NEW YORK, NY (January 22, 2015) – For the past ten years, Dream Midtown captured the playful imagination of guests from around the world with its unique design narrative and fantasy escapism philosophy that is both surreal and contemporarily chic. Created in 2004 by Vikram Chatwal, Dream Midtown was the first outpost of the group’s portfolio. The 220-room hotel continues to evolve with a complete, floor-to-ceiling gut renovation and redesign of the lobby, guest rooms and suites. As the first in a series of enhancements, the original property in the Dream Hotels portfolio will also officially change its name from Dream New York to Dream Midtown, as the brand continues its expansion both locally and abroad.
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan in a landmark 1895 Beaux-Arts building, Dream Midtown will introduce a new ground floor lobby playscape, guest rooms and suites, including a 1,500-square-foot Presidential Suite designed by Studio Gaia, and nightlife offerings by TAO Strategic Group, including the introduction of bi-level rooftop lounge to open later this year. “We tapped TAO Strategic Group and Studio Gaia to design the thrilling, interactive spaces that they are known for,” says Vikram Chatwal. “This iconic property will relaunch as a dynamic new destination in midtown Manhattan.”
“The property-wide transformation of our first hotel raises the bar for existing and future Dream locations,” states Eric A. Danziger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hampshire Hotels Management, guardian of the Dream Hotels brand. “It’s a new day at Dream Midtown, and this renewed approach to service and design will be felt throughout the entire portfolio as the Dream brand expands in national and international markets.”
Lobby, Guestrooms & Suites
Dream Midtown commissioned award-winning design firm Studio Gaia to lead the hotel redesign. Renowned for iconic hospitality projects worldwide, the firm fuses bright, vivid colors with strong visual statements to create emotional connections with guests. For Dream Midtown, Studio Gaia builds on the subtle elegance and glamour of the landmark building and introduces modern, yet inviting, warm architectural elements to create moments of discovery and offer guests new experiences throughout both the public and private spaces.
Anchored by a new cocktail bar and lounge, the reimagined lobby embraces the spirit of classic design with a modern twist. Enveloped by large scaled, organic architecture, Studio Gaia carefully transformed the hotel into a warm, inviting environment, softened by rich yet delicate finishes throughout. From the lobby to the guestrooms, the boundaries between contemporary and traditional design are endlessly blurred, offering a fresh approach to elegance and luxury.
The guestrooms provide a dynamic, refined blend of architecture and artwork, with the focal point being an elaborate canopy-style headboard draped in luminescent floral patterned fabrics with subtle ruby, emerald and sapphire gemstone imagery. Complimented by an unassuming neutral color palate, sprightly pops of violet and natural wood furnishings, the guestroom design was carefully tailored to augment the enchanting energy of the hotel and provide a tranquil end to the day for guests.
Most notably, the hushed corridors of the private guest quarters migrated from masculine brown and blue hues to more vibrant shades of violet and white, and polished mirrors flank the walls to create a brilliant atmosphere for guests to rest and play in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The new bathrooms are classic in style with decadent Carrera marble finishes, back-lit mirrors and stainless steel Kohler fixtures. Guest rooms also includes allergen-free feather beds and duvets, 300-thread count Egyptian cotton bedding, plasma flat screen televisions and complimentary high-speed wireless internet.
The highly anticipated Presidential Suite will feature an expansive floor plan reaching 1,500 square feet with three bedrooms and three baths, expansive built-in bar, 80-inch LED flat screen TV, and magnificent skyline views of Columbus Circle and Central Park. Designed for private parties and VIP events, the suite also includes personal concierge services, as well as a bartender and mixologist on call 24/7.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Setting a new benchmark for nightlife in New York, Dream Midtown also announces a new partnership with TAO Strategic Group, the masterminds behind some of the nation’s most successful nightclub and restaurant brands including TAO, LAVO and Marquee. Slated to debut in spring of 2015, the second phase includes a reinvigorated ground floor lobby bar and the opening of the hotel’s recently expanded, bi-level rooftop lounge with alluring, indoor-outdoor space reaching over 4,000 square feet and panoramic skyline views. On the heels of the brand’s downtown success, the dynamic rooftop venue will be just as unique and vibrant, mirroring the nightlife experience at Dream Meatpacking. With a track record of never leaving a basement space unturned, TAO Strategic Group will divulge plans for the hotel’s cellar level soon.
