From space to New Orleans, Richard Branson has traveled far and wide this past year, but this past week, he came back to visit the Big Easy for the opening of his new Virgin Hotel New Orleans. 

The Virgin Group’s new flagship hotel brings optimism and hope for revitalization of tourism and employment growth for the city’s economy as the pandemic seems to come closer to an end.

Located in the Warehouse District, at 550 Baronne St, the Virgin Hotel is a short Uber ride for students looking to explore downtown New Orleans, in true tourist fashion.

James Beard Award-winning chef, Alex Harrell, is spicing up contemporary American cuisine with his southern roots for The Commons Club menu at the Virgin Hotel. Students looking for a hip restaurant locale for their 21st birthday dinner may reserve The Shag Room, The Commons Club’s private plush and luxuriously designed lounge, recommended for small parties.

Coffee shops are nothing new to New Orleans. However, the Virgin’s neoteric version of a library-lounge coffee shop, the Funny Library, is enticing to Tulane students, who are more acquainted with neighborhood coffee joints. 

Consider having a weekend study session with friends at the Funny Library. It is highly encouraged to blast the Virgin Hotel’s curated Apple Music playlist, “Hangovers & Coffee,” on your ride to the hotel. 

After your dreadful midterm hell week, kick back and relax by the Virgin Hotel’s rooftop pool. At The Pool Club students can purchase pool passes, reserve seats at the pool’s bar or book VIP sofas for a rooftop view of the New Orleans cityscape. Each Monday, locals can enjoy a $10 pool pass for its weekly “Love Local” deal.

Bringing the Who Dat spirit to the poolside, Virgin Hotel New Orleans will be inviting fans each home game day to The Pool Club for its Saints watch parties. After the game ends, the celebration continues with the watch party’s overtime at the hotel’s restaurant, on the first floor, The Commons, not to be confused with Tulane’s dining hall.

For parents planning a trip down to New Orleans for graduation weekend or visiting for a little vacation, the hotel’s most appealing packages may be the Stay Awhile and the Road Trip specials, offering free cancellation policies, complimentary daily valet parking and room discounts for extended stays. 

The Virgin Hotel Group’s loyalty program, The Know, allows parents who will be visiting often to join and enjoy frequent-stayer features such as member room upgrades, special room rates, contactless check-in and free drinks at the hotel’s sponsored Spirit Hour. Rooms can be personalized to your comfort, including pillow choice and mini-fridge stock options. 

For the upcoming spooky weekend on Friday, Oct. 29, at 9 p.m, Virgin Hotel will be having a poolside party with DJ Nice Rack. Students 21 and over will be glad to hear that general admission is free for the public. Make sure to register your name on the guestlist for the concert, which can be found on the Virgin Hotel’s website.

Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotel New Orleans extends a warm welcome to vacation-goers, parents and students looking to experience New Orleans in an eclectic and fresh way. By offering a variety of unique hotel amenities, restaurants, bars, shops and events, Virgin Hotel New Orleans’ modern twist to the Big Easy experience stays true to Virgin’s lifestyle brand expansion and permanence.