Latest news with #VirginHotels
Skift
2 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Virgin Hotels Chicago Sold, Brooklyn's Hotel Indigo Sold
The DJIA rose 208 points on Friday, while the Nasdaq was up 50, the S&P 500 rose 25 points, and the 10-year treasury yield was down .02 to 4.39%. Lodging stocks were modestly higher. Virgin Hotels has sold its 250-room hotel in Chicago to a firm specializing in converting properties into timeshare investments. The hotel was sold for just under $77.4 million to an affiliate of Accelerated Assets, according to online property records. The sale comes at an apparent loss to Virgin Hotels and its development partner on the project, Lionstone Development. It's unclear what Accelerated Assets has planned for the Chicago hotel, but the firm's business model is to acquire, develop and finance properties where individuals buy into timeshare ownership stakes. JLL brokers represented the seller. For the second time in a month, Park Hotels & Resorts is putting a prominent Chicago property on the market for sale. Park
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Plans to turn former Edinburgh city centre nightclub Espionage into a new multi-level spa
Plans have been lodged to turn former Edinburgh city centre nightclub Espionage into a new spa, with pools, steam rooms and a sauna. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The proposals by India Building Limited seek to bring the floorspace back into active use at 4 India Buildings, Victoria Street, providing a destination spa facility. The proposed use will be associated with, and directly accessible from, the existing Virgin Hotel located on the upper floors of the building for use by hotel guests, as well as the general public. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The application, submitted on July 11, seeks consent for the change of use of the existing floorspace from nightclub to spa facility, and internal and minor external alterations to a Category A Listed Building located within the Old Town Conservation Area and Old and New Towns of Edinburgh' UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site was recently subject to substantial redevelopment with the successful conversion of the upper floors of 1-6 India Buildings, 11-15 Victoria Street and 18-20 Cowgate into Virgin Hotels and function space. This new proposed spa development is submitted by the same applicant and seeks to build on the success of Virgin Hotels, providing a 'first-class spa accessible to hotel guests and the general public'. Espionage was a notoriously cavernous nightclub in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh, which pulled in the punters during the noughties and 2010s before sadly closing in 2019. It had one entrance on Victoria Street and another off the Cowgate, and the venue, which had five floors, was known for its maze-like interior. | Google Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The site currently comprises vacant floorspace following the closure of Espionage nightclub in 2019. Nightclubbers spoke of their sadness when the cavernous multi-level venue announced its closure, with regulars reminiscing about great nights out there and losing friends in the sprawling nightclub. The proposed spa would include a vitality pool, pool relaxation lounge, herbal steam rooms, a sauna and two plunge pools. The entrance to the proposed development will be taken from an existing doorway located between the Commons Club entrance and the Strathberry retail unit on Victoria Street. In the planning documents, the applicant said: 'The proposals have been sensitively designed to ensure that they do not impact on the significance of the Listed Building, or the character and appearance of the Old Town Conservation Area. 'The proposed application will allow the sustainable reuse of the existing floorspace within the city centre of Edinburgh, allowing for the continued use of the listed building whilst preserving its character and historic interest. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The works would not have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the listed building or conservation area.' Under the plans, the new spa's entrance would be at level six on Victoria Street, with the spa reception and treatment rooms on level five. Treatment rooms and changing facilities would be situated on level four, and wet spa facilities and staff facilities on level three. While the second level would house the service access entrance, treatment rooms and plant/ storage space. The proposed new internal alterations to the building include the removal of the existing accommodation stair between levels three and five, and installation of a new timber joist floor over the void. They also include the removal of a small section of floor to allow the hotel lift shaft, which currently terminates at level five, to continue down to level two. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A new opening would be created within an original masonry wall at level four, while the plans also seek the removal of a section of the existing level three floor, including two original timber beams, two original cast iron columns on level three and the two original cast iron columns below on level two. Externally, some minor alterations are proposed to enhance the building façade and allow access to the proposed use. External alterations include the replacement of selected windows to allow for ventilation of the primary spa spaces and the replacement of external doors with painted timber doors on the rear elevation.
Refinery29
10-07-2025
- Refinery29
Black & Unbothered When There's A Heatwave In New York City
The main character of the summer has already emerged and it's the heat. A few weeks ago when I headed to New York City for a weekend of work (meetings and team bonding) and pleasure (Cowboy Carter, baby!), it was just before the weather went from refreshingly sunny and breezy to oppressively hot and almost unbearable, when stepping outside meant being hit with a wall of thick steam while drenched in sweat. Not cute when your hair is done — I've said multiple prayers for my leave out! — and you're trying to look cute in that immaculate vacay outfit. But I've got good news. I was staying in the perfect place for a hot weekend: The Virgin Hotels New York City. NYC might not be the spot you think of immediately when you think a destination with temperatures that soar into the 90s℉ or 100s℉ , but I promise there's still fun to be had — even in the blistering heat. Let me be clear that I know how serious and dangerous the heat can be, so my first piece of advice is to stay safe, hydrate, and if it's too hot, stay inside. That said, I've got you covered for the cooler summer days too, because there's no better place in the world than New York City in the summer — rain, shine, or sweltering. I said what I said! So if you're planning a trip to NYC and you need some options for a long weekend, a last-minute staycay, or just a good ol' getaway, I've got you covered with these tips and recommendations. Virgin Hotels NYC, Where Hot Girls Go to Cool Off I'm not going to lie, at first I was skeptical about Virgin Hotels New York City's location. I usually stay in Brooklyn or on the Lower East Side so when I found out that VHNYC is nestled in the heart of Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood, I didn't want to be too close to Times Square (yes, I'm very bad at directions), packed shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists. But that's not what I got at all. Virgin Hotels New York City is close to iconic landmarks, like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Madison Square Garden. So if you want to see those sights, you absolutely can. You're also surrounded by world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options, like the Theater District. The hotel is more than a place to sleep, it's an experience, and the location was perfect. You've got Chelsea just steps to the west, and the Flatiron District to the south. The neighborhood is vibrant and trendy, the quintessential live–work–play combination that the city is known for. One night, my friend and I hit up Pergola, a super cool hookah bar with a great vibe and even better drinks and I only had to walk five minutes to get back to the hotel. It's a well-lit and safe area and, thankfully, if it was one of those suffocatingly hot nights, stumbling a few blocks home (in heels, might I add) would have been just fine too. And if the pavement does feel like it might start bubbling, the hotel's lobby AC is consistently at a refreshingly cool temperature. The vibe is effortlessly sexy. Think bold red accents, vinyl booths, curated playlists, and ice-cold welcome drinks. And upstairs, you've got The Pool Club. Here's how the hotel's website describes it: "Consider paradise found. New York's newest rooftop pool destination is here. Escape to our fourth floor oasis for sun-kissed cocktails, bright bar snacks, and rooftop revelry - sunscreen and sunglasses at the ready." I couldn't have described it better myself. The space definitely lives up to the description and it's the ideal spot for cooling off. Everdene, the hotel's indoor-outdoor bar and lounge, is the place to be during a summer weekend. Even if it's 98°F at 6 p.m., the space is perfect. You can choose to stay inside at the bar area (which is cool-looking and cool) or you can pop outside to enjoy the rooftop skyline vibes: expansive views of Manhattan, glowing golden in the late afternoon sun and as dusk falls, they start to literally twinkle with city lights. You can order a frozen cocktail that may melt faster than your lip gloss or you can opt for, like I did, a crisp chilled rosé (with a delicious side of fries and salmon) or a spicy margarita on ice with a smoky mezcal kick. As you're sipping on cocktails, you're surrounded by lush planter boxes, pops of wildflowers, wooden accents, and soft lighting that give the terrace a warm, garden‑party feel — even in the midst of the city. And the views? Unreal. The Empire State Building looked like it was trying out for a music video. Speaking of scenes fit for a music video, the crowd was a mix of stylish tourists, locals in oversized linen, and a handful of girls I knew were also going to add another unforgettable experience to their NYC weekends: seeing Beyoncé live. Based on their rhinestone eyeliner and coordinated cowboy hats, it was clear I wasn't the only one pre-gaming before the big show. I didn't officially meet anyone, but we exchanged the universal Beyhive nod. Real ones know. City Views & Cowboy Moods: A Queen Bey Countdown As golden-hour sunlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my room (they call them 'Chambers'), the city skyline stretched out before me like a movie set — buildings glowing, traffic buzzing faintly below, and the excitement of the night ahead already buzzing — I couldn't help but feel so incredibly lucky to not only be in NYC, but to be staying in a beautiful boutique hotel, and to be seeing my favorite artist of all time. And in a city like NYC, there's always a concert to go to. The room itself was a blend of sleek modern design and cozy luxury: crisp white linens, rich leather accents, and clever vanity lighting that made getting concert-ready feel like preparing for a red carpet. I queue'd up Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album on the Bluetooth speaker (of course), letting her vocals set the mood while I sipped chilled Red Bull from the minibar. The rest of the room was peak staycation chic — plush king bed, glam vanity area, and most importantly: blackout curtains and glorious, silent air conditioning. I spent about 20 minutes in front of the mirror with cold jade rollers before in one of the room's two distinct spaces: the dressing room and there's the sleeping lounge, perfect for getting glam before a big night out. The beds are plush, the views stretch across the city, and there's no shortage of Instagrammable corners. I even recorded my GRWM Cowboy Carter edition reel in my room and it served up the best backdrop while I, well, served. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kathleen Newman-Bremang (@kathleennb) With my denim on denim on denim catching every glint of sunlight, the room felt electric with anticipation, like I wasn't just getting dressed, like I was stepping into a night I'd never forget. One final look in the mirror, one last lyric belted out with my bestie, and I was off to MetLife for the time of my life. The Post-Show Glow-Up (And Cool Down) Back at Virgin Hotels NYC, I did the only logical thing: ordered more fries, took a cold shower, and FaceTimed my best friend while sitting in a hotel robe and reliving every moment. The Virgin had just the right post-concert atmosphere: not too loud, not too quiet, and plenty of space to decompress (or gossip). I ended the night watching Beyoncé TikToks under a cold sheet mask in bed with the AC blasting. Perfection. If you want a hotel that understands the assignment, Virgin Hotels NYC is it. It's stylish, fun, centrally located, and built for the kind of high-energy, high-heat weekend that turns into a core memory. Just pack the portable fan. And sunglasses. And maybe a second portable fan.
CNET
25-06-2025
- General
- CNET
An Expert Chef Shares the 7 Secrets to the Perfect Pizza Dough
If you're trying to perfect your at-home pizza dough, we're here to help you nail the Italian delicacy. Although it does require quite a bit of manual labor for mere minutes of post-preparation enjoyment, there are some tips and tricks all home cooks can follow to seriously improve their homemade pizzas. Mike Alaridi, executive chef of Virgin Hotels Chicago (who happens to make a damn-good pizza), advises amateur chefs to "keep it simple and enjoy the process." Making pizza dough from scratch might be easy for a seasoned pizza chef, but Alaridi assures us that any novice pizzaiolo/a who may be struggling to achieve golden crust perfection can and will master the art of dough-making if they follow these seven easy steps. 1. Use high-quality flour No matter the recipe, you'll want to ensure that the most important ingredient -- the flour -- is double zero, a.k.a. "00" or "doppio zero." It's ideal for pizza and made from the soft, white endosperm of a wheat kernel (sans bran and germ), which is high in protein and starch. "This [also] helps develop the gluten," says Alaridi. Gluten creates the elasticity of the dough that yields its craveworthy structure.2. Dissolve salt and yeast beforehand These are not ingredients to mix into the dough separately or at different moments. You'll want to guarantee even distribution for a crust that rises consistently. Remember to use warm water (between 100 and 110 degrees' for active dry yeast) to activate the yeast. If it's too hot, you'll kill it. 3. Aim for a wetter dough "A wetter dough, around 60-75% hydration, can result in an airier crust," says Alaridi. To achieve this texture, simply add more water in small volumes. And if you're good at math, break out the kitchen scale and use the formula "weight of water/weight of flour x 100" to calculate the precise hydration percentage. Tossing pizza dough may look like fun and games but it has a culinary purpose too. MaximFesenko/Getty 4. Knead the dough by using the stretch-and-fold technique This helps to develop the aforementioned gluten. Flour your surface, grab a section of dough and gently pull the dough upwards. Bring this stretched section back towards you, folding it into the center. Rotate the dough and repeat this process until you've hit it from all angles. Once finished, allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes before dividing it into balls. This will allow for the gluten to relax and the dough to rise.5. Allow for fermentation Pizza dough shouldn't be cooked right away. At bare minimum, allow at least 12 hours of fermentation before use. For many chefs, including Alaridi, cold fermentation is always the preferred method. "Leave it in the fridge for 24-72 hours to enhance flavor and texture," he recommends. 6. Be mindful of toppings and temperature Avoid overloading the dough, as too many toppings can weigh it down and make it soggy. "Try to use your hands to open and shape the dough (rather than using a rolling pin) for a more authentic texture," says Alaridi, who also reminds amateur cooks to only use refrigerated dough balls once they've returned to room temperature. Westend61/Getty Images 7. Don't be afraid to experiment Failure is typically not an outcome when it comes to introducing new pizza flavors. (Except when you add pineapple. Kidding…kind of.). Zhuzh up your favorite recipe by incorporating unique ingredients into your dough, like Alaridi's personal favorites of fresh herbs and different types of yeasts (such as rapid-rise yeast or pizza crust yeast). An inspired chef is often a satiated chef. Have fun -- it's pizza!
Cosmopolitan
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
The Las Vegas Value Calculator
Fabulous Las Vegas is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of city with a little bit of everything. It's an epicenter of entertainment with artists in residency, comedy shows that deliver, and thrilling sporting events. And it also goes beyond sequins and spotlights with outdoor activities, fascinating museums, top-tier shopping, and so many restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs. But a trip to Vegas isn't defined by how much money you drop. The vibe of the city and its experiences can be enjoyed on numerous different spend levels—whether you're looking to conserve, indulge, or splurge. Here's how you can do Las Vegas in a way that works for you. StayBook a room at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, where you can soak up the sun at the Kassi Beach Club, a lively 21+ pool experience with comfy cabanas and daybeds, Italian bites, and local DJs. There's also the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino—known for the International Theater—or Flamingo Las Vegas, a vibrant option with a 1.5-acre pool complex for guests 21 and older. Eat Between explorations, fuel up with American comfort food like smoked brisket "trash can" nachos or steak frites served with a French fry trio and crispy onions at Guy Fieri's Flavortown Sports Kitchen located at Horseshoe Las Vegas. If you're in the mood for pizza, head to Evel Pie in Downtown Las Vegas, a retro pizzeria—inspired by the late daredevil Evel Knievel—where the Evel Slice Combo gives you a slice of cheese pizza and a beer for just $8. PlayTaking a photo at the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign and exploring the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are two solid free activities. And the The Neon Museum is well worth its ticket price ($20 during the day and $30 at night)—you'll see some of the city's retired bright, dazzling lights, plus special exhibitions. StayOff-strip options carry an air of exclusivity. Consider M Resort Spa & Casino and Circa Resort & Casino, for example, both of which feature pool clubs and several dining options. Be among the first to experience MGM Grand Hotel and Casino's newly renovated rooms, an ode to the glamour of the disco era but with modern touches. EatTake dinner-and-a-show to a new level at Fork n' Film Las Vegas, located in AREA15, an immersive dining experience that brings popular films to life with food and drinks inspired by what appears on-screen. Top of the World serves steaks, seafood, and sweeping views of Las Vegas from inside the The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower; the restaurant's extraordinary dining room revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes so every dinner party gets to experience the full view. Don't skip the warm butter cake with vanilla-bean ice cream and seasonal berries to close out your evening. Play You don't need deep pockets to see what makes Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world, thanks to the Fremont Street Experience. This five-block destination is home to free nightly open-air performances across three stages and mind-blowing Viva Vision light shows on the largest LED canopy screen in the world. For laughs and drinks, check out the West Coast outpost of New York City's beloved Comedy Cellar. During any given show in the intimate space, you'll get to see five comedians each do a 15-to-20 minute set. StayLean into luxury and classic Vegas excitement at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas or enjoy the bragging rights of checking in to Nobu Hotel Las Vegas at Caesars Palace, aka the world's first Nobu hotel. The Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World, which is the largest Conrad in the world, also offers lavish accommodations and a plethora of dining and entertainment options, like award-winning restaurant Stubborn Seed and the Ayu Dayclub and Zouk Nightclub. Eat Lunch at Zaytinya at Caesars Palace, a Mediterranean spot from world-renowned chef José Andrés is not to be missed—though it can be hard to choose from the city's high-end options. The inimitable Le Cirque, located in the Bellagio Las Vegas, delivers an unforgettable meal: From Ossetra caviar to black-truffle risotto to wagyu filet mignon, the tasting menu at this legendary restaurant is stacked with prestigious ingredients and delicacies. Or, for a contemporary take on the classic steakhouse, consider CUT By Wolfgang Puck at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, where the menu highlights Australian, American, and Japanese Wagyu as well as seafood delights (whole roasted Maine lobster, anyone?) and must-try sides like tempura onion rings served with saffron-smoked paprika aioli, and charred snap peas topped with Calabrian chili butter and breadcrumbs. Play Go window-shopping (or just regular shopping) at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, an upscale mall that's home to more than 160 specialty stores and fine restaurants. On the entertainment front, catch a live show at the Sphere, a one-of-a-kind venue with a massive LED screen that entirely encompasses its audience. Visit the site to see who's passing through this year. Learn more at
