloton bike is taken, you can always use one of the TechnoGym cycling bikes.
The strength machines were no exception; dumbbells went up to 100 lbs, and a proper squat rack and a deadlift platform were available to take your workout to the next level.
A full squat rack is an essential asset to any serious gym-goer, offering unequaled versatility and strength training options.
The rest of the gym had more strength machines. Because they were the latest models, some machines weren’t as intuitive as traditional models.
I was truly amazed by the sheer variety of workout equipment available at the gym, providing for a great range of exercising possibilities.
All in all, I was a big fan of the fitness center. It had everything you’d want in a brand-new gym and would please a wide range of audiences. I stayed at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in December, so I didn’t go into the pool, but I checked it out on my morning stroll.
The lush artificial turf and surrounding palm trees created an idyllic setting for summer festivals.
The theme of the pool was a desert oasis, and it was eye-catching and adorable. Interestingly, the design team managed to extend the theme of the hotel from the inside to the outside by matching the shape of the pool with a coffee table in my hotel living room.
The pool area was truly transformative, providing a beach-like environment to relax and enjoy.
The sandy beach around the pool was my favorite part, as it successfully mimicked a beachy vibe. However, some people may not prefer it as they could get their feet dirty while getting out of the pool. Regardless, the clever idea of creating a beachy atmosphere was remarkable, and there were enough ways to exit the pool without getting sand on your feet. Overall, the pool area was another impressive execution by the design team, and I hope to revisit the pool in the summer.
Breakfast Review—The Kitchen At Commons Club
There are many options for breakfast at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. If you’re looking for a familiar place, please head over to Dunkin’ Donuts, located next to the Opal Tower. It’s probably the least expensive option in the hotel, but expect a long queue during peak breakfast hours.
A bustling crowd of eager patrons lined up to get their fix for Dunkin Donuts' signature coffee and donut treats.
If you would like to elevate your coffee game, head over to Funny Library Coffee Shop. Along with various caffeinated drinks, they also served breakfast sandwiches and pastries.
Funny Library sold simple breakfast sandwiches and pastries to company coffee and juice.
I ordered a latte for my fiancé and a matcha latte for myself. Despite getting our drinks to go, we were impressed with the cafe's overall design. The geometric tile flooring, playful egg chairs, and colorful desert plant wallpaper all tied in perfectly with the hotel's theme, reinforcing the overall concept.
The hotel transformed its space from dull to delightful with their addition of playful desert-themed wallpapers.
As Hilton Diamond Honors members, my fiancé and I received a $15 credit each toward food and drink. While the credit could not be used at every restaurant and bar on the premises, The Kitchen At Commons Club was eligible.
Unfortunately, the daily $15 food and beverage credit didn’t stretch far enough to even cover one entrée.
The Kitchen At Commons Club served modern American cuisine, and the interior embodied a fashionable Californian beachy ambiance. Even at 8 AM, the restaurant was filling up quite fast, presumably due to its lower price point than other dining options.
The restaurant experienced an early-morning surge of guests, likely due to its competitive price compared with other on-site eateries.
We ordered the Chicken N' Waffles and Skillet Hash along with a fruit bowl. Contrary to a delightful environment, the food failed to impress. We were expecting actual fried chicken pieces on the waffles, but to our dismay, they came with bland chicken fingers. The only saving grace was the bacon bits in the waffle batter, but even then, the dish was unsuccessful in bringing out a simultaneous combination of sweet and salty flavor profiles.
Instead of the expected fried chicken, it was a letdown to receive mediocre chicken fingers.
The Skillet Hash was slightly better, but the corned beef was not crispy enough, and the potatoes tasted rather bland.
Despite lacking flavor, the cast iron skillet kept the food warm until the end of the meal.
Ironically, the best-tasting dish was the fruit bowl, which shouldn’t be the highlight at any restaurant, in my opinion.
Unfortunately, the highlight of my meal was this fruit bowl.
While we were glad that our breakfast was partially covered by the food and beverage credit, breakfast at The Kitchen At Commons Club was a big letdown.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
While Virgin Hotels Las Vegas may not be a behemoth like Mandalay Bay, Aria, or Caesar's Palace, its smaller size offers guests a more personalized and intimate stay. As someone who wasn't interested in the party and club scene, I preferred the boutique experience that Virgin Hotels Las Vegas had to offer.
The gym was one of the best gyms I’ve experienced. The equipment was cutting-edge, and weightlifters will be thrilled to have a proper squat rack and deadlift platform. While some may need to learn the ropes with TechnoGym's latest machines, any active guest would appreciate this state-of-the-art facility.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas featured a stunning contemporary design language that fully reflected a desert oasis theme. The California cool ambiance in my room was a perfect complement to the hotel’s brand identity.
Negatives
The location of the hotel may not appeal to first-time Vegas visitors. While the hotel has plenty of things to do, guests will need to catch a brief Uber ride if they want to be closer to the main Las Vegas Strip.
Summary
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a boutique hotel on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip. As one of the newest hotels in Las Vegas, the hotel was stylish and boasted a variety of interior design elements that evoke the feeling of a true desert getaway. During my stay, I was impressed by the room's numerous technological features that significantly improved my overall lodging experience. With 16 onsite restaurants and bars, I didn’t get tired of food and drinks during my stay, but some dining experiences were slightly underwhelming. While some travelers might overlook it due to its location, I would highly recommend checking out Virgin Hotels Las Vegas if you're searching for a laid-back, beachy vibe with modern amenities in Sin City.
