NYLO Hotels was born out of a vision of Michael Mueller, a 15-year veteran of hospitality development and acquisitions.

“Lifestyle hotels resonate with people because they accommodate all aspects of life and serve as cultural gathering places,” explains Michael. “Travelers are rightly demanding that lodgings be more than just functional; hotels should also make an emotional connection through their design, ambiance and service. This demand is being addressed in the major gateway cities, but has gone unanswered till now in the suburban, secondary and tertiary markets.”

Before Michael devoted his attention to the development of this new class of hotels, he spent a dozen years with Starwood Capital Group and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Michael was instrumental in Starwood's creation and dramatic growth into one of the world's largest hotel companies. Additionally, he played a key role in the development and expansion of W Hotels.

Premier Dealmaker
In 1993, Michael led the purchase of Starwood Capital Group's first hotel, a Doubletree in Rancho Bernardo, Calif. He was instrumental in the company's acquisition and the subsequent growth of Hotel Investors Trust (HOT), at the time a Real Estate Investment Trust with a couple dozen hotels. Starwood Capital Group acquired and recapitalized HOT into Starwood Lodging, which later became Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Michael joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts full-time in 1996 as vice president of acquisitions and development. During the next two years of his tenure, Starwood grew quickly from a couple dozen hotels to more than 100 properties, while its stock price jumped from $15 to more than $50 per share.

Global Powerhouse
Michael continued to be a central force in Starwood's expansion, both nationally and worldwide. In 1997, he led the company's acquisition of Westin Hotels and the purchase of ITT Corporation (Sheraton Hotels). After the ITT acquisition, Michael relocated to London to serve as senior vice president of acquisitions and development for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. For four years, he led a team that conducted more than 50 transactions in the region on behalf of Starwood's hotel brands: St. Regis, W Hotels, Westin, Sheraton, The Luxury Collection and Four Points by Sheraton.

Returning to Starwood's headquarters in White Plains, N.Y., in January 2002, Michael assumed responsibility for the global development of W Hotels. He oversaw the team that led the W brand's development, architecture and construction. During this time, W more than doubled in size, mostly through new construction projects. At the same time, he developed and launched W Residences, the condominium hotel product.

Entrepreneurial Spirit
Michael left Starwood at the height of his career in March 2004, convinced of the opportunity for a new class of hotels. The category would combine the most recent design, construction and operating innovations in the hospitality and other industries to create a new-build prototype hotel brand suitable for development nationwide in markets of all sizes. The hotels would cost the same to construct as the most successful recent mid-priced brands, such as Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott. However, they also would offer the unique design, amenities and service of leading upscale brands and the best of the independent boutique hotels in the gateway cities.

In March 2004, Michael founded Archtower Capital, now a major investor in NYLO Hotels. He started his search immediately for a prominent designer and other industry leaders to help bring his vision to life.