Sir Richard Branson launches Virgin Hotels

It’s official…the Virgin mega-brand is entering the hotel space. Our first clue? The launch of the Virgin Hotels website.

According to the website, the first hotels will open in North America and eventually go global. Branson promises to “re-define the customer journey from pre-arrival to check-out.” Each of the hotels will be at least four-star quality, said Branson, who is currently looking for partnership opportunities with property owners and developers.

Virgin Hotels is currently seeking 150 to 400 room hotels of “interesting, authentic and high quality” design. Branson states on the website that the hotels will feature communal spaces that offer “unique space where our guests can get work done, nourish and refresh themselves, meet other interesting people, or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

Where will the hotels open first? Rumor has it New York, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Boston have been tapped as top destinations.

The website also includes a pledge from Branson that integrates Virgin flyers and loyalty program members into the project. We smell some more loyalty points programs…