Before you Book a Virgin Hotel

Las Vegas is one of those destinations where your hotel can completely change the feel of your trip.

Do you want to be right in the middle of the Strip chaos? Do you want a giant resort where it takes 20 minutes just to get from your room to the front door? Or would you rather have a little breathing room while still being close enough to everything Vegas has to offer?

On our most recent trip, Dave and I stayed at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, and after experiencing it for myself, I definitely have some thoughts I’d share with clients considering it.

Getting There Was Part of the Fun

Our Vegas trip actually started in Los Angeles, so instead of flying in, we made the drive across the desert.

We even stopped at the World’s Tallest Thermometer in Baker, because if you’re driving to Vegas, you might as well embrace the roadside attractions.

The drive has a little extra meaning for us because Dave, who is now retired from the California Highway Patrol, used to work throughout this part of California. So along the way there were plenty of stories, memories and the occasional “I used to patrol right around here.”

Then it was on to Vegas and, naturally, a few days of Vegas shenanigans.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Has a Different Feel

One of the first things I noticed about Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is that it doesn’t feel quite like the massive Strip resorts.

And depending on the kind of Vegas trip you want, that can be a very good thing.

The hotel is located just off the Strip, which gives it a slightly calmer feel while still keeping you close to the action. You’re not isolated from Las Vegas by any means, but you also aren’t stepping directly into a wall of Strip traffic and pedestrians every time you leave the hotel.

For couples, friends' trips or anyone who enjoys Vegas but doesn’t necessarily need to sleep directly on Las Vegas Boulevard, I think the location can work really well.

Our Ruby Tower Room

We stayed in the Ruby Tower, and our room itself was fantastic.

One of the things I really liked about the Ruby Tower was the room size. The rooms there offer more square footage than the rooms in the Opal Tower, so if having a little extra space matters to you, that is definitely something I would consider when choosing between the two.

Our Ruby King Chamber had plenty of space, a separate dressing area, a large bathroom and two televisions. I especially liked having enough room to spread out without the room feeling cluttered.

One thing I would definitely want clients to know before staying in the Ruby Tower is that while there was a refrigerator in the room, it was not really available for personal use.

It was stocked with items for purchase, and the refrigerator was electronically monitored, so removing or moving something could potentially trigger a charge. The snacks and other items on the countertop were monitored the same way.

So if you like to keep bottled water, leftovers, medication or your own snacks cold in the room, this is something I would plan for ahead of time rather than assuming you’ll have an empty mini-fridge available.

Now, there was one funny little wrinkle.

We had a mix-up during check-in, and as compensation we were told we would receive a Strip view.

Technically, I suppose Las Vegas was out there somewhere.

Our actual view was primarily a very impressive ceiling and wall. If we worked at it, we could sort of see the Sphere.

So would I recommend booking Virgin specifically because you want an amazing Strip view?

Probably not.

Would I recommend the Ruby Tower because I really liked the room itself?

Absolutely.

The Pool and Cabana Day Was a Highlight

One of my favorite parts of the trip was our pool day.

We rented a cabana and spent the day doing exactly what you’re supposed to do in Las Vegas: absolutely nothing productive.

Drinks, food, sunshine and nowhere we needed to be.

Our cabana attendant, Jana, was amazing. She was friendly, attentive, funny and just genuinely made the whole experience better. She took great care of us throughout the day and was one of those employees who really stood out.

We also had a great experience with one of the bartenders at the pool. We never did catch her name, but she remembered us when we saw her again the next day, which was such a nice little personal touch.

The pool area gave us that Vegas resort feeling without everything being completely over the top.

For me, that’s a win.

Who I Think Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Is Best For

After staying there myself, I’d especially consider Virgin for:

Couples who want Vegas without being directly on the Strip.

Friends traveling together who want a fun pool and resort atmosphere.

Repeat Vegas visitors who have already done the giant Strip-resort experience and want something a little different.

Travelers who appreciate having a spacious room and a little separation from the nonstop crowds.

On the other hand, if this is your very first trip to Las Vegas and your dream is to walk out of your hotel directly onto Las Vegas Boulevard every morning, I might recommend something directly on the Strip instead.

That’s one of the things I think matters when choosing a Vegas hotel. There really isn’t one “best” hotel.

There’s a best hotel for the way you want to experience Vegas.

Would We Stay Again?

Yes.

The Ruby Tower room was great, we loved our pool and cabana day, and the overall atmosphere worked really well for the kind of trip we wanted.

Would I request a different view next time?

Oh, absolutely.

The ceiling was lovely, but I think we’ve seen enough of it.

That’s also one of the reasons I love experiencing hotels myself whenever I can. Photos and descriptions only tell you so much. Staying there gives me a much better idea of which clients I would recommend it to, which room categories are worth considering, and what expectations I would set before they arrive.

And that knowledge is something I get to bring back to my clients.

If Las Vegas is calling your name and you’re wondering where you should stay, I’d love to help you narrow down the options and find a hotel that fits your version of Vegas.

Journeys by Lynne
Helping you create connections, experiences and memories through travel.