Unpacking the Virgin Hotel Experience

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Sarah Roof
Curated By

Sarah Roof

  • Luxury Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • United Kingdom

  • Relaxation

  • Hotel Guide

  • Romantic

Unpacking the Virgin Hotel Experience
Curator’s statement

Virgin Hotels in the UK hold a special place in my travel memories. They seamlessly combined luxury, value and personalized service during my 30th birthday celebration. This all made it a once-in-a-lifetime trip. The staff went above and beyond to make the milestone unforgettable. There were thoughtful touches like a surprise birthday treat and personalized notes that made me feel truly celebrated. Despite the luxurious ambiance and stylish amenities, the stays were surprisingly affordable. This included incredible perks like complimentary happy hours and welcome drinks, in-room comforts, and access to exclusive spaces that elevated the experience without breaking the bank. Virgin Hotels struck the perfect balance between indulgence and practicality, proving that luxury travel can also be cost-efficient and deeply meaningful. Now that I've gone Virgin, I don't know if I'll ever go back to anything other!

The Fora Difference

Book with Sarah to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Icon Travel Perks
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Icon Recommendations
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Icon Inside Knowledge
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Unlock perks by contacting Sarah to book your trip.

Spending two weeks in the UK, I had the absolute treat of staying at not one, but two incredible Virgin Hotels. Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. These properties didn’t just meet expectations — they smashed them. Both offer a unique mix of charm, luxury and thoughtful extras that made celebrating my 30th birthday a total dream. From literally jaw-dropping amenities to surprise personal touches, here’s why these spots deserve a spot on your must-stay list for a high-value getaway.

Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch

Right in the buzzing heart of London’s Shoreditch neighborhood, Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch delivers a perfect mix of edgy cool and effortless luxury. From the second I stepped in, it was clear the team knew how to make a guest feel special. Not only was my room upgraded (Thanks, Platinum Perks program!), but I walked into a surprise birthday setup with a sweet note, an indulgent slice of chocolate cake and a bottle of red wine. Talk about a first impression! It was personal, thoughtful and the perfect kick-off to an unforgettable stay.

The standout feature of my time here was the rooftop breakfast. (I know what you're thinking--really? Hotel breakfast? The answer is: really.) The quality was akin to dining at a fine restaurant, and the best part? It was included. Enjoying a gourmet meal while taking in the panoramic views of London was an unforgettable way to start each day. The property also features two other on-site cocktail bars and restaurants. Travelers can make excellent use of the £80 allowance included with your stay, adding value to an already luxurious experience. The welcome drinks were a delightful bonus, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring London.

In addition to the on-site features, our room featured immaculate amenities, including a steam shower and heated floors that made mornings especially cozy. The bed was pure indulgence, ensuring restful nights amidst the excitement of the city. The modern design and functionality of the space demonstrated Virgin’s commitment to creating a guest experience that feels both luxurious and practical.

Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch is ideal for travelers seeking a chic, energetic base to explore London’s creative and cultural scene. Its mix of luxury perks, thoughtful details and prime location make it perfect for couples, solo adventurers and business travelers alike.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, located at the tip-top of historic Victoria Street, offers a distinctly Scottish experience infused with Virgin’s signature style. The unbeatable location provides stunning views directly over Victoria Street. Upgrading to the Grand Chamber King Suite was one of the best decisions of the trip. At less than $25 extra per night, the suite came with a private dressing room, a lounge area and breathtaking views that added a sense of grandeur to our stay.

The property’s rooftop deck was a highlight, with incredible views of Edinburgh Castle — a magical backdrop whether enjoying morning coffee or evening drinks. The £80 hotel credit included with the perks program and welcome drinks continued Virgin’s tradition of offering exceptional value without compromising on luxury.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s attention to guest comfort shone through in the details: again, heated floors and plush robes made returning to the room after a day of sightseeing, a true pleasure. The Funny Library, stocked with books and games, provides a cozy space to relax by the fire with a cocktail or coffee. One of the best surprises was Bonnar, the resident VIP (Very Important Pup), who added a charming touch of home to the experience. For those traveling with their own pets, Virgin Edinburgh is pet-friendly and ensures yours are treated like royalty, too.

The fully stocked mini-bar was also a standout feature, showcasing local Scottish tastes with items like the Holyrood Distillery’s special Commons Club edition gin. Even better, everything was priced at street rates — think $3–5 for a beer! And if that wasn’t enough, the room service was just as impressive. Imagine ordering an $11 pizza on New Year’s Day and enjoying it without ever having to leave the comfort of your suite. It felt like the ultimate indulgence, combining convenience with top-notch local flavors.

Final Thoughts

Both Virgin Hotels properties nailed it when it comes to offering unforgettable, luxe experiences without breaking the bank. From the special birthday surprises in London to the incredible location and special touches in Edinburgh, these stays were a true testament to Virgin’s top-tier hospitality. Whether you're celebrating something special, discovering a new city, or just craving a swanky getaway, Virgin Hotels' attention to detail and guest-first approach make them the go-to for travelers who appreciate the finer things. After this experience, I’m officially a Virgin loyalist — they’ve set the bar for every trip to come.

Need to know

First up, Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch was the perfect escape from the usual London chaos. Tucked away in a more local-feeling area of Shoreditch, it felt like a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling holiday crowds that dominate the central parts of London. But despite being a quieter neighborhood, Shoreditch couldn’t have been more accessible. The Elizabeth line is just a short walk away. It’s an absolute game-changer when it comes to getting around the city — clean, efficient and super convenient. You can easily hop on and head anywhere in London, but it’s nice to return to this tucked-away corner of the city after a long day of exploring.

Then there’s Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, which takes location to a whole new level. Situated at the top of Victoria Street in the heart of Old Town, we were within walking distance of pretty much everything we wanted to do. Whether it was sightseeing, dining or exploring the city’s incredible culture, everything was just a short stroll away. This made our trip so much easier and more enjoyable — no need to stress about transportation or logistics.

When it comes to fitness, Virgin Hotels doesn’t mess around. The gyms at both properties were on par with some of the best fitness centers I’ve seen. As a Peloton fan, Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch gets extra kudos for having not one, but two Peloton bikes available for guests. If you're into your fitness routine on the road, these gyms will make sure you stay on track during your trip.

Now, let’s talk about cocktails. Virgin Hotels definitely knows how to mix a drink. Their hand-crafted cocktails were next-level, and the vibe at both properties’ bars was always lively and welcoming. One of my favorite surprises was the daily guest happy hour. This included complimentary drinks and small bites provided the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow travelers or just kick back and treat yourself. It’s the kind of thoughtful touch that makes you feel like you’re more than just a guest.

But what truly made Virgin Hotels shine was their commitment to guest comfort. Whether it was the personalized birthday setup in London, the cozy, pet-friendly atmosphere at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh or the small but meaningful touches like heated floors and plush robes that added an extra layer of comfort to our stay. The attention to detail was impeccable. And let's not forget about the mini-bar — stocked with local goodies and priced at street rates, which is a rare and much-appreciated perk.

In short, Virgin Hotels has earned a spot at the top of my list of go-to hotel brands. From their unbeatable locations to the attention to detail in their service and amenities, they’ve set a new standard for what a hotel stay should be. After this experience, I’m hooked — and I can’t wait to check out more Virgin properties around the world. If you’re looking for luxury, convenience and a little something extra, Virgin Hotels should definitely be on your radar.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our United Kingdom page.

Advisor - Sarah Roof

Travel Advisor

Sarah Roof

Get in touch with Sarah

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Sarah within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

We use cookies to enhance the user experience. Read our Privacy Policy here.