First NYLO Hotel in Northeast Debuts in Rhode Island

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ATLANTA (Sept. 2, 2008) -- Bidding travelers to "stayunique," NYLO Providence/Warwick opened its doors today inWarwick, R.I.

Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts and Warwick Mayor ScottAvedisian joined NYLO Hotels' chief executive officer, JohnRussell, and general manager, Christine Nevers, during a ribboncutting ceremony to officially welcome the loft lifestyle hotel tothe community and the Northeast.

Beyond the NYLO Providence/Warwick entryway, pod chairs hang fromsoaring ceilings. In The Loft, NYLO's signature restaurant/bar,chandeliers are shaped like sea coral, and tables have Plexiglastops with embedded seashells.

Nearby, the game room beckons with custom pool table and originalmusic by indie artists. Nooks and crannies feature free WiFi anddesigner couches, and the terrace is equipped with a deejay hookup.Everything runs on 100% renewable energy.

This is no ordinary hotel.

It's the first property in the Northeast from loft lifestyleinnovator NYLO Hotels (http://www.nylohotels.com). Overlooking thePawtuxet River near the banks of the Narragansett Bay, the newlyconstructed NYLO Providence/Warwick welcomes with ultra-socialgathering places, tech-friendly amenities and a bold urban loftdesign that celebrates its locale.

For travelers seeking relief from skyrocketing travel costs, NYLOProvidence/Warwick's introductory rates start at $89 (weekends) and$119 (week nights) through the end of Dec. But don't let the modestrates fool you; this hotel is lush in high-end amenities.

"Travel should be fun," says Russell, the CEO."Business travelers today meet with clients in the officeparks of fast-growing suburban and secondary markets. They want toenjoy their tech-enhanced, urban lifestyles on the road. Consumersare looking for high style that's highly affordable. Thesepreferences are strong in other sectors. What Starbucks, JetBlueand Mini Cooper have accomplished in their industries, NYLO isdoing for business and leisure travel."

With singular style and amenities, Atlanta-based NYLO is giving themid-priced lodging category a makeover. Teaming up with strategicpartner and equity investor Lehman Brothers, the brand has anaggressive growth plan of 50 properties opened or under contract byearly 2011. The first hotel, NYLO Plano at Legacy, made its debutin Dec. 2007 and quickly emerged as a North Dallas hotspot. OtherNYLOs are slated to open in 2009 in high-volume business marketsacross the country, including: Irving/Las Colinas, Tex., anotherfast-growing Dallas suburb; Denver/Boulder, Colo.; Kansas City,Mo.; and Raleigh/Durham, N.C.

Outside city centers, these hotels will be close to where businessis conducted today - on large corporate campuses and in officeparks of thriving secondary and suburban markets close totransportation, shopping, dining and entertainment.

NYLO is headed by a team of industry veterans including MichaelMueller, president, chief development officer and brand visionary.

The 163-room NYLO Providence/Warwick sits at the corner of KnightStreet and Greenwich Ave., three miles from TF Green InternationalAirport and across the street from the Warwick Mall. The propertyis minutes from downtown Providence and area businesses,universities, golf courses and marinas. It also is close to some ofNew England's top beaches spread along Warwick's 39 miles ofcoastline.

Spanning 82,800 square feet, the hotel is designed by StephaneDupoux, designer of high-end restaurants, bars and clubs worldwide.Recognized by Hospitality Design as one of America's top designers,Dupoux lists among his works: Buddha Bar and Cielo, New York City;Pearl and Nikki Beach, Miami's South Beach; and Cocoon, London.

HOTEL LIKE NO OTHER. However, attempts to compare NYLOProvidence/Warwick to other buildings inevitably fail; this hotelhas an eclectic vibe all its own: a mid-priced property withhigh-end extras; a tech-friendly business lodging that's sociableand fun; part of a brand but one-of-a-kind.

Stepping into the lobby, guests find high ceilings, exposed brickwalls, polished concrete floors and soaring glass window walls. Thefront desk is oval and close to the door.

"It's easy for our team members to come around and help withluggage and talk to guests about the local offerings,"explains Nevers, the general manager "Or, guests can whizthrough check-in/check-out at self-service kiosks that also printboarding passes.

RAISING THE BAR. With Rhode Island's rivers and bays as its muse,NYLO Providence/Warwick boasts a witty nautical décor. InThe Loft, the restaurant/bar, chandeliers in the shape of dry seacoral cast a warm glow. A shiny, metallic bar invites guests torelax and enjoy. Nearby tables have driftwood bases and Plexiglastops with embedded sea sponges and shells. They sit atop polishedconcrete floors stained light blue in a tip of the hat to the OceanState.

Just beyond the bar, the game room welcomes with custom billiardstable. Sky-blue-and-white pod chairs hang from the ceilings. Thereare plush, blue and white banquets recalling sand and surf,anemone-inspired wall sconces for candle lighting, and shinymetallic ottomans adorned with boat ties.

The Loft's windows -- floor-to-ceiling beauties -- provide views ofthe scenic Pawtuxet River and its woodsy banks. Giant glass doorsopen onto a 3,000 square-foot terrace and the river just beyond.Equipped for live entertainment, the terrace is designed with alfresco dining, parties, receptions and corporate events in mind.

"It's a gorgeous spot," Nevers notes. "The terraceextends right up to the river, making it a tranquil place to sit atthe end of a full day of meetings and travel."

GREEN, URBAN, UPSCALE. For eco-conscious travel, NYLOProvidence/Warwick is the first hotel in Rhode Island to run on100% renewable energy, Nevers points out. Through a partnershipwith People's Power & Light (PP&L), the property willoffset its entire electricity usage with a mix of local andregional solar, wind, biomass and hydroelectric power sources.

The partnership makes NYLO PP&L's largest customer in RhodeIsland, according to Nevers. This energy company is Rhode Island'spart of the Energy Consumers Alliance of New England, a nonprofitorganization dedicated to making energy more affordable andenvironmentally sustainable.

"Despite New England's soaring energy costs, NYLO remainsdeeply committed to sustainability," Russell says. "We'redelighted to help our neighbors and meet the needs of our guests,while promoting the use of clean, local energy"

NYLO's green construction and operating policies call for using themost eco-conscious building materials and techniques, including aminimum of 50 percent recyclable materials. Each hotel's urban loftdesign, for instance, not only lends style; brick walls andpolished concrete floors also stabilize indoor temperatures to cutelectricity usage for heating and cooling. Oversized windows andwindow walls admit natural light, lowering consumption still more.In guest lofts, lights turn on and off, and air conditioning unitsadjust automatically when guests enter and leave.

To further reduce the carbon footprint, The Loft offers a selectionof organic and bio-dynamically farmed alcoholic beverages. The menufeatures food from local farmers and purveyors. Each floor hasrecycling bins for bottles and paper. In guest lofts, travelers areinvited to forego daily linen changes Desk pads and folio bindersuse recycled paper. Even NYLO's exclusive line of Gilchrist &Soames bath amenities come in recycled bottles and have no chemicalpreservatives like Paraben.

WARM, WELCOMING GUEST LOFTS. Art lovers will note the originalartwork throughout NYLO Providence/Warwick. These works by localartists combine with exposed brick walls, polished concrete floorsand high ceilings to give each guestroom the look and feel of acomfortable urban loft. The color palette in guest lofts isrestful, all in neutrals with occasional pops of color frompaintings and custom pendant lighting.

For weary travelers, NYLO NYTE offers a comforting day's end. Thiscustom bed by Simmons Bedding Company features a luxuriousBeautyrest® pillow-top mattress. It's topped with five fluffy,down-like pillows; 100-percent combed-cotton triple sheeting; softblanket with non-allergenic fiberfill; and custom, white cottoncoverlet.

In the 300-square-foot NYLO Loft, the window takes up most of anentire wall, providing plenty of sunlight and scenic views. Thisstandard guest loft has custom furniture in rich ultra-suede andwoods of soothing bamboo hues, including a couch, dresser, ottoman,oversized desk and white leather ergonomic chair. Each King Suitespans 575 square feet with a separate living room. The600-square-foot Lifestyle Suite features a private 300-squareterrace overlooking the Pawtuxet River and picturesque Warwickcountryside.

HIGH-TECH COMFORTS. Free WiFi is available throughout NYLOProvidence/Warwick. Guest lofts also have free high-speed Internetaccess. Other high-tech comforts in each guest loft include a32-inch flat-screen TV with high-definition programming, convenientplug-ins and iPod-ready alarm clock/audio system.

ALLERGY-FRIENDLY. NYLO Providence/Warwick's entire fourth floor --39 rooms -- houses allergy-friendly guest lofts from industryleader, PURE Solutions North America. PURE Rooms provide comfortfor guests suffering from allergies and respiratory illnesses. Theyalso appeal to travelers who want a peaceful night's sleep in aroom with crisp, mountain-fresh air quality.

Of all the lodging brands, NYLO leads the industry, designating thehighest percentage of inventory to this comprehensive airpurification system. Each NYLO PURE Room follows a seven-stepprocess designed to kill 98 - 100% of indoor allergens andbacteria. A Class 2 medical-grade air purifier does most of thework. All-natural Tea Tree Oil keeps the heating and cooling systemcontaminant-free. Hypoallergenic linens and covers, along withNYLO's strict no-smoking policy, keep air fresh and help assure acomfortable and healthful hotel stay.

TWEAKS CULINARY TRADITION. The heartbeat of the hotel, The Loft,houses a full-service restaurant specializing in comfort cuisinewith regional flair. Opened daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner,The Loft offers a choice of sit-down or to-go meals. Betweentraditional mealtimes, this versatile eatery welcomes 24-7 withtasty, grab-and-go and easy-to-prepare meals and snacks wheneverguests want.

The eclectic menu is designed to please the palates of travelersand locals, offering eggs, omelets, soups, salads, sandwiches,fish, steak, chicken, pasta, vegetarian fare and more. Diners canchoose from full entrees or an array of small plates that mix andmatch satisfy a yen for anything from light bites to three-coursefeasts.

HOTEL AS RUNWAY. In The Loft, guests will enjoy a 24-7 fashionshow spotlighting NYLO associates in apparel by designer, authorwith book out this fall, and a Bravo-TV Project Runway favorite,Daniel Vosovic. Daniel presented a collection to glowing reviews atNew York's Fashion Week, 2006. Now, guests can see how he combinescomfort with couture in a unique clothing line, NYLO Wear by DanielVosovic. This casual, mix-and-match collection is designed to lookgood in the hotel, in the office and on the street. It includessweaters, skirts, pants, blouses, shirts, jackets, handbags andmore. The apparel, with Daniel's book, Fashion Inside Out, inbookstores, Oct. 2008, will be available for purchase in thehotel's boutique.

PAMPERING IS ART. From nature to sailing to pop culture andeveryday life, works by local artists create a vibrant displaythroughout NYLO Providence/Warwick. In each of its markets, NYLOinvites area artists to submit original works. Artwork can beviewed and purchased at each hotel and online, with all revenuesfrom sales going to the artist and a local non-profit organization.

The NYLO Providence/Warwick Art Competition drew submissions frommore than 150 artists. "Rhode Island is known for its dynamicarts community," says Patrick O'Neil, executive vice presidentof operations. "We're delighted to showcase this world-classart. The displays will provide tremendous exposure for areaartists, while also enhancing the richness of the NYLOProvidence/Warwick experience."

INFUSED WITH MUSIC. Music is to The Loft what pop is to rock. Dayand night, the restaurant/bar fills with original sounds from NYLOUncovers. These compilation CDs spotlight up-and-coming artistsfrom NYLO markets, across the country and around the world. Whilethe featured musicians enjoy broader reach, guests discovertalented indie artists they otherwise never may have known. LocalNYLO Uncovers artists perform live at hotel grand openings. Musiclovers who want to take these sounds home can buy the innovativeCDs at the hotel boutique and on the NYLO Web site.

COMFORTS OF HOME. One of Nevers' favorite places in the hotel isthe library. Located just off the lobby near check-in, the librarywelcomes weary travelers with a soothing neutral tones, comfortablecouches, computer, printer and plenty of books. "Guests cansip coffee here, work, read or relax in a setting that feel likethe living room of a comfortable urban loft," she explains.

UNEXPECTED EXTRAS. Uncommon extras come standard at NYLOProvidence/Warwick. Travelers enjoy complimentary printouts,photocopies, and faxing and scanning services available near thelibrary at the front desk. Another favorite perk is thecomplimentary local and domestic long distance phone calls. Alsofor free: bottled spring water in guest lofts; parking; and shuttleservice to area shopping, dining, airport and entertainment.

HIGH-TECH GYM. The 24-hour fitness center has his/her saunas andtop-of-the-line Life Fitness cardio equipment. Mixing exercise andentertainment, guests can plug in their iPods and control playlistsand watch movies from each machine's large integrated LCD screen.In addition to seamless iPod® integration, the equipment offersVirtual Trainer, USB memory stick connectivity and visuallyappealing workout landscapes. "Guests continue their exerciseregimens on the road with the same high-end cardio equipment foundin the best gyms and health clubs," O'Neil notes.

INNOVATIVE MEETING SPACE. NYLO Providence/Warwick offers more than4,000 square-feet of meeting and event space, divided amongst theriverfront terrace and three bright, airy boardrooms. In the900-square-foot Pontiac Room, meeting attendees have a 54-inch,flat-screen monitor with wireless and wired Internet access forpresentations and classroom-type instructions. The 300-square-footPawtuxet Room and 250-square-foot Warwick Room feature oversizedboardroom tables, plush leather chairs, wired and wireless Internetaccess and scenic views of the Pawtuxet River.

BUSINESS/CULTURAL HUB. NYLO Providence/Warwick is adjacent tohistoric Pontiac Mills. Poised to become one of Rhode Island'sleading mixed-use developments, Pontiac Mills once was home to abustling textile mill with handsome redbrick buildings and watertower dedicated by Abraham Lincoln. When completed, therevitalized, master-planned community will house a mix ofrestaurants, residences, businesses, studios and boutiques.

For information on NYLO Providence/Warwick or reservations, visitwww.nylohotels.com/warwick or call NYLO Hotels at 1.866.391.NYLO.

About NYLO Hotels
Atlanta-based NYLO Hotels offers a new class of hotels thatcombines the dynamic qualities of urban residential loft-styleliving with the best-of-the-industry features of leading hotelbrands. The properties will feature bright, spacious loftaccommodations; state-of-the-art business center; gym; and 24-hour,healthy-alternative restaurant and bar. They will cater totravelers seeking an energized alternative to the bland,one-size-fits-all experience typically found in mid-pricedlodgings. For more information, visit www.nylohotels.com.