Virgin Hotels becomes more integrated into Virgin Red

We have been impressed by the two Virgin Hotels properties we have tried out so far. We were expecting a ‘W’ clone, but Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (review here) and Virgin Hotels New York City (review here) surprised us with their style and class.

We look forward to seeing what Virgin Hotels Glasgow has to offer, with the first guests due on 21st August. Image below.

Earning Virgin Points from Virgin Hotels has been a bit messy but the system has now become more streamlined.

To earn Virgin Points at Virgin Hotels, you must now register for their ‘The Know’ membership scheme (free) and – this is new – add your Virgin Red number to your profile. Your points will be automatically sent over after each stay.

You will now earn Virgin Points at the following rates:

• 5 points per $1 at US hotels
• 7 points per £1 at UK hotels

You only earn points on your room rate. Food and beverage spending does not earn.

This arrangement replaces the current flat rate of 2,000 Virgin Points per stay. Given the rates charged at Virgin Hotels, very few people will be worse off.

Of course, being Virgin Hotels, they are not making it that easy. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is not participating although Virgin Hotels Glasgow is.

If you are booking Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, you also have the option of booking it via the Hilton website as it is, weirdly, also part of Hilton’s Curio Collection brand. You would receive Hilton Honors points and elite benefits instead.

The other hotels can also be booked via Preferred Hotels if you want to earn benefits in their iPrefer scheme.

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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (April 2025)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Virgin Points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 18,000 Virgin Points and the free card has a bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points):

Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard

18,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review

Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard

3,000 bonus points, no fee and 1 point for every £1 you spend Read our full review

You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review

The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 50,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 50,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.

American Express Business Platinum

50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review

American Express Business Gold

20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points.