Since its opening in 2021, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has been a favorite among locals for its varied and excellent dining options. In addition to the many restaurants on the property, the resort also has various entertainment choices and a lush pool oasis. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas invited us for a hosted visit to experience the hospitality and entertainment options the resort has to offer. We also have a walkthrough of the hotel to give you a lay of the land!
Staycationing Off-Strip at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Check-In
Like most properties in Las Vegas, the line can be long on busy days if you arrive right around the standard check-in time. Even so, with most of the terminals open, the line that wove through the lobby took under 30 minutes. We should have checked which tower we were booked in before our arrival (editor error) because our room was actually booked in the Ruby Tower, which has its own dedicated front desk, concierge desk and spacious lounge area.
We had a king room in the Ruby Tower with its own foyer (full of armoire space and complete with a vanity area), living space (including a sleek dinette for two) and spacious bathroom (about the size of most apartment bedrooms). The decor is colorful and cheeky and utterly different from the former look of the hotel rooms when the property was once the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. In fact, the entire property has swapped color schemes from the moody rock and roll vibes to a Palm Springs-esque color scheme with retro touches.
Please download the Virgin Hotels mobile app before your arrival and link your reservation. The mobile app allows you to access plenty of digital amenities that make your stay a bit more comfortable. Amenities can also be quickly accessed from your room’s television, making the technological aspect of your stay pretty seamless. Another tech perk? The wireless charging port on the nightstand—it’s perfect if you forgot your charger (like us).
Happy Hour
If you timed your arrival just right, it’s now happy hour. We dropped off our bags and headed straight for Casa Calavera to enjoy the “Mi Casa, Su Casa” Happy Hour that takes place Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. While we’ve been hosted for several visits around Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, this visit to Casa Calavera was made as regular diners. The happy hour specials include a selection of food and beverage items for $7, including our favorite pomegranate and jicama guacamole and the Ahi tuna tostadas.
Spa Time
We didn’t have time to visit The Spa at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on this visit—partly because a nap in the super comfortable room was just too appealing to pass up. If a spa visit is on your list, the onsite facilities have several summer spa specials through August 31, 2022. Guests can enjoy the “Thirst Quenching Spa Package,” which has multiple treatments included for $285, and the “Coconut Mojito Body Scrub” with a coconut water mojito.
Cocktails
If you’re searching for a plush cocktail lounge, make your way to the Shag Room. The colorful space is adjacent to the main front desk and hotel entrance and looks nothing like what you’d expect to find at a hotel lobby bar. You’ll find a lengthy wine and spirits list, traditional libations, and some fun specialty cocktails like the “Trifle Bowl” and the “Privateer.” If you’re visiting on a Sunday, book a reservation for the Upside Down Tea Party.
Dinner Options
We’ve attended media events at almost all of the restaurants at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, and there is something for everyone on the property. The dining selection here is one of several property highlights with big names in the culinary world like Nobu and Night + Market Las Vegas from Kris Yenbamroong. Local spot Pizza Forte is a fantastic quick-service option, especially if you’re looking for some late-night eats to bring back to your room. The Kitchen at Commons Club is open 24/7, making it perfect for the night owls and partying set (it’s also a great spot to grab breakfast).
Entertainment
If you visited Hard Rock Hotel & Casino before it was sold, you’re probably familiar with the infamous entertainment venue, The Joint. Though the space has been rebranded as well, all of the old bones left from one of the city’s most beloved stages are still present at The Theater. We were invited to attend the sold-out show featuring 2CELLOS. Security and crowd control while entering the venue was well-managed, and the sound quality was outstanding.
Soak Up Some Sun
We would have thought it would be challenging for the resort to erase the stamp of the notorious REHAB pool parties that took place years ago at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino; however, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas did a lovely job of rebranding the space. The over-21 pool parties now take place at the intimate Élia Beach Club space, and we were invited by the hotel and Élia Beach Club to visit the space and enjoy some fun in the sun.
Élia Beach Club did keep some components of REHAB—but just the good ones. The space is removed from the main pool and surrounded by updated cabanas and daybeds, while the expansive bar area contains additional seating and shade. The sandy beaches surrounding the daybeds might have you thinking you’re not in Las Vegas anymore, and the menu of food and beverage choices was refreshing and reasonably priced as far as dayclubs go. A visit to Élia Beach Club is the perfect way to unwind after a night on the town and the ideal interlude between your staycation and reality.
