A familiar hotel along Preston Road is preparing for a second act. Set to open in mid-2026, The Clara Hotel will debut in Plano’s Legacy corridor following a full-scale renovation and brand transformation that reshapes the former NYLO property into a design-forward lifestyle hotel aimed at both travelers and locals.
Located at 8201 Preston Road near the Plano–Frisco border, the reimagined property reflects a broader shift happening across North Texas hospitality, where hotels are increasingly positioning themselves as social and culinary hubs rather than simply places to spend the night.
A New Vision For A Familiar Property
The hotel was acquired in August 2025 by Dallas-based investment firm NewcrestImage, a family office known for repositioning hospitality properties nationwide. While the building remains part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, nearly every guest-facing element is being redesigned under new ownership.
“We saw an opportunity to thoughtfully transform this property into something that feels deeply connected to its surroundings and to today’s traveler,” said Mehul Patel, managing partner at NewcrestImage. “The Clara Hotel represents our commitment to creating places that are not only beautifully designed, but intentionally experienced. From the materials and textures to the programming and hospitality approach, every element is being reimagined to deliver something distinctive for this market.”
The transformation introduces a completely new identity, replacing the industrial aesthetic of the former hotel with a warmer, more residential atmosphere.
A Design Built Around Comfort
The Clara Hotel’s redesign leans heavily into natural textures and softer materials, incorporating wood finishes, layered lighting, greenery and calming tones throughout guest rooms and shared spaces.
All 176 guest rooms — including eight suites ranging from junior suites to a presidential suite — are being repainted and reconfigured to create what developers describe as a more relaxed, residential feel. The design philosophy centers on presence, connection and restoration, aiming to create an environment that encourages guests to slow down while maintaining a polished hospitality experience.
The approach reflects a growing demand among travelers for hotels that feel intentional rather than transactional.
New Dining And Nightlife Concepts
A major part of the hotel’s reinvention comes through its food and beverage program, which introduces two new concepts designed to draw both overnight guests and local visitors.
Field & Vine will serve as the property’s primary restaurant, offering an approachable yet elevated dining experience intended to function as a neighborhood gathering spot as much as a hotel amenity.
Photo: The Clara Hotel
Elsewhere inside the property, a redesigned space known as The Library will shift identities throughout the day — operating as a relaxed, library-inspired lounge before transforming into a reservation-only speakeasy Thursday through Saturday evenings. The concept replaces a previously multifunctional area with a more layered, mood-driven environment meant to add refined nighttime energy while maintaining the hotel’s overall relaxed atmosphere.
Outdoor Spaces And Events Take Center Stage
The property’s heated outdoor pool will remain a focal point, now complemented by upgrades to the surrounding courtyard and patio areas. The 4,000-square-foot outdoor space is being enhanced with new landscaping, turf and flexible seating designed to accommodate gatherings of up to 300 guests.
Inside, updated meeting and event spaces position the hotel as both a retreat and an event venue. Options include two meeting rooms accommodating up to 50 and 30 guests respectively, along with smaller boardrooms suited for executive meetings or private gatherings.
The expanded event capabilities reflect the Legacy corridor’s continued growth as both a business and social destination.
Positioned Between Plano And Frisco
Though officially located in Plano, The Clara Hotel sits just minutes from Frisco’s retail, dining and entertainment districts, placing it at the intersection of two of North Texas’ most active commercial hubs.
That proximity, combined with Hilton’s Tapestry Collection affiliation, allows the property to maintain the benefits of a global hospitality brand while operating with an independent identity shaped by local design and programming.
The Clara Hotel is scheduled to officially welcome guests in Q2 2026, with additional details expected to be announced in the coming months.
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