NYLO Breaks Ground in Plano, TX

Lifestyle Hotel Changes Lodging Landscape

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. October 14, 2008

PLANO, TX, November 21, 2006. In a first for the new lifestyle hotel category, NYLO Hotels breaks ground today on its inaugural property in Plano, Texas. The hotel, in the upscale mixed-use community of Legacy, will open by the end of 2007. "We're extremely proud that NYLO is the first new-build hotel to market in this exciting new lodging category of loft accommodations," says Michael Mueller, president & chief development officer, NYLO Hotels. "When we open our doors in 2007, NYLO Plano will set the standard for the lifestyle brands."

The 176-room Plano property brings a new face to business travel, appealing to guests of all ages who appreciate bold design, new technology and engaging amenities, such as lively gathering places outside the guestrooms.

Offering travelers an urban, exciting and fun lifestyle experience on the road, NYLO Plano will feature the brand's hallmark urban loft design. Guests will find soaring ceilings, custom-designed furnishings and high-tech amenities throughout the hotel. Along with the full spectrum of business amenities, they will enjoy The Loft, a dynamic gathering spot next to the lobby with stylish bar and restaurant offering a full menu -- from snacks to gourmet dinners -- round-the-clock.

NYLO aims to make upscale affordable, offering the high-end service and amenities of the world's leading boutique hotels at accessible rates of $120 - $140 per night.

This week, the company completed its financing with Merrill Lynch Capital. According to the terms of the agreement, Merrill Lynch Capital will provide construction debt financing for the Plano property as well as for another NYLO hotel that will break ground in Warwick, RI in the second quarter of 2007.

"The success of a new hotel brand hinges on finding a financial partner that shares your vision and understands your model," notes John Russell, CEO, NYLO Hotels. "NYLO has found an exceptional partner in Merrill Lynch Capital."

In addition to Plano and Warwick, NYLO plans to announce three other sites in 2007, Russell says. With strategic partner and equity investor, Lehman Brothers, NYLO is committed to opening 50 hotels in fast-growing suburban and secondary markets throughout North America by 2010. Franchising is slated to begin late next year.

"Mixed-use developers and land owners recognize the added value a lifestyle hotel like NYLO brings to their property," Mueller points out. "They appreciate that when they work with NYLO, they deal directly with the principals, who are also the owner, operator and developer of NYLO Hotels. This arrangement allows us to move with speed and certainty towards closing. It also helps that we have such strong and reputable financial partners in Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch Capital."

Lofty, Within Reach

For the 176-room NYLO Plano, San Antonio-based construction giant Lyda Swinerton will serve as the general contracting company. The property will be located in the heart of the 2,665-acre, master-planned community of Legacy, at the northwest corner of Headquarters Drive and Preston Road. Once a stop for the Pony Express, the site remains a hub today. It is near the Dallas Tollway, Highway 121, the Stonebriar Mall, the Shops at Legacy and Dr. Pepper Ballpark and StarCenter. Legacy also is home to regional and national headquarter offices of many Fortune 500 companies, including EDS, Frito-Lay, JCPenney, Cingular Wireless, McAfee and Intuit.

Like all NYLOs, the Plano hotel features a new-build prototype with residential urban loft design. The property will have the hallmark brick-and-glass exterior, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby, high ceilings, and exposed-brick-and-polished concrete walls.

"NYLO is for travelers who are tired of staying in lodgings that all look the same," Russell explains. "We're adding excitement to travel in the form of a fully functional business hotel that also offers striking design, ultra-social amenities and a friendly, upbeat service culture at prices attractive to business travelers."

Above and Beyond

Each NYLO will house the brand's signature guest lofts, with generous six-foot-tall windows to maximize daylight, high ceilings exceeding 10 feet and custom-designed furnishings, including a plush bed with luxury linens, sofa, ottoman and large moveable desk. Also in the rooms will be the amenities tech-savvy travelers desire: complimentary high-speed and wireless Internet access, large flat-screen TV, MP3 capabilities and convenient plug-ins linking iPods and computers to televisions.

To enhance guests' comfort and health, each NYLO Hotel will have a Pure Floor with allergy-friendly guest lofts. Designed for the millions of travelers who suffer from allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses, these rooms will use a comprehensive purification system, including medical-grade air purifiers and hypoallergenic linens and covers. NYLO Plano will have 44 Pure rooms.

"We're pleased to be the first of the new brands to make allergy-friendly accommodations a brand standard," Russell says.

Function and Fashion Meet

Just off the lobby, The Loft will serve as the heart and soul of each hotel. Here in this inviting common area, guests can relax, work or play, 24 hours a day. In every NYLO location, The Loft will be custom-designed by Stephane Dupoux, a prominent designer of high-end nightclubs and restaurants in New York, Miami, London and other gateway cities worldwide.

"We're delighted with what Stephane has designed for the Plano hotel," Mueller says. "His restaurants and clubs are premier gathering spots around the globe. Travelers and locals will be in for a real treat when they step inside the NYLO Plano."

The Loft's centerpiece will be its bar and restaurant, offering sophisticated comfort cuisine, including fresh healthy snacks and gourmet meals, 24/7. "Guests will be able to sit down to a steak dinner at 2:00 a.m. here if they want," Russell says.

As the heartbeat of each NYLO Hotel, The Loft will offer an abundance of upscale amenities: complimentary wireless Internet access, 24-hour business center, comfortable library, sofas, game room, boutique shop, original artwork featuring local artists, and lighting and music that will change to create different atmosphere from day to night.

Servers, bartenders, hostesses and other front-line people will wear the NYLO Collection by Daniel Vosovic. The collection by the Bravo-TV Project Runway alum will feature apparel and accessories that are comfort-driven, fashionable and fun. The versatile, mix-and-match collection -- sweaters, skirts, pants, shirts, ties, belts, bags and more - are designed to look good in the hotel, in the office and on the street.

"In the coming months, we look forward to providing glimpses of Stephane's designs for The Loft in Plano as well as initial sketches for the NYLO Collection by Daniel Vosovic," Russell says. "Stay tuned."

Other NYLO amenities include high-end fitness center with the latest cardio equipment, free weights and his and her changing rooms and saunas. Also at NYLO, guests will find informal meeting space and conference rooms with the latest audio and video technology.