Virgin Hotels Set to Open it’s First Two UK Sites, in Scotland

Main Photo: The new Virgin Glasgow

Date: January 2022

Name: Virgin Hotels Glasgow and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – both opening Spring 2022

Location: Glasgow – overlooking the River Clyde; Edinburgh – India Buildings, Victoria Street – Scotland, UK

Number of Keys: 240 and 222

Owner: Glasgow: Silk Property Group, with assets managed by Siggis Capital; Edinburgh: Flemyn, with Siggis Capital

Manager: Virgin Hotels, headed up by CEO James Bermingham

Virgin Hotels has confirmed plans to open it’s first hotels in the UK, with both of them based in Scotland. The ‘lifestyle hotels’ are coming to Edinburgh in the spring, followed soon after by another in Glasgow.

The property will be located at 236-246 Clyde Street, a prime city-centre position. The panoramic river views will be a highlight of this location, as it overlooks the River Clyde in the heart of Glasgow’s shopping area, making it an ideal base to explore the city. The hotel will feature 240 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites; meeting and event space; and multiple dining and drinking outlets, including the brand’s signature culinary experience Commons Club, a restaurant, bar and modern social club where guests can both work and play during their time at the hotel. The Funny Library Coffee Shop will also be a feature that guests can wind down and socialize. Here, an assortment of whimsical and funny books and games will surely keep guests entertained during their stay.

Virgin Hotels Glasgow will be completed in partnership with owner and developer Silk Property Group alongside Siggis Capital as the asset manager, architects 21st Architecture and RM Funds as a financial partner. All of Virgin’s Partners have extensive experience in developing, owning and operating hotels in UK and Europe. Virgin Hotels Glasgow will take to heart the brand wide celebrated “No Nickel and Diming” policy, which includes street-priced minibars, free WIFI, and zero amenity fees.

“Silk Property Group is delighted to have partnered with Virgin Hotels an amazing global brand,” said Richard Diamond, Co-Founder of Silk Property Group. “We fully expect the hotel to become a beacon of activity and showcase Virgin’s ability to bring something different and much needed to Glasgow. With numerous investments in Glasgow, we are so thrilled to bring another incredible project to this energetic city.”

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said: “Edinburgh is such an iconic city and we’re thrilled to be able to say it will be the home of the first Virgin Hotel in the UK and across Europe. “Glasgow is a dynamic city with a rich history that is extra special to me as my wife Joan is from Glasgow.”

James Bermingham, chief executive of Virgin Hotels, added: “Virgin Hotels Glasgow will have all the brand differentiators such as our innovative chamber design, forward-thinking technology, food and beverage offerings and entertainment.”

The capital site will be located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, near the Royal Mile, in the India Buildings on Victoria Street.

Only Virgin could have a public area called The Shag lounge!

The new hotel will feature 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites: multiple dining and drinking outlets, including Commons Club, Virgin hotel’s iconic cultural hub. In re-envisioning the building, the design team will work to preserve its notable elements while adding a sense of style and sophistication. The property promises a stunning mix of old and new to fully capture the uniqueness of the iconic city of Edinburgh.

The foyer at the Edinburgh hotel

It will be completed in partnership with owner Flemyn, with assets managed by Siggis Capital.

Price: Undisclosed

THPT Comment: We have been looking forward to these two hotels opening, and glad to see that the plans are coming to fruition. New York to follow Summer 2022 and Miami 2025

First Seen: Insider.co.uk

The Hotel Property Team (THPT) is a small group of highly experienced business professionals. Between us, we provide a range of skills and experience which is directly relevant to those involved in the hotel property market. For more information – Visit www.thpt.co.uk or email [email protected] 

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US