When it comes to design-forward destinations, New Orleans already brims with creativity, culture, charm, and eclectic interior design. And if a New Orleans boutique hotel could be a cocktail, Virgin Hotel New Orleans would be a spicy French 75 — playful, elegant, and just a little cheeky.
Forget bland beige lobbies and generic hotel art. The Virgin Hotel New Orleans isn’t here to politely fade into the background—it’s here to flirt, dazzle, and make you want to Instagram everything.
Whether you’re here for the bold restaurant decor, the Insta-worthy lobby, or just to sleep in style, this hotel is more than a place to crash — it’s a design experience— all with that signature Virgin wink.
Let’s dive into the beautifully bold interiors, explore the design details, and see why this hotel should top your list for your next design-focused getaway.
A First Impression: Entering Virgin Territory
The Virgin Hotel New Orleans lobby doesn’t tiptoe into style — it struts. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by interiors that mix modern Art Deco touches with a splash of southern charm.
Curvy jewel-toned sofas wink at polished brass accents, while oversized light fixtures hang like dramatic chandeliers on parade. Velvet, marble, and metal collide in a way that feels indulgent but never stuffy — the perfect welcome to a city that loves a little excess.
Designed by the award-winning firm Logan Killen Interiors, the hotel masterfully blends industrial accents with Southern hospitality. Think brass fixtures that gleam like polished trombones, juxtaposed with plush velvet seating that begs you to sink in with a mint julep. It’s a symphony of textures and styles, creating a design experience as vibrant as a Mardi Gras parade.
Lobby Love: A Feast for the Senses
The reception area anchors this visual feast with sleek marble counters and bold graphic wallpaper, hinting at the playful elegance that extends through the hotel. And let’s not forget the welcoming smiles from the staff that feel as warm as a good jambalaya.
The moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted by a sensory explosion. A whimsical chess-playing Bunny Man sculpture (yes, you read that right!) by local artist collective The Propeller Group watches over the scene.
Overhead, a dazzling two-story chandelier casts a warm glow on the bustling Commons Club bar. And don’t miss the Funny Library Coffee Shop, where bookshelves are filled with playful nods to New Orleans’ quirks – a reminder that taking yourself too seriously is simply not in this hotel’s DNA.
It’s rare to find a lamb and a bunny man lounging in the same room. But here, it happens. Check mate?
Notice how Virgin Hotel looks bold and eclectic, but still totally pulled together? That’s not luck — it’s strategy.
If your space feels more like a ‘mix’ than a ‘match,’ my Starter Guide will show you how to nail down your design plan before you waste another dollar guessing.
The Commons Club: A Hub for Dining, Drinking, and Design Delight
The Commons Club at Virgin Hotel New Orleans is the hotel’s social heartbeat — part restaurant, part cocktail bar, part stylish living room.
The mix of materials is intentional: velvet upholstery for warmth, polished brass for shine, exposed brick for grit, and custom artwork for personality. The result is a room that’s as layered as New Orleans itself.
Pro tip: Order a cocktail at the bar, and you’ll notice the clever interplay of brass accents and dramatic lighting—a perfect backdrop for an evening selfie.
A Design Feast for Every Fancy
But the dining experience at Virgin Hotel New Orleans isn’t a one-trick pony. Each area boasts its own design story. Craving a rooftop escape? Head to the Kasbah, a Moroccan-inspired oasis with panoramic city views. Feeling peckish? Get your fill at Commons Club, a restaurant where the exposed brick walls and vintage chandeliers create a timeless ambiance.
And if you’re craving a dose of local flavor beyond the hotel walls, well…you should snag my NOLA Aesthetic Travel Guide to get my list of must-see hot-spots here.
Rooms with a View (and Tons of Personality)
Let’s talk about where you’ll be (hopefully) dreaming of Mardi Gras beads and beignets – your suite! The Virgin Hotels team understands that boring beige boxes are so last season.
The Virgin Hotel New Orleans effortlessly blends the city’s iconic architectural charm with Virgin’s signature whimsy.
As you meander through the corridors to you room, take a minute to appreciate the bold graphic carpet – all inspired by Henri Matisse’s 1943 book “Jazz,” – trust me, the designers spent a lot of effort to create this aesthetic!
The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by an interior that feels both indulgent and inviting.
Here, you’ll find a haven that reflects the city’s vibrant spirit. Think pops of tropical colors, playful artwork, and Art Deco-inspired touches that whisper of New Orleans’ glamorous past. Whether you choose a cozy chamber or a sprawling suite, each room has its own personality and a dash of that signature Virgin Hotels charm.
- Beds: Each room features Virgin’s signature chamber beds, complete with luxurious white linens and headboards that add a pop of texture.
- Color Palette: The palette combines deep reds and burnt oranges with calming neutrals, creating a modern yet cozy atmosphere.
- Bathroom Bliss: Bathrooms at this hotel deserve their own spotlight. Think marble finishes, oversized rain showers, and a few cheeky design surprises, like bold artwork or graphic tiles.
- These spaces are a design moment of their own, which make “getting ready” feel like part of the experience.
Details make the difference here: cheeky red SMEG fridges pop against elegant furnishings, dressing-room-style lighting adds glam, and vintage rattan tables and Deco-inspired lighting playfully balance history and modernity.
French-inspired paneled doors provide a luxe, private bathroom (with my fave detail – a dedicated dressing vanity – oh lala!).
Whether you’re here to work, relax, or simply admire the interiors, the rooms are proof that practicality and style can live happily ever after.
The Rooftop: A Design Lover’s Dream Above the Crescent City
If you’re a fan of rooftop spaces (and who isn’t?), the Virgin Hotel’s rooftop pool and lounge is a must-see. It doesn’t just have views — it has attitude and cocktails that taste better purely because the brass-tiled bar makes you feel fancy.
By day, the rooftop pool is an urban oasis — the perfect spot to sip a cocktail under the Louisiana sun. By golden hour, the space transforms into a chic social hub, with brass accents and bold tilework setting the mood for skyline selfies and late-night toasts.
The fire pit area is a standout, featuring low-slung poufs and a geometric vibe that contrasts beautifully with the city’s historic skyline. At night, string lights and moody lanterns turn the space into a rooftop retreat, blending the Crescent City skyline with Virgin’s signature playful design.
Dining Done Right: Bold Interiors, Bold Flavors
Dining spaces at the Virgin Hotel continue the design trend with equal parts whimsy and sophistication.
Situated just downstairs within the vibrant Virgin Hotel New Orleans lies the Commons Club, a restaurant that perfectly blends contemporary charm with subtle Art Deco flair. The space is bright and welcoming, with light-filled tables draped in crisp linens, oversized woven pendant lights, and leafy greenery overhead—giving it a chic-meets-cozy New Orleans vibe.
A Garden Party… Indoors
My favorite spot is the lovely mirrored private dining room tucked in the back of the restaurant.
Sage green lattice walls and ceilings create a charming backdrop for cascading hanging plants, while the star of the show — a whimsical pink Murano-style glass chandelier — casts a soft, romantic glow. Rattan-backed chairs and a natural jute rug add a relaxed, tropical touch, making it the perfect spot for a long lunch or celebratory dinner. It’s part private hideaway, part botanical escape — without ever leaving the French Quarter.
If a garden party and a chic cocktail bar had a baby, it would look exactly like this. Hidden inside the Virgin Hotel New Orleans, this private dining nook is rocking rattan chairs and hanging plants. The sage lattice walls and ceiling give you just enough drama without stealing the spotlight — because let’s be honest, that chandelier is the main character. Perfect for a long, lazy lunch or a “let’s celebrate something… anything” dinner.
The Hotel – A Love Letter to New Orleans
What sets this hotel apart isn’t just its commitment to daring design—it’s the way it balances personality with practicality. You don’t feel like you’re staying in a museum; you feel at home (if your home were designed by the coolest architect in town).
The Virgin Hotel understands its audience—travelers who want more than a bed and a minibar. Here, you get a fully immersive experience where every detail, from the furniture to the finishes, tells a story.
The Virgin Hotels team didn’t just create a visually stunning space; they infused it with the essence of New Orleans. Local artwork adorns the walls, reflecting the city’s vibrant arts scene. Upcycled elements, like reclaimed wood from historic buildings, tell stories of the past. It’s a clear love letter to the city and its unique culture.
Beyond the Design: A Hotel that Feels Like Home
Now, beautiful design is fantastic, but a hotel needs heart too. Virgin Hotel New Orleans delivers on that front as well. The staff is as warm and welcoming as a plate of piping-hot gumbo. Amenities like in-room yoga mats and a rooftop pool with poolside cocktails create an environment that encourages relaxation and fun. It’s a place where you can truly unwind and soak up the NOLA spirit.
More Than Just a Place to Stay: A Design Destination
Virgin Hotel New Orleans isn’t just a place to rest your weary head; it’s an experience. It’s a place where design enthusiasts can geek out over clever details and playful patterns. It’s a place where travelers can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of New Orleans. It’s a place where memories are made, one mint julep and jazz-filled evening at a time.
So, if you’re looking for a hotel that’s as unique and vibrant as the city it calls home, the Virgin Hotel New Orleans is your jam. Book your stay, pack your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience NOLA’s infectious energy through the lens of stunning design.
If you’re visiting New Orleans, whether for Mardi Gras or a quiet escape, the Virgin Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind stay. Book a room to experience its interiors firsthand, or drop by for a cocktail to soak in the ambiance.
Trust me, you’ll leave inspired—and with your camera roll full of design ideas for your own home.
Bonus: Beyond the Hotel – Planning Your New Orleans Design Adventure
Location check: The Virgin Hotel New Orleans puts you smack in the Arts District, aka the city’s creative playground. One minute you’re sipping coffee on Julia Street surrounded by galleries, the next you’re back at the rooftop pool pretending you live here.
It’s walkable, it’s buzzing, and it’s central to just about everything — French Quarter charm, Warehouse grit, and all the beignets you can eat. Get my NOLA Aesthetic Travel Guide to find some more of my favorite design destinations (teaser images below!):
Here are a few ideas for some cool excursions beyond the hotel walls:
- Fuel Your Design Spirit: While at Virgin Hotel, explore the nearby Warehouse District, home to a plethora of design stores and galleries.
- Embrace the Local Vibe: Visit the French Quarter and get lost in the labyrinthine streets, soaking up the city’s architectural history.
- Art Attack: Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant art scene. Explore the Ogden Museum of Southern Art or take a stroll through the funky galleries of the Faubourg Marigny.
- Food, Glorious Food: Don’t forget to indulge in New Orleans’ culinary delights. From Creole classics to modern fusion, the city’s food scene is as diverse as its culture.
- Nightlife Magic: Experience the city’s legendary nightlife. Catch a live jazz performance, sip cocktails at a rooftop bar, or dance the night away in a historic music venue.
Some Quick FAQ’s about the Virgin Hotel New Orleans
Is Virgin Hotel New Orleans dog-friendly?
Absolutely! Your pup gets the VIP treatment here. Think of it as a boutique hotel for both you and your best friend.
Where exactly is Virgin Hotel New Orleans?
Right in the Arts District — close enough to the French Quarter for a late-night stroll, but far enough away that you can actually sleep.
Does it have a rooftop bar?
Oh yes, it has a rooftop bar, pool, and skyline views that make you want to cancel your dinner plans and stay put.
Is Virgin Hotel New Orleans good for a girls’ trip or bachelorette weekend?
Absolutely — this place is basically an Instagram highlight reel waiting to happen. From the Bunny Man sculpture in the lobby to the swirling red staircase and rooftop pool with skyline views, every corner is a photo op. Add in craft cocktails, bold interiors, and plenty of spots to toast the bride (or just life with your besties), and you’ve got the ultimate bachelorette backdrop.
Is Virgin Hotel New Orleans a good pick for couples for a romantic getaway?
Yes — the eclectic design and chic rooms make it a great choice for couples who want a mix of romance and fun. Cozy up in a luxe chamber suite, sip cocktails under string lights on the rooftop, or book a private dinner in the mirrored garden room.
Final Thoughts: Eclectic, Elegant, and Totally Virgin
The Virgin Hotel New Orleans isn’t about blending in — it’s about standing out. From the cheeky red SMEG fridges to the garden-party dining nook, every corner has a story (and a photo op).
It’s the perfect mash-up: luxury without the stuffiness, design without the rules, New Orleans without the clichés. If you’re looking for a hotel that winks as much as it dazzles, Virgin has your name on the room key.
So, the next time you’re craving a trip that’s as stylish as it is soulful, head to the Virgin Hotel. Who says you can’t mix luxury with a little Louisiana charm?
Crushing on these interiors? Don’t just pin pretty rooms — steal the secrets that make them work.
Hotels like Virgin don’t just throw pretty things in a room and hope for the best — there’s a plan. That’s the difference between chic and chaotic.
My Interior Design Starter Kit gives you the 3 moves every stylish space needs before you splurge on pillows.
If you loved this deep dive into the Virgin Hotel’s interiors, check out my other hotel design guides for more travel inspiration. Love the Big Apple? Here’s my aesthetic guide to all the best design destinations in New York City. Get it here. Happy wandering!
