THE KIT
It's possible to download the hotel's app which allows you to check in via mobile phone,then control the room temperature and order room service from it. Quite why this is better or quicker than doing things the normal way is difficult to fathom. Otherwise,there's very little tech for tech's sake. The internet is free (though not as fast as breathlessly boasted) and requires no password faff,while there's a glorious abundance of plug sockets for travellers toting multiple devices.
THE ROOM
The fairly spacious room has an unusual layout,with the first half being bathroom,desk and wardrobe,and a sliding door separating off the bed. It works though. There's a very conscious play for the female traveller,which is most notable in that first area – with a large vanity,brightly lit mirrors and a bench inside the shower for leg-shaving.
COMFORT
There are plenty of clever touches elsewhere,too. The rug on the wooden floor is splashed with images of London buses and Tube signs;the rubber sheep in the shower raises a smile;the bedheads are couch-shaped for added comfort sitting up with a laptop;the kettle comes with proper Yorkshire tea rather than the filth US hotels usually inflict. Turndown service is mercifully on request only – so there's no door-banging while you're getting dressed.
FOOD
Miss Ricky's All-American Diner on the ground floor is snazzed-up bog standard Americana,but serves reasonably priced burgers,steak frites and breakfasts. Much more fun is the Commons Club on the second floor,which is open plan but cleverly divided into sections with distinct personalities. The massive semi-circular couch at the back seems designed for hanging with an entourage,while the library-esque section next to it has books such asThe Joy of Swearing and risque board games to explore. There are some decently priced mains – a $22 Asian paella or $23 scallops with fava beans – but the emphasis is on snacking and sharing. The $13 pork belly tacos with tamarind,radish,cilantro and lime are tremendous.
STEPPING OUT
Theatreland is a block away on State Street,the Chicago River is just to the north and the Magnificent Mile shopping strip starts there on Michigan Avenue. Most of the city's architectural landmarks are within easy walking distance – as is the ostentatiously art-filled Millennium Park.
THE VERDICT
The Virgin gets the basics right in spades,but it's also superbly located,great fun,and surprisingly well priced. The only fault – noise from the El train as it rattles past at night – is not the hotel's doing,and earplugs are provided. Two extras – a mini bar with items priced at street prices and the social hour with free drinks in the Commons Club between 6pm and 7pm – elevate it to a level above merely very good. Especially for the sociable solo traveller.
HIGHLIGHT
Asking which free drinks the room key entitles you to during Happy Hour,and being told all of them.
LOWLIGHT
Light sleepers really aren't going to enjoy the noise of the"L"train rattling past.
ESSENTIALS