ATLANTA (June 5, 2007) -- Patrick O'Neil has been named general manager of NYLO Hotels' inaugural property in Plano, Tex. Additionally, O'Neil will continue to serve as senior vice president of operations, NYLO Hotels, LLC.

"We're elated to have Patrick head up NYLO's debut in the marketplace," says John Russell, CEO, NYLO Hotels. "The hotel offers a new approach to hospitality. 

"As senior vice president of operations, Patrick helped create our vision for NYLO," Russell continues. "With this appointment, we're putting key people in key positions to make sure our inaugural hotel fulfills our promises and brings that vision to life. Under Patrick's direction, we're confident NYLO Plano will emerge the industry's most exciting, new mid-scale hotel for business and leisure travelers."

On track to open in December 2007, NYLO Plano will be the first newly built hotel to market in the innovative lodging category of loft accommodations. The 176-room lifestyle hotel combines the dynamic qualities of urban residential loft-style living with the service and amenities of the world's leading upscale brands. 

The 88,500-square-foot property is located in the heart of Legacy (http://www.shopsatlegacy.com)a master planned community 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. Offering upscale shopping, dining and entertainment, Legacy is home to national and regional headquarters of numerous Fortune 500 companies. The community also is convenient to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dr Pepper Ballpark, StarCenter and other area business centers and attractions. 

"With hotel rates rising as more people travel, NYLO Plano will put high-end within easy reach, offering nightly rates that give guests real value for their hard-earned dollar," O'Neil notes. 

"NYLO is what the changing marketplace demands, and we're delighted to have our first hotel open in Plano," he continues. "By virtue of the property's location and its fresh approach to service, design and amenities, NYLO Plano will set the standard for the new lifestyle brands."

Bringing Lifestyle Brand to Life

With its combination of affordable lodgings and a stylish, engaging lifestyle experience, NYLO Plano brings to market a new breed of hotel. 

During the past 18 months, O'Neil has developed many of the new NYLO platforms, including those for technology, reservations, training and operations. In his additional role as general manager of the flagship hotel, he also will create the first NYLO operating team and structure. 

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help shape a brand and create a new travel experience," O'Neil explains. "I'm delighted to have this chance to talk to members of our team and guests face-to-face every day. As a GM and the SVP of operations, real-time information is invaluable. 

"NYLO's goal is to create a best-in-breed hotel, from design to operations," he points out. "I believe our actions demonstrate the strength of our commitment. 

"The NYLO culture revolves around four words: Passion, Service, Design and Fun," he says. "We want high-energy, creative people to join us and bring our dynamic brand to life. NYLO has limitless growth potential. We welcome to our team talented, upbeat people, who will benefit by becoming a part of this experience."

Hospitality Leader

O'Neil comes to NYLO Plano with a depth of experience, having spent his life living and working in leading hotels around the world. 

Before joining NYLO, O'Neil served as director of operations for Sheraton Hotels of New York. He developed and implemented programs that increased profitability, productivity and guest satisfaction at the 2,400-room hotel. Earlier in his career, O'Neil served as manager of operations support for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe. He provided support to general managers at 110 managed, owned and franchised properties. While there, he was part of the team that launched Starwood's Westin brand in Europe. 

The son of noted hotelier Paul O'Neil*; Patrick literally grew up in the industry. He lived with his family in Sheraton hotels in Honolulu, Philadelphia, Washington and New York. O'Neil recalls summer jobs working first in housekeeping, room service, and maintenance and repairs. Later, he graduated to management training. 

"These hotels were family to me," he says. "That's exactly what we want NYLO to feel like � home."

Community Leader

As general manager of NYLO Plano, O'Neil is committed to making NYLO an integral member of the Plano/Dallas community. From charities to the arts, the hotel will be involved, he says. Last month, NYLO announced its first art contest, calling for local artists to submit Texas-inspired artwork for guestrooms, corridors, and public areas. (For more information, send an email to mailto:[email protected].) 

O'Neil brings to NYLO Plano a history of community leadership. In New York, he spearheaded a fundraising campaign to aid Tsunami victims. While in Europe, he supervised a pan-European drive to collect food, clothing, mattresses and blankets for Romanian orphanages. 

Education

O'Neil holds a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College, majoring in Accounting and Finance. He served as an adjunct professor, teaching Hotel Operations in the Graduate Program at New York University's Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management. 

About NYLO Plano

NYLO Plano, opening in December 2007, aims to change the face of business and leisure travel. As the inaugural property of NYLO Hotels, the 176-room hotel presents a stylish, engaging lifestyle experience on the road. 

NYLO Plano features the brand's hallmark residential loft design. Guests will find high ceilings exceeding 10 feet and exposed brick and concrete walls. Each guestroom and suite provides 300 � 600 square feet of bright, airy living space, with oversized windows, custom-designed furnishings and original artwork. Among each room's high-tech amenities: complimentary secured wired and wireless Internet access; large LCD television, and convenient MP3 player hookups linking iPods, computers and television. 

The centerpiece of NYLO Plano is The Loft, a high-energy gathering place offering thoughtful amenities: a stylish bar and lounge; 24-hour, three-meal restaurant; state-of-the-art business center; wireless Internet; game room; library; boutique shop, and original artwork and entertainment by local artists. In addition, NYLO Plano will feature NYLO Wear by Daniel Vosovic, an apparel line designed by the alum of the Emmy-nominated Bravo-TV series "Project Runway." Guests also will find 2,000 square feet of meeting space, fully equipped gym, and a Pure Floor providing 44 allergy-friendly rooms to enhance guest comfort. 

Located in the heart of the master-planned community of Legacy, NYLO Plano is convenient to the Dallas Tollway, expansive Stonebriar Mall, thriving Shops at Legacy, Dr. Pepper Ballpark, StarCenter and the city's two major airports. 

About NYLO Hotels

NYLO Hotels offers a new class of hotels that combines the dynamic qualities of loft-style living with the best-of-industry features of leading hotel brands. The properties � featuring bright, spacious loft accommodations; state-of-the-art business center; gym, and 24-hour-healthy-alternatives restaurant and bar � will cater to business travelers seeking an energized alternative to the bland, one-size-fits-all experience typically found in mid-priced lodgings. For more information, visit www.nylohotels.com or call 404-221-0600. 

*Past president and managing director, Atlantis, Paradise Island; president and chief operating officer, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas; senior vice president, Sheraton's North American division; president, Sheraton Hotels, New York.