Getting To Know NYLO – Inside Hilton’s Niche Brand within a Brand

Hilton NYLO Hotels

I write this article from my room’s desk in one of the three existing Hilton NYLO Hotels.  I’m currently visiting the NYLO Las Colinas location, relatively close to DFW Airport and immediately surrounded by nameless office buildings, myriad strip malls, and countless restaurants.  That describes many areas throughout the States, but they probably don’t have a NYLO tucked within.  So what’s NYLO, and how’s my experience been?

An Interesting History

You can read an exhaustive history here, but these are the high points.  NYLO’s a small boutique hotel chain founded in 2004.  A prominent theme with NYLO is the design of hotel rooms akin to New York loft apartments.  NYLO – get it?  One of NYLO’s primary executives was Michael Mueller, who had significant background with Starwood – my favorite chain until Marriott neutralized it.  Mueller was key in fostering the W Hotels brand, which doesn’t surprise me as I take in the NYLO aesthetic.

NYLO opened its first property in the Dallas suburb of Plano in 2007, following up that property with two more in the Metroplex (including Las Colinas) and others in Providence, Rhode Island and New York City.  The chain peaked at five properties, and only three still exist as NYLO.  The Las Colinas, Plano, and Providence locations joined Hilton’s Tapestry Collection in December 2018, while the Dallas South Side location became the Canvas Hotel in early 2019.  Around the same timeframe, the New York property became the Arthouse Hotel.

Discovering and Booking NYLO

My discovery of NYLO is better late than never.  I came upon NYLO Las Colinas while looking at award options for a compressed trip to the Metroplex.  I’ve previously described my affinity for the Tapestry Collection chain of properties but hadn’t yet considered NYLO.  While there’s not much to appreciate in Las Colinas itself, it’s a central location that’s not super far from anywhere we go in the DFW area.  We’ve previously stayed at the nearby Hyatt House but decided never again a few years ago, primarily due to it’s comical stance of charging for parking.

I found 40k nightly award rates for the NYLO, while cash rates were just under $200.  More importantly, the distinctive design caught my eye – all while paying at the award price point of a Hampton Inn or Hilton Garden Inn.  I booked without flinching.

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The Striking Room

Indeed, the NYLO hotel room delivers the lofty feel.  We opted for what Hilton terms a “glass room” – basically one where the exterior side is all window.  It was basically a why-not decision since it was the same 40k points as a basic room.

Accommodations initially seemed spartan, but that’s primarily due to the substantial size of the room.  Concrete’s everywhere, but the large rug in the bed area and the art above the desk accent the space enough. The bed’s plenty comfy, while the desk, drawers, shelving, and wardrobe area are surprisingly functional.  Incidentally, American Psycho fans may feel an odd connection with such a room.

But the room’s definitely not for everyone.  The long, slender bathroom has an open ceiling on the shower end facing the bed and sports translucent glass.  That’s great for ventilation, but not so much for privacy.  The small fridge sits on the floor against a wall, with a microwave stacked on top.  College age me felt right at home, but others will just see back pain.  The television is oddly mounted away from the bed, forcing a visitor to crane their neck about 45 degrees to watch while relaxing in bed.

That said, the room’s a net positive in my view, primarily for just being different without giving up anything significant.  When it comes to hotel rooms, I like some strange every now and then.

Crowd-Pleasing Amenities

The common areas of the hotel are useful if not overly remarkable.  Multiple sitting areas are available for guests to lounge or quasi-work.  The property offers a few small meeting rooms for those who need such a resource.

The Loft Bar and Kitchen is a no-fuss option for grabbing a drink or small meal.  And speaking of refreshments, Hilton’s elite food and beverage credit covered enough.  The $30 allotment covered two beers and a cocktail before gratuity.  Beyond the restaurant and bar, elites can blow their benefit at the convenience store (I actually felt like I was in one) across from the front desk.

Courtyard may be a strong word, but I imagine the pool and surrounding area are inviting enough during pool season.  The fitness center sits across from the restaurant, and holds a variety of machines, free weights, and cardio equipment.  I was happy to look out the windows facing the treadmills, something that should be a requirement in all hotel gyms.

Last, but certainly not least, the NYLO Las Colinas offers free parking.  Oh, and In-N-Out Burger is only a three-minute walk.

Hilton NYLO Hotels – Conclusion

I’m all for hotel stays at mundane brands – Hampton, Hilton Garden Inn, and Holiday Inn Express are the hotel comfort food I often seek out.  But, once in a while, it’s refreshing to mix things up on such occasions.  Tapestry’s Hotel Florence is another recent favorite.  I’ll keep exploring other options from the brand, NYLO and otherwise.  And I’m confident we’ll be back at NYLO Las Colinas on future trips.

Have you stayed at Hilton NYLO Hotels?  What’s your take?

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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