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We were in NYC for a few days visiting friends. I often stay at the Andaz 5th Avenue or the W Times Square when I’m in the city. This time I wanted to try something different. Hyatt acquired the Dream Hotel Group in February and with it gained 36 properties. The Dream Midtown had a good rate and I wanted to check it out, so we booked two nights.
Anthony’s Take: The Dream Midtown is in a great location and offers a comfortable stay. It can be loud in the lobby and in the room depending on what floor you’re staying and where the room is located. Breakfast in Serafina is a nice addition for all guests with added hot entrees for Globalists.
Booking
When I booked the hotel, there were limited choices. I usually avoid accessible rooms as I figure someone else might need them. I also don’t want some of the added bars and other changes made to the room. I booked a “Standard Rate” for $509 a night plus tax. Rates at this hotel were more reasonable than my usual spots this week. I booked a 1 Bedroom King Suite Accessible Roll in Shower Platinum. If not paying cash or using a certificate, you can expect a range of 29,000-37,000 per night when redeeming World of Hyatt points for a standard room. This suite would be higher (if a suite redemption is offered).
All rooms are subject to a $30 plus tax Destination Fee (sometimes labeled a “Facility Fee). This is waived for Globalists on all rate and all guests on award stays. It includes:
- Continental Breakfast at Serafina (for up to two guests)
- Two bottles of water per day
- Daily New York Times (digital copy)
- Wi-Fi
- Access to fitness center
- Unlimited local and domestic long distance calls
Transportation to/from the Hotel
We flew into LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The hotel is located around 9.5 miles from the airport. We took an Uber Black and it took around 25 minutes. The cost was high at $78, but UberX was not much cheaper. Going back, I flew out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). We rented a car mid trip and I was driving from another location.
Location
The hotel is located in Midtown and was a short distance to where we were hanging out with friends in Hell’s Kitchen. There is easy access to the Subway and everything else you could need nearby.
Check-in
We arrived at the hotel around 11:00 PM. The room was ready (as expected). The agent was friendly, but seemed not to know much about elite benefits (Hyatt only recently acquired the hotel, but he still should have known more). I had to inquire about the breakfast and make sure that I received the Globalist coupons. There are two versions: one everyone gets and a Globalist-specific version that includes hot entrees. I booked the largest suite (with the exception of the Guest House, which is not available for upgrades), so I was not expecting an upgrade. He did not ask about a late checkout and I did not need one. Bottled water was provided. We got our keys quickly and were in our suite a few minutes later.
1 Bedroom King Suite Accessible Roll in Shower Platinum (412)
There are 221 rooms and suites at the hotel.
The suite opens into the living room. It’s a big space with couches and a bar/table. The room is lacking decor. There are no throw pillows or art on the walls.
I worked from this big table. It was a great workspace, but all of the shelves behind it are empty if you’re looking for a bar. The funky wallpaper made a good backdrop for my Zoom calls.
There is a full bathroom off of the living room (this is one of two full bathrooms in the suite). This bathroom has a vanity, toilet, and small shower.
Toiletries are Karl Lagerfeld brand and provided in travel-sized bottles in both bathrooms.
We didn’t use this bathroom since we were not in the room much, but I thought the toilet paper cover was cute.
There is a closet in the living room. It contained the safe, hangers, the blow dryer, and a luggage rack.
A TV is located next to the closet.
Across the hall is the bedroom with a king-sized bed.
A TV is mounted across from the bed.
The bedroom also has a small desk and an open closet.
There is a refrigerator in the cabinet next to the desk. It looks like it used to house a minibar, but it’s now empty for guest use.
The closet area had a robe, iron, ironing board, and another luggage rack.
A full-sized mirror is on the wall opposite the bathroom. There is also a built-in sound machine here to help mute the noise outside.
An en-suite bathroom is located off the center of the bedroom. It includes a huge shower. Water pressure was good, but the temperature would jump a bit hot randomly.
A single vanity was also in the bathroom. The light in the mirror was not very bright.
The master bathroom was huge overall with plenty of space for the toilet.
More Karl Lagerfeld brand toiletries were in the master bathroom.
Breakfast
The Dream Midtown includes a continental breakfast for all guests at Serafina. Vouchers are provided at check-in. Globalists receive a choice of hot entrees, coffee, and juice. These are separate vouchers. If you’re a Globalist, make sure that you receive the correct voucher.
The menu has a good selection of egg dishes, pancakes, and waffles. Globalists can choose any entree.
A continental buffet is set up near the front of the restaurant.
Coffee was quickly brought to the table.
Juice and water were also provided shortly after being seated.
For our entrees, I chose the Scrambled Eggs. They tasted good, but the portion was small.
My husband had the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. He enjoyed them (and felt the portion was also on the smaller side since there were no side dishes).
The restaurant must get slammed. We walked in and it was pretty quiet, but many tables needed to be bussed. We were there towards the end of breakfast. Service was efficient and our vouchers were taken when we ordered. We never had to sign a check. The voucher doesn’t say whether gratuity is included, so I left a cash tip on the table.
I liked the mosaic Marilyn Monroe on one of the restaurant’s back walls.
Public Areas & Amenities
The hotel doesn’t have much in the way of amenities. There is a concierge in the lobby and plenty of seating. I loved the big, circular fish tank across from reception. If you want to use a fitness center, you need to go to TMPL Fitness Hell’s Kitchen at 355 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10019. The hotel also has a popular rooftop bar. We didn’t have the chance to check it out this visit.
The concierge’s desk is located across from reception. It was staffed during the day.
There is plenty of seating spread out around the lobby.
More seating was across from reception.
Overall Impression:
I enjoyed my stay at the Dream Hotel and will return in the future. The location is great and the suite was comfortable (even if it was a bit sparsely decorated).
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