Recent openings in North America include a Virgin Hotel in New Orleans, a flagship Novotel property in Mexico City, the first boutique hotel in Alpharetta, GA, and more.
Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has opened Virgin Hotels New Orleans in the city’s Warehouse District.
The hotel has 238 Chambers, Grand Chamber Suites, a Penthouse Suite and Richard’s Penthouse Flat, a 1,097-sq.-ft. suite with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown New Orleans. The Chambers feature Virgin Hotels’ signature layout with two distinct spaces. The Dressing Room includes a full vanity; makeup desk with a well-lit mirror; an extra-large shower with a bench completed with Red Flower toiletries; and a closet for two. The Lounge features the brand’s patented ergonomically designed lounge bed, complete with a bullion fringe trim; a red SMEG mini-fridge; an HD TV; a yoga mat; and a cafe worktable with rattan base and tempered glass placed in front of built-in window seating offering city views.
The property also offers multiple F&B outlets, including the 13th-floor bar, Dreamboat; The Pool Club, a rooftop pool, restaurant and bar; Commons Club, the brand’s flagship restaurant, bar and lounge; and Funny Library Coffee Shop. Other amenities include a fitness center on the 3rd floor, open 24 hours a day, and 5,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space.
The hotel is developed by Buccini/Pollin Group, which selected Mathes Brierre Architects, CallisonRTKL Architects and Broadmoor Construction to complete the hotel. New Orleans-based design firm Logan Killen Interiors was tapped to curate the hotel interiors.
Novotel Mexico City Toreo
Accor has opened Novotel Mexico City Toreo in Naucalpan de Juárez. Located near Mexico City’s main business hubs, the hotel is the main flagship property for Novotel in the North and Central American Region, showcasing the brand’s new design vision.
The hotel is a LEED Gold Core & Shell certified property featuring 168 guestrooms—116 Superior Rooms, 20 Executive Rooms, 20 Superior Suites and 12 Master Suites.
Earlier in the year, Novotel selected four international designers to reimagine new design concepts for the brand and bring them to life at various Novotel locations around the globe. The Sundokovy Sisters, one of the chosen international design studios, led the creative design process for Novotel Mexico City Toreo’s suites, revealing a contemporary style that blends business with pleasure and well-being coupled with unique co-living spaces, according to the brand. Idea Asociados, a sustainable architectural firm in Mexico, designed the interiors for all the other areas of the hotel.
Amenities include Heliana restaurant, Socio Bar and more than 3,600 sq. ft. of meeting and events space. In addition, three business lounge-style meeting rooms featuring themed decor are available for informal meetings.
The Hamilton Curio Collection by Hilton
Alpharetta, GA’s first boutique hotel, The Hamilton Curio Collection by Hilton, has opened. The hotel is owned and developed by Mayfair Street Partners and managed by Hotel Equities.
Using the Western & Atlantic Railway as the inspiration behind the decor, The Hamilton has a historic feel that highlights traditional Southern hospitality and vintage elements, coupled with modern-day designs and top-of-the-line furnishings and technology, according to Hotel Equities.
Rich colors of blues and grays and heavy textures can be spotted throughout the hotel’s lobby, 119 rooms and suites and on-property amenities. Arch Studio 7 provided exterior design for the hotel. RBA Architecture served as the architect and Evergreen Construction served as the general contractor.
The property features two distinct dining options: Carrie’s Conservatory offering breakfast and lunch and Fulton House for a more intimate evening setting.
Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort
Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort has opened as the latest addition to Hilton’s All-Inclusive portfolio. Located between the beaches of Bay of Banderas and the Sierra Madre Mountain in Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the 444-room hotel features 14 restaurants and bars, two infinity pools and 16,200 sq. ft. of indoor meeting and event space. Managed by Hilton, the hotel was developed by Parks Hospitality and is owned by Fibra UNO.
The resort is nine miles from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, and near the Historic Downtown district, Malecon boardwalk and rocky arch formation known as “Arcos de Vallarta.”
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee
St. Louis-based hotel operator Genuine Hospitality LLC has opened the 96-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Waukegan/Gurnee in Waukegan, IL.
The property offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and Elfa closets from The Container Store. Amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, complimentary WiFi and a patio equipped with Weber grills.
The hotel is near Six Flags, Cardinal Health, Navy Station Great Lakes and the corporate headquarters for Abbott Laboratories and AbbVie.