Hilton heiress expands design empire to include boutique hotel properties, located in South Beach and Chicago; Designer Roberto Cavalli designs luxury penthouse suite.

Drawing upon both her family history and the design passion expressed through her highly successful clothing and handbag lines, Nicky Hilton today announced her newest venture, Nicky O, a premier luxury hotel brand that will launch later this year in Miami, followed shortly after by Chicago. In tandem with world renowned designer Roberto Cavalli, who will design a luxurious 5,000 square foot penthouse suite at Nicky O South Beach, Nicky O will marry the look and feel of a classic French Regency destination with the glamour of modern Hollywood.

Deeply involved in every aspect of the redesign, from all common areas to the guestrooms, including several "grand" suites at each hotel, Hilton is looking to make a clear impression at every turn. She explains, "Having grown up in the family business I certainly have an understanding of the day-to-day operations at a successful property. With the Nicky O brand I'm looking to combine that knowledge with my entrepreneurial passion in the design world and create an environment that hasn't been seen before."

With suites ranging from $300/night to $5,000/night for "rooftop" penthouse suites, Hilton is also bringing her sensibilities to the more personal levels of accommodation including designing of the staff attire and selecting specific scents and amenities for each property.

Hilton adds, "It has been such a pleasure putting this project together. I truly believe that Nicky O hotels will provide an unparalleled experience by combining the worlds of hospitality, design and entertainment in a way that hasn't been done before. We look forward to appealing to the most discerning of travelers."

Located in the heart of South Beach on the legendary Ocean Drive in the Breakwater building, the first of the Nicky O hotels -- an all-suite hotel/condo property -- will debut this November in Miami. Nicky O Chicago, a 162-room stylish boutique hotel located on Printer's Row in the historic Morton Salt Building, will follow shortly after.