The Daily Press Loves The Igloos Atop Our Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Thank you to the Daily Press for this nice writeup on our new igloos on top of our Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront in Sky Bar. Great idea Carlene! Original article can be found here: http://bit.ly/30gTPfL
Turning Tables: Cocktails offered from rooftop igloos atop Oceanfront Hilton
Experiencing the energy and mysticism of the Northern Lights from the comfort of a fully insulated and heated glass igloo is on the top of my bucket list. I may never get there, but I discovered a different kind of igloo experience a lot closer to home and a lot more affordable.
Picture watching a sunset or a night viewing the stars in the inky skies from the rooftop of the Oceanfront Hilton. You are snugged up with six of your besties in the comfort of a heated igloo decked out with a blue tooth speaker, a natural hide rug, warm blankets, cozy furniture, ample pillows, ambient lighting and even a plant or two. A tasty charcuterie board awaits your peckish desires. Bottles of water are there to quench your thirst as is your dedicated server who can bring you additional beverages of your choice.
What does it cost? Your group can enjoy 90 minutes of this bird’s eye view of the stars along the Oceanfront for $75 plus tax and gratuity.
Signature Igloo Lounge cocktails are also available like Hot Buttered Rum, a Maker’s Mark hot toddy and a Million Dollar Martini as well as various white and red wines by the glass and domestic beers.
The Igloo Lounge consists of four igloos each appointed with slightly different furniture and faux furs. The braintrust behind this brilliant idea is Carlene Sharkey, director of restaurants for Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. She manages Catch 31, Salacia and helps with The Sky Bar.
Sharkey had seen these igloo structures put to good use on hotel rooftops in other big cities and proposed the idea to the Hilton’s management a couple of years ago. No go. But when Shamin Hotels out of Richmond bought the Hilton in 2017, the new owners gave her the green light to run with her idea. It took two months to bring it all together and they launched the concept quietly to guests on New Year’s Eve.
Igloo Lounges sit at the four corners of the Hilton’s rooftop and are open to the public from 5 to 11 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in 90 minute increments through March. The rooftop is home to the popular private seasonal club called the Sky Bar as well as open to guests of the hotel.
“I wanted the public to be able to enjoy the gorgeous rooftop views too,” said Sharkey. “We will gladly accept custom bookings and may extended booking times for special events, like Valentine’s.”
Sharkey said the igloos cost about $1,000 each and are rated safe in winds up to 45 mph. The thick glass walls that surround the perimeter of the rooftop also help insulate the igloos from strong winds.
The igloos are about 7 feet tall in the center. No smoking or vaping allowed inside. Just step outside if you must. To make reservations, call 757-213-3472.
If you want to carry your after party down to Catch31, they have a very respectable late night menu from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. that offers ten items for $10 like various wood-fired flatbreads, tuna poke, crispy fried chicken wings, a BLT and loaded Boardwalk Fries.