Virgin Hotels is expected to open its first property by the end of 2013 in Chicago, US, after it completed the acquisition of the downtown Old Dearborn Bank Building in late 2011.

The 27-storey former office complex will be converted by Virgin Hotels into a 250-bedroom hotel, which will comprise a spa spanning between 4,000 and 5,000sq ft (372 and 465sq m).

Further details about the composition of the spa are yet to be revealed, although the hotel will also include meeting space; restaurants; lounges; and other areas reflecting the Virgin brand.

Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group launched Virgin Hotels in September 2010 to develop and operate hotels offering between 150 and 400 bedrooms in gateway cities across the world.

Details: www.virginhotels.com

Image: Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group is moving into the hotel sector