Virgin Hotels May Postpone Its Opening Because of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Construction and renovations to the former Hard Rock Hotel buzz along as the resort gets ready to debut as the Virgin Hotels. Now officials say they still plan to take possession of the resort in early November, but may delay the opening to the public.

“… Due to current COVID-19 regulations, market conditions, and recent event and convention cancellations, the ownership group is carefully evaluating the previously announced fall 2020 opening date. The ownership group expects to have a date identified by mid-September, at which time we will provide full details,” says Richard “Boz” Bosworth, president and CEO of JC Hospitality, owner of Virgin Hotels, in a statement to the press.

The resort originally planned for a November 6 debut.

MB Steak, Pizza Forte, plus 20-year Hard Rock veteran Nobu are all scheduled to return when the Virgin-branded resort debuts. The Nobu bar area will reopen at twice its current size and the steakhouse will add to the dining room and its own bar footprint.

Chef Todd English takes over the former 35 Steaks + Martinis space with a “fun, casual and modern [restaurant]. It will reflect the energy of the property.” In February, English said he would revive Todd English’s Olives at Virgin Hotels.

Unconfirmed by the resort, or its new restaurant partners, LA’s Mediterranean island-inspired Kassi Club plus the Día de los Muertos-themed Casa Calavera from the Hakkasan Group plan to open at the resort. Casa Calavera serves contemporary and traditional spins on Mexican favorites including fajitas, carnitas, tacos, and shared plates as well as a drinks menu that places a special focus on mezcal and tequila cocktails. Kassi Club takes visual and menu cues from Greek coastal tavernas with a space filled with fire pits, lounge seating, charcoal grilled meats, fish, and vegetables, and a nightlife atmosphere.

Elsewhere on property, the Commons Club lounge and restaurant slots in as a prominent tenant, moving into an open-plan space, close to the main entrance.

Funny Library Coffee Shop, a “communal work space” stocked with “an assortment of whimsical yet inspirational books.” Hunter S. Thompson’s 1971 novel Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas is already promised to be stacked on its shelves, plus customers will be able to order grab-and-go bites and coffee blends sourced from actor Hugh Jackman’s Laughing Man company.

• Virgin Hotels Now Has Its First Restaurant and Lounge Planned [ELV]

• Virgin Hotels Keeps Some Restaurants After the Remodel, Adds Hugh Jackman to the Mix [ELV]

• Chef Todd English’s Virgin Hotels Restaurant Now Has a Location [ELV]

• Hakkasan’s Casa Calavera and L.A.’s Kassi Club Expand to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas [ELV]

• All Coverage of Virgin Hotels [ELV]