DREAM HOTEL DOWNTOWN: NYC's latest "it" hotel


Submitted by Miguel on Tue, 08/16/2011 - 21:15

When I was in NYC for 12 days. I hopped from one hotel to another. One hotel that really made me wanna stay longer is the newly opened : DREAM HOTEL - Downtown.  Located on the border between the chic Chelsea neighborhood and the eccentric Meatpacking District, the hotel is the latest "IT" Hotel of NYC.  Once you enter the lobby you feel like you are in one of the scenes of a Sex in the City production. Vibrant, chic, stylish and snobbish with a heart! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The stylishly-dressed front office staff was there to greet and help me check-in in a flash.  As soon as I got settled in my loft-inspired 540 sq feet Platinum Suite at the11th floor of the South Tower, I was in awe with the amazing NYC skyline view that the differently-sized portholes windows provided. (7 windows, yes I counted them all!). Breath-taking!  Before unpacking even I immediately rushed to the  bathroom to ..check it out.  Custom bathroom amenities are supplied by ETRO, how refreshing is that, eh!  The water pressure from the rain shower is excellent!  And I adore, yes ADORE the shower curtains… go find out for yourself why. Hint: mesmerizingly-metal! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I continued to do a-la Sherlock Holmes inspecting the suite. Right beside the internet-ready 40-inch LED TV is a bunch of outlets (in-room automation) to connect your laptops, Hi-def cam, Skype phone and many more to the TV. I LUV IT! So techie, not tacky! I like working with HUGE SCREENS during the wee hours of the morning , since my party eyes sometimes try to sleep. 

 

 

In the separate living area, one can find a funky oversized sofa that can fit my egos and multiple personalities comfortably. The armchair is just right when I want to have manicure & pedicure in my own suite. The deconstructed patchwork "Tabriz" rugs make the room feel cozy and relaxed. 

 

The handsomely-crafted teak honor bar (mini bar) is supplied with 375 mini bottles of tastefully-selected liquors and thirst-quenching softdrinks .

Well balanced splashes of warm teak wood and industrial-chicness make the suite worth extending my stay. I must give my 2 thumbs up to the HANDLE ARCHITECTS for doing the interiors and exteriors of the hotel. 

 

Furthermore the romantic "Juliet Balcony"  of the suite is the perfect place to watch the NYC skyline change from day to night or night to day. Stunning! 

 

Once settled in, I was ready to join my friends,  NYC's  most sought- stylist, PJ Pacual and my dear friend, jet setting entrepreneur, Nix Alañon.  I met them at a late afternoon party in the pool area of the hotel.  As I walked to the pool area, beautiful faces and NYC's top namedropables were there to greet moi.  Was it my glowing tan or my tailored pink bermudas matching with my bespoke Berluti shoes that caught their attention? 

Anyway, the "The Beach" , a Côte d’Azur inspired pool area, is a very exclusive pool deck located between the southern and northern wings of the property.  The lifeguards look like they just came from an Armani Prive fashion shoot: drop dead sexy and gorgeous!  While the party got started,  super-friendly & beautiful waitstaff kept bringing the bottles of Cristals , my hosts were ordering (Nix & PJ, you made me drink like there was no tomorrow, thank you!) . As I lounged (getting dizzy from the bubbles) at the plush lounge chairs, I noticed that part of the "The Beach" was "sandy" just to create that beach feel and perfect place to sunbathe and to sip your "Wet Dreams" (hotel's signature drink..a must-try when you are there!)  FYI, the pool is heated 24/7 all year round! Magnificent!  I can swim even during the cold evenings of  NYC's Fashion Week! 

 

 

 

 

 

Following day, I was met by their Director for Entertainment Sales, Darren Bernstein and his team to tour around the property. As we went around and inspect the hotel's rooms and amenities, he told me about their "2  Talented M's" that are responsible for F&B.   That caught my attention!  2 "M s"chefs in one roof. How cool is that?  (

First is Executive Chef Manuel Treviño (formerly head chef of Lavo) who is the brain behind delicious dishes at the hotel's MARBLE LANE RESTAURANT.  The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also provide a 24-hour room services. 

Operated by TAO Strategic Group, this powerhouse team is behind following successful nightlife and dining ventures: TAO, AVENUE, LAVO and MARQUEE. They also transform the Marble Lane restaurant into a lounge, perfect for after work pre-dinner cocktails.  So now you know why I did not leave the hotel for 2 days! 

 

 

 

 

Then by Fall 2011, another "M" will debut his culinary expertise to the public. Doctor now Chef, (yes as in a real medical doctor , physician)  Miguel Sanchez Romera will open his first Neuro-gastronomy fine dining restaurant : ROMERA. The exclusive and intimate 65-seater restaurant will introduce us to what Neuro-gastronomy is all about.  It embodies a holistic approach to food, addressing the relationship between the purity of ingredients, the taste-memories evoked through food, and the ceremony that is fine dining.  The restaurant will  offer a 12-course tasting menu that allows diners to explore this completely unique style of cuisine in an ethereal and elegant setting. I just can't wait to be there for the opening! 

 

One night, free from all the media tours and obligations, I was all alone in my room at 11PM. Alone at 11PM on a NYC Saturday? How can that be? Thus,  I called the concierge to ask what's going on, which are the latest , hottest clubs in NYC? He replied, "Sir, just go to the PH-D (penthouse) of the hotel and see what's going on."  

 

I changed to my Gucci pale yellow suit and wore my favorite dark brown John Lobb shoes and then proceeded to the PH-D. From a bored Joan Collins, I was transformed to a Justin Bieber!.  The crowd was energetic and beautiful.  The "whos-who" of NYC  party scene joined me! Luv it! 

Oh my,  PH-D(Penthouse at Dream) is "THE" place to be for partying"!  So I texted my former school bodies at Fordham to join me and party the night away.  Raj, Keesha, Chris, Kenneth, Janice, Bill and I partied as if it were the 90's (university days).  While the pulsating music kept us dancing, I couldn't help but stare at the wonderful NYC skyscrapers embracing the terrace of the PH-D.  To remember our Fordham days, we ordered our favorite college drink: LONG ISLAND ICE TEA. PH-D's concoction of "LIIT" was amazing!  Janice and Kenneth also introduced me to some top guys from Wall St who were there, while Raj & Chris flirted with those hot models.  Our circle was getting bigger (so as my hotel bill! lol) and the partying at PH-D lasted till the wee hours of the morning  , but it was worth it! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hated to check out, but since I had to review another hotel, I had to say goodbye to the sweet and ever-helpful staff of Dream Hotel – Downtown. I promised them to return soon. And next time, I would luv to meet their super busy GM too!*wink*   Cheesy it may sound but, "If it was a DREAM, I surely don't want to wake up"! See ya soon DREAM HOTEL- DOWNTOWN! "Let's Dream again".. because am luvin it!