Branson wants “neighborhood” sites for NYC launch of Virgin-branded hotel

Virgin Group is actively scouting locations in New York to launch it four-star Virgin Hotel brand, according to the New York Post. Virgin want’s its NYC hotel to be “neighborhood-centric” and promote an “authentic New York experience.” Billionaire Sir Richard Branson told the Post.

“We love the energy of big market areas like Times Square but we equally love distinct neighborhoods with real communities — Soho and the Meatpacking District, for example — where Virgin would be a perfect fit,” Branson said.

Sources told the Post that Virgin had considered 200 Lafayette Street, between Broome and Spring streets, but ultimately decided that the space was too small to create an “efficient” hotel.

Another location Branson has considered is Dumbo’s iconic Clock Tower and the Financial District, where there is “reasonably priced and ample office space and more families and locals moving in,” Branson said.

The brand is also mulling bringing its hotels to Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Las Vegas. [NYP] —Christopher Cameron