By James Wilkinson in New York
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotels has revealed the company’s first New York hotel will open in 2016.
The 300-plus room property will be located on 29th Street and Broadway in the NoMad neighbourhood and Branson said he was excited about the opportunity.
“At long last, the city that never sleeps will get a beautiful and irresistible Virgin Hotel to play, eat, work, mingle, and yes, even to sleep,” he said.
Virgin Hotels’ announcement was timed with this week’s 35th Annual NYU Hotel Investment Conference which attracted over 1800 delegates from across the globe.
The property will be the second for the new chain, with the first hotel to open in Chicago in mid-2014.
“It is a historic Chicago building filled with character,” Branson said.
Virgin Hotels CEO Raul Leal said New York was an important city for the company.
“We are delighted to enter the New York market and specifically to play a part in continuing the NoMad neighbourhood’s growth as a dynamic destination,” he said.
“Virgin’s 60 million global customers can’t get enough of New York City, and we hope to welcome them all with our trademark style, humour, innovation, and friendly customer service.”
Virgin Hotels have also been flagged for Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Washington DC, and London, but further announcements are yet to be made.
HM travelled to New York on Qantas, which offers daily flights to the city from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney via Los Angeles or Dallas Fort Worth. Qantas has recently upgraded the Boeing 747s that fly on the Australia-New York route, which feature the new A380-inspired interiors including new, larger economy class seats in a cabin that’s highlighted by an extensive range of entertainment on demand alongside a great selection of Australian wine and meals designed by star chef Neil Perry. For bookings, visit www.qantas.com