Review: Virgin Hotels Dallas

Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?
The hotel is in the Design District, which is full of business-friendly chain hotels like the Courtyard by Marriott and Best Western, which makes the Virgin, with its neon red signage and geometric white exterior, stand out. When you walk in, the colorful, playful design ethos of the brand comes through immediately, and it almost feels as if you're in a different world.

What's the backstory?
Virgin Hotels is, of course, run by British magnate Richard Branson, whose hospitality empire includes airlines, cruises, and space travel. This is his third hotel, after openings in Chicago and San Francisco, and the vibe is similar. The hotel's public spaces have a clubhouse-like feel, and you feel as if you've stepped in Branson's exclusive world.

Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?
The rooms are pretty standard in size and look similar those in San Francisco and Chicago, but there are quite a few features that show the design team's attention to detail. Every room has a privacy door, a safety feature that allows staff to enter the room (for room service or other deliveries) without entering the main bedroom. The mini bars have "street pricing," which means you'd pay the same for a bodega down the road, as opposed to the 200% markup you might see in most mini bars. And there's both a large bathroom mirror and a well-lit vanity mirror, a fantastic amenity for female travelers.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?
No charge. One login gets you into the Wi-Fi for both the rooms and the public spaces.

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?
The restaurant, Commons Club, is run by local chef Matt McCallister, who also helms Homewood, a superb destination for Italian food. New American comfort foods are the focus at here, including pastas and grilled meats. Don't overlook the cocktail list, which nods at classic concoctions and their origins. And the café serves Laughing Man Coffee, the side project of actor Hugh Jackman.

Anything notable about the service? The Virgin Hotel lacks a proper front desk, but there is a staffer who greets guests upon check in and provides all the necessary information for a quick, seamless arrival. The hotel was still working out some kinks while we were there, such as the bar service and the valets, but these are all issues that can be easily fixed with time.

What type of travelers will you find here?
Dallas' young, partying crowd flocks to the bar on weekends, particularly hovering around the much-Instagrammed circular swing that hangs below a neon sign. There's tons of outdoor space at the restaurant, which are the seats of choice for the see-and-be-seen crowd. But the best place to people watch is the rooftop Pool Club, with a large pool and a Jacuzzi for chillier nights.

What about the neighborhood? What else is around here?
The hotel stands out in this area, which is set slightly away from Dallas' main nightlife hubs. But don't miss a visit to the nearby Bishop Cidercade, where a $10 entrance fee gets you access to unlimited arcade games, and cider and wine is served on tap.

Is there anything you'd change?
I would have loved a little more design focus in the rooms, but the public spaces more than make up for it, with plenty of artsy surprises around every corner.

Any other hotel features worth noting?
My favorite space was the Funny Library, which has plenty of seating room and board games for a quieter night in.

Bottom line: Worth it? Yes. It's a fabulous new addition to the Dallas hotel scene, and it's impressive to see how Branson's design and hospitality translates in this massive city.