Virgin Hotels Las Vegas vs Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort: Luxury Boutique vs Family-Friendly Timeshare
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton
Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort
Location & Accessibility
Virgin Hotels occupies a prime location just one block east of the Las Vegas Strip, offering easy walking access to major attractions while providing a slightly quieter atmosphere. The property is adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center and surrounded by numerous dining options. Holiday Inn Club Vacations is located slightly further east, requiring a 15-20 minute walk or short ride to the Strip, but offers easier parking and less congestion.
Winner: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (8.5/10 vs 7/10)
Accommodations & Room Quality
Virgin Hotels features 1,500 rooms designed with a sophisticated, modern aesthetic. The Chambers (rooms) include signature lounge beds, smart technology controls, and stylish marble bathrooms. Standard rooms average 400-500 sq ft. Holiday Inn offers spacious timeshare-style suites ranging from studios to 3-bedroom units (500-1,200 sq ft) with full kitchens, separate living areas, and washer/dryers in larger units, though decor is more traditional and functional.
Winner: Holiday Inn Club Vacations (7/10 vs 8/10 for family/lengthy stays)
Amenities & Facilities
Virgin Hotels boasts three distinctive pools including a 5-acre pool complex, a 60,000 sq ft casino, full-service spa, fitness center, and multiple nightlife venues including a rooftop bar. Holiday Inn features two large pools with splash pads, hot tubs, game room, fitness center, and multiple barbecue areas. It lacks a casino but offers more family-oriented recreation spaces.
Winner: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (9/10 vs 7/10 for adult travelers)
Dining Options
Virgin Hotels offers 13 food and beverage outlets including celebrity chef restaurants (Nobu, Olives), casual dining, and multiple bars. The Commons Club restaurant and bar serves as the social hub. Holiday Inn has one full-service restaurant, a poolside bar, and a marketplace, but the kitchen facilities in suites encourage self-catering.
Winner: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (9/10 vs 6/10)
Service & Experience
Virgin Hotels provides full-service hospitality with 24-hour front desk, concierge, valet parking, and housekeeping daily. Service is polished and attentive. Holiday Inn offers timeshare-style service with more limited front desk hours and housekeeping typically provided weekly for timeshare owners, though daily service is available for hotel guests at additional cost.
Winner: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (8.5/10 vs 7/10)
Value & Pricing
Virgin Hotels rooms typically range from $150-400/night depending on season, with resort fees around $45/night. Holiday Inn offers better value at $100-250/night with lower resort fees ($35/night) and kitchen facilities that reduce dining costs. Timeshare ownership provides additional value for frequent visitors.
Winner: Holiday Inn Club Vacations (7/10 vs 8.5/10)
Target Audience
Virgin Hotels caters to couples, groups of friends, and business travelers seeking a sophisticated, adult-oriented experience with premium amenities and nightlife. Holiday Inn appeals strongly to families, extended-stay visitors, and timeshare owners seeking space, convenience, and budget-friendly options.
Winner: Split based on traveler type