Checking out
Virgin Hotels Nashville, Nashville, USA
By Jessica Pook
The Hotel: Opened in July 2020, Virgin Hotels Nashville has 262 spacious ‘chambers’, a rooftop pool, several meeting rooms and is within walking distance to the famous Broadway strip and historic Music Row, where the likes of Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley recorded.
The check in: Valet parking is available directly outside the property and manned 24/7. The staff were efficient, friendly and more than happy to provide personal recommendations.
The Room: My room was modern, bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sliding barn-style door that allowed for separate bedroom and dressing room areas. Furnishings were tasteful and modern with homely touches including a rug, throw pillows, window seating, Smeg fridge and dressing gowns. Virgin has its own app, Lucy, which allows guests to check in, order room service and control the AC and lights.
The Facilities: The property has two restaurants and ‘Funny library’ coffee shop which offers barista-style coffee and pastries. The main restaurant, Commons Club, has a cocktail bar aesthetic and the menu is upscale American with favourites including southern fried chicken and signature burger alongside seared scallops and lobster spaghetti. The Pool Club offers sprawling views of the city and attracts a cool crowd who enjoy sun-drenched cabanas by day and DJ sets by night. There’s also a 24/7 gym and fitness centre.
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea, Jordan
By Steve Hartridge
The hotel: Located just back from the Red Sea-fronting white-sand beach, the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea is one of the leading luxury hotels in Jordan’s only coastal resort. All rooms look out to the Red Sea and the old market of Aqaba city is a 10-minute walk away.
The check in: Security at the hotel’s entrance gate was strict and there was a second bag check to get into the lobby. I was met with a welcome drink and plenty of smiles. A hotel staff member sat with me as I filled out the various bits of paperwork before waking me to my room.
The Room: My Premier Club Room (627) was spacious, bright and comfortably airconditioned. The all-white look gave it a super fresh and clean feel and an expansive balcony looked down on the hotel’s beach. Guests in this category of room also benefit from complimentary snacks and drinks in the lounge from 18.00 to 20.00.
The Facilities: The menu at signature restaurant Rehan features hummus varietals and a staggering number of meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan dishes. There os also two al fresco restaurants: Oleo – The Grill and poolside Crust. On the top floor, the breezy 700 Lounge is a classy open-air bar that offers some of the best views across the Red Sea. There is a full-service spa (access to Steam and Sauna are complimentary for guests who book any spa experience/treatment), a fitness centre and large pool with a swim-up bar.
Visit USA was thrilled to be back meeting agents in person this year. “Both London and Manchester provided us with some excellent agents who were keen to learn more from our members,” said Kate Kenward, CEO, Visit USA UK Association. “Visit USA UK has a busy schedule ahead and we will shortly be launching our digital Travel Planner, a vital resource for those selling the USA,” she added. The star prize on offer at the London event was two return tickets to Washington D.C., Los Angeles or San Francisco,courtesy of United Airlines, plus seven nights in a Cruise America RV. This was won by Hema Yoganathan from Ocean Holidays. In Manchester, Diane Morrison from Not Just Travel went home with two return tickets to Philadelphia, courtesy of Aer Lingus, and a three-night stay at the Aloft Philadelphia.