Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotels has announced the opening of Virgin Hotels Glasgow, the brand’s second European property. Set upon the banks of the River Clyde, the hotel pays homage to Glasgow’s rich cultural history through its design.

Bringing to life Glasgow’s historical ties to the shipbuilding industry, the hotel’s design infuses nautical elements with a modern twist. The hotel’s guestrooms – dubbed ‘chambers’ – have been designed by London design firm Four-By-Two, while developers Silk Property Group also brought in Twenty First Architects to work on the hotel. Chambers are flooded with light, with wood-sliding doors separating the sleep and relaxation lounge from the dressing area. The dressing room itself features a stand-alone vanity unit with a mounted illuminated mirror, while the lounge houses a Virgin Hotels’ patented ergonomically-designed bed with a channel-tufted headboard. 

In collaboration with Visto Art, the hotel has been decorated with bespoke artwork by local Scottish illustrators, painters and photographers. Each of the pieces were inspired by Glasgow and its history, from the corridor street art mural near the hotel’s reception, to the Art Friezes in the Highyard restaurant which are an abstract depiction of Glasgow. 

The hotel’s dining and drinking venues include Virgin Hotels’ flagship restaurant and bar, Commons Club, under the direction of Executive Chef Jean-Paul Giraud. On the mezzanine level of Commons Club will be the hotel’s all-day dining and entertainment destination, Highyard, which offers views of the river from its elevated terrace. Two further dining and drinking spaces will open in 2024: Funny Library Coffee Shop and whisky bar Rocks on Fox Street. 

The hotel also offers an array of meeting and event spaces, including the Bonnie and Clyde meeting rooms.   

“Today marks a momentous occasion as we proudly unveil our Glasgow location, a remarkable addition to our growing family of hotels,” comments James Bermingham, CEO, Virgin Hotels Collection. “At Virgin Hotels, we are driven by our passion for delivering innovative design and heartfelt service, and our latest opening is no exception. Every detail has been curated to reflect the dynamic and diverse essence of Glasgow, and we hope the property will not only be a home away from home, but a door to the incredible experiences within this exciting city.”  

Tom Gibson, General Manager adds: “We are thrilled to bring the Virgin Hotels experience to Glasgow, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. Virgin Hotels Glasgow will redefine the concept of luxury accommodation, offering guests an unmatched level of service, exceptional culinary experiences, and a stunning setting overlooking the Clyde. We look forward to providing a memorable stay for our guests and becoming an integral part of Glasgow’s vibrant hospitality scene.”  

The opening of Virgin Hotels Glasgow comes following the launch of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh in March 2023.