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Richard Branson breaks ground in Dallas again with Virgin Hotels

When Virgin America began flying into Dallas back in 2010, the iconic brand were a relatively new face on an old block, facing pretty stiff competition from local operators.

When Virgin America began flying into Dallas back in 2010, the iconic brand were a relatively new face on an old block, facing pretty stiff competition from local operators.

But that’s all in the past, and the success of the brand’s aviation presence at Dallas Fort Worth seems to have strengthened the resolve of Sir Richard Branson to break some more ground in the Texan city, this time with Virgin Hotels.

Yesterday, sporting cowboy boots, a hat and riding a horse, Branson rolled into Dallas to literally break ground at the future home of Virgin Hotels Dallas, cheered on by 500 locals and the Dallas Maverick cheerleaders.

There were food trucks, a live band, and even the lovely Miss Texas Caroline Carothers in attendance.

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The new hotel, scheduled to open its doors at the end of 2018, will boast over 200 chambers, a pool deck and bar, a rooftop lounge, and the brand’s flagship space, The Commons Club.

And as for the location, it couldn’t get any better, according to Raul Leal, Virgin Hotels CEO, with the hotel finding a home at Hi Line Drive and Turtle Creek Boulevard in Dallas’ design district.

“It’s a really fun, hip place to go… it’s also luxurious, it’s comfortable, and the staff is the best staff working at any hotel in the world.”

Richard Branson, Founder of  Virgin Group.

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Pictured: Virgin Hotels Dallas, to open in 2018

According to Leal, Virgin Hotels is different from the pack, and the Dallas location will totally demonstrate this:

“It’s really about changing the game a little bit – disrupting a different segment of the business… I think the way it differs is getting rid of some of the displeasures that customers hate – nickel-and-diming charges, a better room product, a better food and beverage experience.”

Raul Leal, Virgin Hotels CEO.

The Virgin Hotels Dallas will be the second hotel to open under the relatively new brand, with the first one opening in Chicago last year. There are also plans to open a presence in both New York City and Nashville in the future.

Ultimately, Virgin Hotels aims to have 20 hotels in operation by 2025.

Virgin America was recently named the Best US Airline in Condé Nast Traveler 29th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

Are you excited about the second Virgin Hotels opening up in Dallas? Let us know in the comments below.