Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton

Our Take

You might be a good 25-minute walk from the Strip here, but you’ll be greeted by slot machines and blackjack tables as soon as you walk in. That’s Vegas, baby. This place is so huge, we got lost. Several times. But luckily there are restaurants literally EVERYWHERE, so we never went hungry - no matter how lost we got. Pizza Forte was a personal fave for us, because it’s super casual and it’s open ‘til 11pm, so we grabbed a late-night slice as soon as we checked in. We know. Priorities. And if there’s one thing this hotel has down, it’s comfort - from the huge comfy beds to the poolside waiter service, so you can order drinks straight to your sun lounger. We’re talking full relaxation mode, NO effort needed. 10/10 combo after a long flight.

Hotel highlights

• Close enough to hit the Strip for a night out, far enough away to escape the late-night buzz

• Huge, modern rooms with big, comfy beds

• Dunkin Donuts on site - and it's open from 6am! Breakfast goals.

• Family pool and separate adult pool for over 21s - both with waiter service!

• Multi-level theatre with regular events

Just a heads up - a $100 damage deposit per person, per day will need to be paid by card when you check in at the hotel. It sounds a lot, but don't worry - the money will be placed on 'hold' and will only actually be taken out of your account to pay for extras such as the minibar, or if anything gets damaged during your stay.

Location

• A 25-minute walk from the Las Vegas Strip

• A 20-minute drive from Fremont Street - where you'll find a bunch of casinos and the iconic Heart Attack Grill

• Harry Reid International Airport is only a 6-minute drive away - so you'll have a super speedy transfer!

Rooms

• This hotel's got rooms and suites for every occasion - all decked out with a bright, modern design and bags of space

• Each modern room comes with:

  • Air con

  • En-suite bathroom and separate make-up station with LED mirror

  • Comfy sofa area

  • Safety deposit box

  • Wireless phone charger - to save you digging through your case for your cable

  • A whopping TV where you can control the room temperature, order room service, contact reception, view your bill, or...y'know...just actually watch TV. There are loads of channels, including Fox News, Food Network and Nickelodeon (which plays Friends after 10pm...you're welcome).

  • Labelled light switches, which makes life 10x easier when you're tired and jet-lagged

  • Bottled water, replaced daily

  • Shower gel and shampoo, in case you forget yours

  • Jam-packed minibar with drinks and sweet treats - but careful if you don't want to be charged, because it's weight sensitive! So no rooting around for a nosy...

Food & Drink

• Poolside drinks - plonk down on a sun lounger, pick up a menu, scan the QR code and bingo! Your drink will be delivered straight to your lounger in no time. No need to lift a finger.

• The Kitchen At Commons Club - a classic American restaurant open 24/7. We had breakfast here and it was DELISH. Smashed avo toast, pastry platters, chocolate and raspberry parfaits and cheddar cheese omelettes. Yes, we ate all that in one go. We didn't do much moving after.

• Casa Calavera - Mexican food and margaritas - what could be better? Keep an eye out for Taco Tuesdays for cheap-as-chips tacos from 3 'til 5

• Nobu - if you fancy Japanese food for dinner, this is your spot, with everything from wagyu dumplings and ceviche to eggplant miso

• ONE Steakhouse - steakhouse, but make it luxury. We're talking lamb chops, burgers, surf & turf and delicious cocktails to wash it all down

• Todd English's Olives - an ever-changing menu of classic, seasonal Mediterranean dishes

• Night + Market - think, California vibes meet Bangkok flavours. From crispy rice to lobster tiger noodles, this place packs a punch. Stop by for Happy Hour Sunday-Thursday from 5-7pm and 9pm 'til closing

• Pizza Forte - a super laidback walk-up pizza bar, where the good stuff's freshly-made in a good and proper pizza oven. Order by the slice or go for the full shebang.

• Kassi Beach House - you can access this place directly by the pool, and it's giving MAJOR Italian coast vibes. Drop in if you fancy Italian-style brunch or a mezze platter

• Funny Library Coffee Shop - a cosy communal bar where you can get some work done or just grab a coffee and a pastry. And despite the name...there's no need to be quiet in here. The more laughs, the better! Plus, the coffee menu is bangin'. S'mores latte? Come on.

• Juice Bar - if you're all carbed out, head to this place by the spa for fresh juices, smoothies and healthy snacks

• Afters Ice Cream - we're warning you - this isn't a cutesy kids' ice cream parlour. It's open from noon 'til midnight, with pulsing tunes for a party atmosphere, and flavours like you've *never* seen before, from jasmine milk tea to 'milk and cereal'

• Dunkin' Donuts - open from as early as 6am, so you can get your coffee and doughnut fix as soon as you wake up!

• Heat - an intimate cocktail bar with sports screens and high-limit tables actually located at the bar. Pull up a stool and play your hand.

• Desert Star - craft beer, cocktails, table games and video poker near the lobby area

• The Bar at Commons Club - beer, craft brews, wine and 'boozy' high tea, with a side of entertainment

• The Shag Room - mind out the gutter, please. Apart from the sexy velvet sofas and ultra-rich colour scheme, this place is totally innocent. It's a cosy space for social events, and can be hired out for private parties too, if you fancy a get-together just you and your mates.

Did you know?

The Desert Bighorn Sheep is the iconic symbol of Nevada, and this hotel is totally on-brand with it, so don't be surprised if you find a squishy little Virgin-branded sheep in your room!

Sports & Entertainment

• Two whopping pools - including a family-friendly pool with a sloping, sandy entrance (we are LIVING for the beach vibes), and a separate adults-only pool for the over 21s, located on a slightly higher deck

• Élia Beach - no beach? No problem. This adults-only (21+) Mykonos-inspired beach zone is the ultimate zen, with lounge areas, a poolside menu and DJ sets

• Casino - it's hard to miss because it's literally *right* there in the lobby, with brightly-lit slot machines and table games. When in Vegas, right?

• Events - the hotel has THREE event venues (we told you it's big), all with regular entertainment ranging from comedy nights to live music. Check out the calendar and grab your tickets if you're interested!

• Spa - decked out with an indoor pool, cosy lounge areas (with a fireplace!), and a whole menu of massage and beauty treatments to pamper yourself silly

• Fitness centre - gym buffs, you'll be pleased to know that this place is open 24/7

• FREE Wi-Fi - just sign in and you're sorted!

• Lucy Mobile App - Lucy is your personal assistant stored right in your phone, and she's an absolute treat. Whether you want extra pilows, room service or a bit of info about what to explore in the area, she's got you covered.

Just so you know, access to this hotel is restricted, so make sure you book a private taxi if you want to be taken *directly* to your accommodation. Shuttle services don't drop off here.