Hidden Room in Norfolk, Virginia

Hidden Room in Norfolk

The next time you are in Norfolk, Virginia, stop by Hilton Norfolk The Main for a meal at Varia, Norfolk’s Signature Trattoria-Inspired Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Located on the 2nd floor at the Hilton, this luxe restaurant is full of surprises for guests. Behind swiveling bookcases, you’ll find a hidden private dining room called The Vault.

The Vault offers a truly unique private dining experience. Arched ceilings are lined with shimmering onyx tiles and have art-deco flourishes reminiscent of bygone days. This space is the perfect venue to celebrate special occasions with friends. 

A focal point of The Vault is a 20-foot wide sapele mahogany door by ActivWall. The solid wood Folding Door has etched opaque glass panels and is topped by a custom-designed arched transom.

The top-hung system with paired panels easily glides open up to accommodate a group of 50 or can be closed to create two smaller dining rooms. The system can also be left partially open as a semi-room divider. 

According to Michael Cubilete, Varia’s Restaurant Manager, “The vault doors drive curiosity for onlookers. Once the doors have your attention, you get this feeling you can’t shake until you see what’s behind them.” He added,  “So often, you hear guests gasp at the beauty of the shimmering onyx ceiling tiles, and art deco flourishes as the doors glide open.”

Like this beautiful and unique door at Varia, each ActivWall Horizontal Folding Door is custom manufactured to meet the design needs of our customers. 

Custom sizes, configurations, glass, and multiple sill options are available along with SDL (simulated divided lites or grilles) and integrated panic hardware (for commercial applications). A floor-mounted system is also available for applications where header weight support is problematic.

ActivWall products are made in the USA and can be shipped nationwide. Contact us today to discuss how ActivWall can open up your space.

See the Doors in Action...

Hidden Room in Norfolk
Hidden Room in Norfolk
Hidden Room in Norfolk

Acknowledgments: Story by Jennifer Doss and Carter Ferrell. Photos provided by Varia. Video filmed by Sara Wagner and edited by Jennifer Doss. Voiceover by Kacel Witcher. Special thanks to Michael Cubilete and Sara Wagner of Varia.