Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, which is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, stands out — for better or worse — as a different kind of Vegas experience.
This hotel’s quieter, calmer vibe can appeal to travelers seeking respite from the chaos found at most other hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. But for other travelers, the hotel’s odd location near — but not on — Las Vegas Boulevard might feel like the worst of both worlds: You’re still largely dealing with Vegas Strip traffic and prices, yet you don’t get the benefit of being able to easily walk back to your room after a night on the town.
I visited the hotel in June 2024 as part of a two-night stay for a company event. Given that, I didn’t pay for the room — but my employer did (cash rates were hovering at about $200 per night that week). Even if you’re fronting your own bill, the price you’ll pay can vary widely. On some nights (such as weeknights in the winter), prices hover just over $100. But on peak nights, such as Thanksgiving weekend, room rates can start at close to $700.
Here’s a look at what you can expect at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and whether this off-Strip property is worth your time (or Hilton Honors points).
At about a mile from the heart of the action, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is neither conveniently walkable nor close enough to offer the quintessential Vegas experience.
If you’re the type who loves popping out of your room and into the chaos of Las Vegas Boulevard, this location may feel inconvenient. Sure, you can grab a rideshare or a cab, but traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard can get backed up, so getting around by car might not be as easy as it sounds, especially during peak hours.
That said, if your Vegas trip includes excursions to off-Strip gems like Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, the Neon Museum or outdoor adventures at Red Rock Canyon, the location might not be a dealbreaker.
Getting there and parking
The hotel is conveniently located near the airport. Assuming no traffic, it’s only about a five-minute drive to Harry Reid International Airport. As is the case with many Las Vegas resorts, there is no dedicated shuttle service.
But if you drive yourself, parking is free. That’s hardly ever the case with other Las Vegas resorts.
The amenities at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas include pools, a spa, gym, beach club, plus multiple shops, bars and restaurants. Travelers on a short getaway might not even need to leave the grounds to have a full itinerary.
Here’s a look at some of the top amenities offered at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton.
A quiet casino
The resort’s 60,000-square-foot casino has 550 slot machines and more than 45 table games. There’s also the Betfred Sportsbook for sports betting.
The casino tends emptier than the ones on the Strip, which can make it feel less exciting. But it’s nice not having to elbow your way to a blackjack table.
A calm pool scene
Similar to the casino, the pool area at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (which consists of four different pools) is typically less crowded than other Vegas resorts’ party-centric pools.
The most raucous pool of the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is Kassi Beach Club, a 21+ venue that’s open only on weekends. DJs play music genres such as tropical house and Top 40 hits, but it has more of a laid-back, pool party vibe.
Bottle service is available, and it’s not cheap. A bottle of Grey Goose will run you $350 at Kassi Beach Club before tax and gratuity. Though, that’s a bargain compared to the roughly $800 you’ll pay for the same bottle at Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas.
Then there’s the main pool, plus two smaller pools called the Terrace Pool and Dish Pool. The latter two tend to close during shoulder season, which isn’t typically a big deal given the main pool doesn’t get too crowded anyway.
But on my visit on a weekday in June, temperatures were soaring over 90 degrees and guests couldn’t even use the main pool because someone had thrown up in it. You can’t fault the hotel for that, but it’s the risk of having a single pool in operation at a resort in Las Vegas.
An impressive gym
The Virgin Hotels Las Vegas gym is far better equipped than many hotel fitness centers. It includes free weights, cardio machines, and yes — a squat rack (it’s rare to find a hotel gym with a proper squat rack).
Dining at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
There are about a dozen places to eat or drink at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Many are chain restaurants, ranging from Dunkin’ to world-renowned Japanese restaurant Nobu.
Other options include a fast casual pizza joint, a juice bar and an open-air Mexican restaurant.
Daily food and beverage credits for certain Hilton elites
Hilton Honors members with Gold or Diamond elite status get a daily food and beverage credit, which can be used at any time at some restaurants on-site. To use it, simply charge your food at an eligible restaurant to your room. At the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the credit covers up to $15 per guest (up to two) per day. It works at the following restaurants on Virgin Hotels Las Vegas property:
You don’t necessarily need to be a frequent Hilton guest to earn Hilton elite status. Certain Hilton credit cards offer elite status as a benefit simply for holding the card.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
on American Express’ website
Rates & Fees
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
on American Express’ website
Rates & Fees
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
on American Express’ website
Rates & Fees
Earning rates
• 7 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 6 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
• 4 points per $1 on U.S. online retail purchases.
• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 14 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies.
• 7 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants.
• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5 points per $1 on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3 points per $1 thereafter.
Other noteworthy benefits (see reviews for full rundown)
• Hilton Honors™ Silver Status, which gives you a 20% bonus on Hilton Honors base points as well as a fifth night free whenever you use points to book five or more nights at a Hilton property.
• Path to Hilton Honors™ Gold Status. Get an upgrade to Gold if you spend $20,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
• Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
• $200 annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases on your card (doled out in $50 statement credits per quarter).
• Potential free night. Earn a weekend night reward after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year.
• Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status, which gives you such perks, such as double bonus points on all base points you earn, room upgrades when available, premium Wi-Fi, late checkout and more.
• Free nights. Get one free night reward with the card each year. Earn an additional night after you spend $30,000 on purchases in a calendar year and another after you spend $60,000 in a calendar year.
• Flight credit. Get up to $50 in credit each quarter on flight purchases made directly with an airline or through American Express.
• $200 annual resort credit. Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases at participating Hilton Resorts.
• Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
Welcome offer
Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. Terms Apply.
Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. Terms Apply.
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 1/8/2025. Terms Apply.
The resort has about 1,500 rooms and suites spread across three towers. Although rooms vary in size and specific amenities, all follow the chic design found at most Virgin hotels. That includes the hotel’s patented “Lounge Bed.”
Here’s a look at a room called the “2 Queens Chamber”:
Convenient, modern touches include a JBL bluetooth speaker, plenty of power outlets and a 55” Samsung TV.
Rooms feature a makeup vanity, instead of a desk.
The closet has an iron, an in-room safe and a separate shelf for shoes.
The bathroom is spacious and fairly luxurious with both a rain shower head and a handheld showerhead.
Complimentary amenities include custom products by Red Flower.
Is Virgin Hotels Las Vegas pet-friendly?
The hotel offers dog-friendly rooms, but dogs cannot remain unattended in rooms unless locked in a kennel or carrier.
And keep in mind that “dog-friendly” can take on different meanings depending on the hotel. At this hotel, dogs (aside from service dogs) can pass through public areas if on a leash, though they aren’t allowed to linger.
Is the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas worth it?
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.