Hidden Room in Norfolk, Virginia

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 Horizontal Folding Door has etched opaque glass panels and is topped by a custom-designed arched transom.

The top-hung system with paired panels easily glide 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.”