The hype
Travelers love the modern vibe and central location, but often complain about the small room footprint.
Virgin Hotels New York City
$220-500+/ night
Book this if You want a sexy, high-energy launchpad in NoMad with Empire State Building views that will make your Instagram followers jealous.
Why People Love It
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with jaw-dropping Empire State Building views
- The 'Chamber' room layout with sliding privacy doors is brilliant for couples
- Everdene and The Pool Club offer a vibrant social scene right downstairs
Quick Take: It’s a flashy, fun scene with killer views, but the rooms are tight and the 'Virgin' cool factor comes with a hefty price tag.
Reviewed by @shakespeareagency: I'm a huge Virgin Voyages fan, so staying here was a no-brainer. The vibe is perfectly chic and modern, and waking up to that Empire State Building view gave me actual chills. The food, the drinks, the red staircase—it’s all a total vibe. Highly recommend!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'dressing room' concept is smart, but it eats up square footage, leaving the actual sleeping area feeling cramped for luggage.
- You prioritize a social, party-adjacent atmosphere over total silence
- You are traveling with a partner and appreciate the separate vanity/dressing area
- You want to be walking distance to K-Town, Madison Square Park, and Chelsea
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed dusting on high shelves.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly sparkling, but isolated complaints about small flies in drains suggest occasional maintenance lapses.
- Maintenance: New build (opened 2023), so everything is still fresh, though some wear and tear on carpets is appearing.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp, and plentiful. Robes are a standout favorite.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like the signature Virgin scent (floral/musky); rooms are generally neutral.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise from Broadway (sirens, honking)
- Hallway noise due to the lively nature of the hotel guests
- HVAC units in some rooms reported as rattling or loud
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'street pricing' minibar is real—snacks are actually affordable compared to other NYC hotels.
- Resort fee is ~$40/night and includes yoga mats and Wi-Fi (which should be free anyway).
- Breakfast is NOT included and is pricey ($30+ for a full meal).
What to pack
- Earplugs (just in case you get a lower floor)
- Swimsuit (only if visiting May-September)
- A portable steamer (irons are available but the steamer is easier in the tight closet space)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Sky Chamber King (Floors 25+): Guaranteed Empire State Building views that are worth the upgrade.
- Grand Chamber Suite: If you actually need space to do yoga or open a suitcase comfortably.
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Chamber King on lower floors (3-10): Views are of office buildings and street noise is higher.
- Rooms near the elevator bank: High foot traffic and noise bleed.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a 'Sky Chamber' on a high floor (25+) facing North for the Empire State Building view. Please avoid rooms directly adjacent to the elevator bank.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool open year-round?
No. It is a heated outdoor pool, but it closes for the winter season (typically Oct-April).
Is it really pet-friendly?
Yes, very. No breed or size restrictions, but unlike some other Virgin properties, there is a $100 per stay fee.
Can I see the Empire State Building from my room?
Only if you book a 'Sky' room or specifically request/pay for a view. Standard rooms may face other directions.
Is there coffee in the room?
Yes, rooms come with a SMEG kettle and pour-over coffee kits, which is a nice touch over generic pods.
How is the gym?
Excellent. 24/7, 5th floor, Technogym equipment, and—you guessed it—Empire State Building views.
Is the area safe?
Yes, NoMad is busy and safe, though Broadway can get chaotic with traffic and tourists.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Join 'The Know' (Virgin's loyalty program) before booking for potential room upgrades and rate discounts.
- ✨
The 'Funny Library' coffee shop on the ground floor is a great workspace but gets crowded; go early.
- ✨
Don't pay for hotel water; there are filtered water stations on every floor near the elevators.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'peephole' in the sliding barn door between the bedroom and hallway is a weird design quirk.
💡The shower pressure is fantastic, but the 'rainfall' head can sometimes drip cold water unexpectedly.
💡You can open the window a tiny crack (about an inch) for fresh air, which is rare in NYC high-rises.
💡The lighting controls are complex—expect to accidentally turn on the 'sexy' red lights when trying to find the bathroom at night.
💡Room service comes in eco-friendly takeout containers, not on silver trays with white tablecloths.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Virgin Hotels New York City is located and what's nearby.