New Virgin Hotels Branch Opens Amidst Pandemic

Virgin Hotels Nashville
The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville, Tennessee.

Virgin Hotels Nashville Devoted to Customer Safety

By Sierra DeWalt

Opening a hotel amidst a national pandemic is especially challenging, but Virgin Hotels Nashville has taken on the challenge with flair.

In addition to COVID-19 preventative features such as mobile room keys and online checkout, the hotel features three unique restaurants, a rooftop pool, and Nashville inspired interior design to give guests the full experience.

How Your Stay Begins

The experience begins as soon as you enter the front door, with top brand musical instruments suspended from the ceiling. This is General Manager Derek McCann’s personal favorite piece of the hotel.

As you see more of the interior, you will notice a colorful, modern design style. The history and music of Nashville can be seen in even the smallest details, including the carpets in the conference rooms which are based on the classic quilt pattern native to Tennessee.

Of course, an essential part of your stay is food. Virgin Hotels Nashville has three options for you: indulge in rooftop drinks at the bar and restaurant The Pool Club, enjoy breakfast and lunch at the hotspot Funny Library Coffee Shop, and kick back at the Commons Club lounge, bar, and restaurant. Each choice has a unique feel and flavor for any situation.

Virgin Hotels Nashville
Specialty cocktails Belle Femme (left) and Summer Sessions (right)

The Pool Club

The Pool Club is an exciting poolside dining experience. Derek McCann describes it as “our indoor and outdoor rooftop bar where guests can enjoy chef-driven food and inventive cocktails.”

Guests can lounge on reclining seats or daybeds while enjoying their food and drinks.

On the menu, a variety of dishes can be found including various salads, burgers, and appetizers. As for drinks, the menu includes champagne, wine, local beers, and creative cocktails with names like “Belle Femme,” “Sun Sessions,” and “Backwoods Barbie.”

To finish, guests with a sweet tooth can order strawberry-topped buttermilk panna cotta or a slice of chocolate pecan pie.

 

Funny Library Coffee Shop

In the morning, the Funny Library Coffee Shop serves scrumptious brunch with a quirky atmosphere. The menu is printed to look like a library card and includes Hugh Jackman’s Laughing Man coffee, as well as breakfast essentials such as an omelet, egg sandwich, and avocado toast.

If you partied a little too hard the night before, the restaurant even has a playlist titled “Hangovers and Coffee” with calming country songs. Executive Chef Patrick McEntrye runs both the Funny Library Coffee Shop and The Pool Club.

Executive Chef Patrick McEntyre
Executive Chef Patrick McEntyre

Commons Club

The Commons Club is a fancier dining option designed to be similar to a social club but without the additional fees. A bar, restaurant, and lounge, Commons Club serves a greater variety of wine and dinner options. It’s the perfect setting for a date or special occasion meal.

The restaurant is a signature for Virgin Hotels and will be opening in the Nashville location this fall.

Other Amenities

If feasting yourself on the hotel’s restaurants is not enough, the hotel also has a 24-hour fitness center, large outdoor pool, and room service. For those of you with furry friends, there is more good news.

Virgin Hotels Nashville has pet-friendly rooms where your pet can stay for free! The room is equipped with a dog bed, food, water, treats, and a Virgin Hotels bandana. The only requirement is that your pet stays on a leash when in the public areas.

Safety Measures and Precautions

You might be wondering “why stay in a hotel now? Wouldn’t it be dangerous?” This is a valid point and there are definitely health risks with staying in a hotel. However, Virgin Hotels Nashville has several precautions in place. The hotel follows all requirements of the Center for Disease Control and The American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Guests can use the mobile app Lucy to open their room, adjust thermostats, lighting, and the TV, order room service, and check out without fear of touching any germ-infested objects.

All rooms also have two separate spaces with a dividing door. One of these, the “Dressing Room,” functions as a powder room with a vanity and shower and the other, the “Lounge” is both a bedroom and lounge, complete with a mini-fridge, flatscreen TV, and yoga mat.

Elevator buttons, door handles, and similar surfaces are wiped down frequently and travel-sized hand sanitizers are provided in every room. A comprehensive list of hygiene standards is provided on the website.

Avocado Toast at the Funny Library Coffee Shop
Avocado Toast at the Funny Library Coffee Shop

Special Deals

The hotel charges a starting rate of $289 per night. However, there are several special deals and room packages guests can enjoy.

Virgin’s Grand Opening Offer gives 25% off your stay and $30 of food and drink credit which can be used at any of the hotel bars or restaurants or on room service.

Another special deal is the Tennessee Residents package, which gives state residents 35% off the original price. All locals need to do to benefit from the deal is to show proof of residence when checking in.

You can also get deals from Virgin Hotel’s guest preferences and loyalty program, The Know.

 

Nearby Attractions

While staying in Virgin Hotels Nashville, you will be right in the heart of the city on Music Row. Nashville Party Barge, RCA Studio B, and the Tin Roof Bar are all a 5 minute or less walk away. Other famous attractions not too far from the hotel include the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Patsy Cline Museum, and Imagine Recordings.

Owen Bradley Park and Tony Rose Park are nearby green spots to have a picnic or stroll around in. There are also many restaurants in the area, including Losers Bar and Grill and Winners Bar and Grill, both of which feature live music by local bands.

What People Are Saying

Since the July 1st opening of Virgin Hotels Nashville, the response has already been overwhelmingly positive. Christopher M. found himself impressed with the interior design, saying “public spaces are spot on with this Nashville location.”

Scott K. writes of the hotel: “Great amenities and exceptional visual appeal. Easy walk to numerous dining options on the West End.” Katrina Drake from Chicago recommends the Backwoods Barbie cocktail at The Pool Club.

As is to be expected, not every review is glowing. LPauley87, when she went to the hotel with her friend from Tennessee, found the price to be misleading.

She writes: “When we talked to a manager they informed us that the price on the website is already discounted for Tennessee residents.” She advises customers that the cost does not correlate with the one listed on the website.

The majority of early visitors the hotel have mostly or all positive things to say. These reviews contribute to the 4.5-star rating Virgin has on Trip Advisor.

Chain Hotel With a Personal Touch

Virgin Hotels Nashville Rooftop
Aerial view of Virgin Hotels Nashville

Virgin Hotels Nashville may be part of a large chain of hotels, but the experience they offer is much more personalized and aesthetic. Each facet of the hotel mixes local flavor and comfortable, first-class hotel experience.

From local touches to the unique set-up of the rooms, Virgin Hotels Nashville aims to make you feel at home. In Derek McCann’s words, “whether you’re a local or visiting Nashville for the first time, we want our guests to feel like this is their spot in Music City.”

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