A newly reimagined resort in Plano goals to be as a lot a eating vacation spot for locals as it’s a place for guests to remain: The Clara Hotel has formally opened within the Legacy Corridor with a chef-driven restaurant and stylish new cocktail bar – all a part of a $4 million transformation of the previous NYLO Dallas/Plano Hotel.
Located at 8201 Preston Rd. on the Plano-Frisco border, The Clara stays a part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection however has been overhauled by Dallas-based funding agency NewcrestImage, which acquired the property in 2025. The firm has refreshed practically each guest-facing house, from the resort’s 176 visitor rooms to its meals and beverage choices.
Leading the debut are Field & Vine, the resort’s signature restaurant, and Archer, a brand new day-to-late-night cocktail lounge.
The Clara Hotel is now open at 8201 Preston Rd., Plano.Photo by Greg Ceo Studio
“The Clara was always envisioned as more than a hotel,” says Mehul Patel, managing accomplice at NewcrestImage, within the launch. “We wanted to create a place that locals would visit whether they were staying overnight or not. Field & Vine and Archer are central to that vision. Together, they create an experience that evolves throughout the day, from breakfast meetings to date nights, celebrations and late-evening cocktails.”
Field & Vine is led by govt chef Daniel Armand, whose practically four-decade profession has included eating places in Haiti, France, New York, Nantucket, the Hamptons, and Dallas earlier than becoming a member of The Clara.
His menu blends French approach, Haitian influences, Texas elements, and seasonal produce. Highlights embody:
- Clara Ceviche with Gulf shrimp, citrus, and coconut water
- Harissa Honey Wings with Texas honey
- Steak Frites with herb butter and truffle fries
- Heritage Chicken with roasted root vegetable purée
- French-style Braised Short Rib
- Citrus Shrimp Linguine
- Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto
- Herb-Crusted Salmon with citrus-sage beurre blanc
Clara ceviche at Field & Vine.Photo by Dan Padgett
The all-important resort breakfast ranges from avocado toast and smoked salmon plates to Belgian waffles, breakfast tacos, fresh-pressed juices, in a single day oats, and brioche French toast.
A particular characteristic is the resort’s on-site herb backyard, the place rosemary, basil, sage, thyme, and different herbs are harvested for each the kitchen and bar.
“Some of my earliest memories are in the kitchen with my mother, learning that food has the power to bring people together,” says Armand. “Field & Vine is a reflection of that belief. We want guests to feel welcome whether they are joining us for breakfast, a special dinner or simply gathering with friends. The menu is personal to me, but ultimately it is designed to create memorable experiences around the table.”
The cocktail program incorporates recent herbs and housemade syrups with drinks such because the Clara Bloom, Rosemary Paloma, Smoke & Sage, and Garden Spritz.
For night drinks, Archer provides a dramatically completely different ambiance.
Replacing the Library idea initially introduced through the renovation, Archer is a moody cocktail lounge with darkish woods, leather-based seating, and low lighting. The house was impressed by celestial navigation, with signature cocktails named for stars, landmarks, and journeys.
Featured drinks embody:
- Polaris with vodka, elderflower, lemon, and glowing wine
- The Meridian with reposado tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, lime, and honey
- Clara After Dark with bourbon, Amaro Nonino, honey, lemon, and black tea
- Fixed Point with bourbon, black walnut, demerara, and bitters
- Western Sky with rye whiskey, amaro, candy vermouth, and chocolate bitters
- Long After Sunset with vodka, espresso, espresso liqueur, and vanilla
Cocktails at The Archer.Photo by Dan Padgett
The lounge additionally serves shareable bites together with lamb chops with mint chimichurri, tuna tartare, margherita flatbread, historic grain hummus, and cinnamon pretzel bites.
“Archer was designed to feel like the room the evening finds after sunset,” says Patel. “It offers something different from the traditional hotel bar experience. It’s intimate, atmospheric and intentionally designed for guests who appreciate great cocktails, thoughtful conversation and a place that encourages them to stay awhile.”
Originally opened in 2007, the property was the primary resort launched beneath the NYLO Hotels model and is broadly credited because the nation’s first loft-style way of life resort. Under NewcrestImage’s possession, the resort has launched a hotter aesthetic with pure textures, wooden finishes, greenery, and a extra residential really feel all through its guestrooms and public areas.
The renovation additionally refreshed the resort’s heated out of doors pool, landscaped courtyard, and assembly and occasion areas, positioning the Clara for weddings, company occasions, and social gatherings.
Reservations for eating and resort stays can be found by The Clara Hotel’s website.