Review: Virgin Hotels Chicago

How did it strike you on arrival?
The whole place is an invitation to misbehave. Lots of cheeky accents, starting with the cherry red color scheme, in a rather stately old bank building makes for fun friction.

What’s the crowd like?
They're worldly fun-seekers.

The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.
You don't have to upgrade to get a great room here. Even the entry-level "chambers" open onto an enlarged foyer flanked by the bathroom on one side, and vanity and armoire on the other. Sliding doors lead to the innermost room, the bedroom, adding feng-shui-inspired tranquility.

We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
Downy, custom-designed and patented bed that features an ergonomically designed headboard and footboard.

How about the little things, like minibar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?
So many small and charming surprises: a wool-upholstered wall with pockets for things like the TV remote, the cherry-red Smeg fridge, yoga mat, and minibar selections that, thankfully, don't come with exorbitant price tags. My room, and other pet-friendly rooms, had a porcelain dog stationed in the hallway at the front door.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
The bathroom is part of an entire dressing chamber. The white-tiled walk-in shower has a few red tiles for accents. The wash basin is separate from a makeup vanity on the opposite side of the room, with an oversized illuminated makeup mirror mounted on the wall.

Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
Strong Wi-Fi is included in the rate.

Room service: How does it work here?
Room service couldn't be easier: you download the hotel app or navigate to in room dining on the TV and order there. Plus, no delivery fees.

Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?
Lucy, the hotel's app, handles all kinds of issues, from temperature control to room service orders.

Anything else we missed that we should have asked about?
Loads of dining and drinking options here, from the ground-level scratch Italian Kitchen, Miss Ricky's, to rooftop bar and lounge Cerise, which has great views of the city on the seasonal patio, and the market-style coffee shop, Two Zero Three.

Anything you'd change?
There's a reason housekeeping leaves earplugs on your pillow: the L train makes a screeching turn just outside of the hotel.

Bottom line: Why are we booking here?
Great location, and a feeling of relaxed luxury in a hip hotel with a rich sense of humor.