Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch Hotel Review

With 120 rooms and a rooftop pool overlooking London’s Shoreditch neighborhood, the new Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch is making waves in London’s East End.

Since opening in August 2024 as the eighth property in the Virgin Hotels portfolio, its striking façade on Curtain Road has caught my eye anytime I walk by; so I was eager to step inside the sleek building with factory windows in this eclectic neighborhood of London. I found that the hotel perfectly encapsulates the energy of Shoreditch.

Inside, the hotel rooms boast Virgin’s signature “Chamber” design: a two-room layout that separates the sleeping area from the dressing room, making even the standard rooms feel spacious and luxurious. Each bathroom is outfit with a steam shower and plush, luscious robes. Rooms are stocked with artisanal snacks and wines, elegantly showcased in a bold Virgin-signature-red Smeg fridge.

My weekend getaway at the new hotel was filled with live music, craft cocktails at the Commons Club, and a delicious dinner at chef Dani García’s restaurant, BiBo Shoreditch.

For me, what sets the Virgin Hotel apart is its thoughtful nod to the area’s creative roots. From curated playlists in the lobby to local art lining the walls, every detail feels very Shoreditch.

And while the hotel’s amenities — a 24-hour gym, co-working spaces, a rooftop terrace, and a spa — make it easy to stay put, the bustling markets, vintage shops, and edgy art galleries just outside the door are impossible to resist.

Here, my review of the new Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch.

The Rooms

The hotel has 120 rooms with Virgin’s signature “Chamber” layout, dividing the sleeping area from the dressing room for a spacious, functional feel. Entry-level rooms feature plush beds, Frette linens, and pops of bold red, while rooftop suites include private terraces with panoramic city views. Bathrooms boast rain-head showers and heated floors. Whether in a standard room or a suite, you’ll find helpful amenities at your fingertips; you can request laundry pickup or room service on the television.

Food and Drink

Dining at the Virgin Hotel London-Shoreditch celebrates local flavors with a modern twist. The flagship restaurant, Bibo Shoreditch by chef Dani García, serves a creative, Spanish-inspired menu using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients — I loved my roasted chicken paella and the tapas on offer. The all-day café, Marlin’s on the Roof, provides a relaxed space for working or socializing, panoramic city views, specialty coffee, and light bites. There’s also Blue Marlin Ibiza London, a members-only club that hotel guests can access for a fee, with a poolside lounge and late-night DJ sets.

Activities and Experiences

A 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment allows you to stick to your workout regimen while on vacation. The hotel regularly hosts live music at various venues throughout the hotel. The rooftop pool is, of course, a highlight, but there are also spa services. And guests can use Blue Marlin Private Members areas for £25 per person per stay. Finally, a hi-tech amenity that’s not be overlooked: Lucy, the mobile app that a hotel spokesperson says “allows guests to have a truly ‘touch-free’ experience, use their phone as a key, control lighting and temperature in the room, order room service, and check out all from their mobile device.”

Accessibility and Sustainability

Twelve rooms on property are ADA-compliant, though the public areas are not; the hotel currently has no sustainability information to share.

Location

Nestled in the heart of Shoreditch, the hotel gives travelers direct access to East London’s vibrant cultural scene. Within walking distance, you’ll find the famous Brick Lane markets, unique vintage shops, and the iconic street art of Shoreditch. There are many public transport options nearby, including the Shoreditch High Street Overground station, Curtain Road Bus station, and the Old Street underground station. There is no need to rent a car, as the city’s best attractions are right at your fingertips.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

The Virgin Hotel London-Shoreditch participates in Virgin’s loyalty program called The Know, offering members exclusive perks like discounted rates and complimentary upgrades when available. (It’s worth noting that the Virgin brand calls their program “membership without dues” — there’s no charge for the loyalty program, you just need to sign up to get the perks.) For the best value, book directly through the Virgin Hotels website to access special packages that include dining credits or late check-out. One of the packages, Advance Purchase Breakfast, gets you 30 percent off your morning meal by buying it ahead of time.