Dream Midtown

Dream Midtown, New York City: A Comprehensive Review (Michelin Key Selected Property)

Dream Midtown, a Michelin Key Selected property by Hyatt, generally receives mixed but often positive reviews, largely lauded for its exceptional location and dedicated staff, though frequently noted for its need for a refresh in room decor and amenities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Dream Midtown leans positive, with many guests having a "fantastic experience" and praising its prime location and friendly staff. However, a recurring theme suggests the hotel is "due for a renovation" and "could use a little TLC", with some guests finding the property "disappointing" due to outdated rooms and noise. Overall ratings often hover around "Good" with a location score of 9.2, cleanliness at 8.0, and staff at 8.5.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects of Dream Midtown:

• Location: The hotel's "amazing location" is its strongest asset, being "just steps from the Broadway theater district", "minutes away from iconic Times Square", a short walk to Central Park, Columbus Circle, and Rockefeller Center, and close to multiple train stations.
• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "fantastic," "delightful," "super helpful", "friendly, helpful, and professional", and always going "above and beyond". Housekeeping is particularly commended for keeping rooms "spotless every single day".
• Design & Amenities: The hotel boasts "chic decor" in its public areas, including a charming, vintage-inspired cocktail lounge (The Rickey) and a popular bi-level rooftop bar (PHD Terrace) with "breathtaking views of Manhattan". The lobby also features a "big, circular fish tank". Guests appreciate inclusions like a daily Prosecco hour in the lobby from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and two bottles of water per day. There's also complimentary access to TMPL Fitness Hell's Kitchen nearby.

3. Room Quality

Room quality receives mixed feedback. While some guests find the rooms "comfortable" and "spacious" for New York standards, particularly upgraded suites, a common criticism is that they are "a bit outdated" and "due for a renovation". Specific issues mentioned include:

• Dated Furniture & Decor: "Much of the furniture was dated or poorly placed". Some rooms show "loose carpet," "stains on wood paneling," "tears in the wallpaper," and "frayed edges" on curtains.
• Lack of Amenities: Basic features like a coffee machine, minibar, or microwave are often absent. Some bathrooms lack sufficient space for toiletries or hooks for towels.
• Noise: Despite being on higher floors, some guests report significant street noise. Noise from hallways and elevators can also be an issue due to a lack of soundproofing.
• Bathroom Issues: Some showers have "half-glass doors" leading to water spraying out. Motion-activated fans in bathrooms can also make it difficult for towels to dry, creating a "damp odor".
• Comfort: While beds and sheets are generally found to be comfortable, pillows have been described as "incredibly flat".

4. Dining Experience

The on-site Italian restaurant, Serafina, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is generally considered a bonus for guests. Globalist members of Hyatt's loyalty program often receive complimentary breakfast at Serafina. Feedback on Serafina is varied; some describe the food as "very delicious" and "great", with breakfast steak and eggs being particularly praised. However, other guests have found the restaurant to be "mid", "not extraordinary", and sometimes "disappointing", with small portion sizes for breakfast entrees. Room service is available, but incurs a 20% gratuity and a $7-$9 fee.

The PHD Terrace rooftop bar is a popular spot with a cozy vibe, decorated with flowers and plants, and offering great views of Manhattan. The Rickey, a vintage-inspired cocktail lounge, is also appreciated for its chic ambiance.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Dream Midtown is a strong point, with staff consistently receiving high praise. Guests describe them as "welcoming and helpful", "friendly, helpful, and professional", and going "above and beyond". Specific mentions include Mike at the front desk for being "caring, courteous, and incredibly kind", and bell staff for arranging smooth airport car services. Elite members of the World of Hyatt program often report receiving upgrades to nicer rooms or suites without having to ask.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is almost universally praised as "fantastic" and "perfect". Situated in Midtown Manhattan, it offers:

• Proximity to Attractions: Steps from Times Square, Broadway shows, Carnegie Hall, Central Park, Columbus Circle, and Rockefeller Center. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is also nearby.
• Transport Links: "Very close to metro" and "a subway station very close by".
• Neighborhood: Located in a bustling area with "tons of restaurants within walking distance".

However, guests are reminded that "honking, sirens, and general city noise are normal" in this area, and complete quiet should not be expected.

7. Value & Pricing

Dream Midtown is generally considered "a good value for Manhattan", especially when cash rates are favorable. Standard room rates can range, with some guests reporting paying around $160-$185 per night including taxes and fees or up to $509 per night plus tax for a suite. For World of Hyatt point redemptions, a Category 6 property like Dream Midtown typically starts at 21,000 points per night (off-peak) and can go up to 29,000 points per night (peak) for a standard room. However, some advise against using points if cash rates are low, as the point valuation might not be optimal. A daily destination fee of $30 plus taxes is often applied, which includes various perks like Prosecco hour, bottled water, digital newspaper access, and gym access. This fee is usually waived for World of Hyatt Globalists and on award stays.

8. Common Complaints

While many enjoy their stay, recurring criticisms include:

• Outdated Rooms & Lack of Renovation: This is the most consistent complaint, with furniture, wallpaper, and overall room condition often described as needing an update.
• Noise Levels: Both street noise and internal hotel noise (hallways, elevators, water pipes) are frequent issues, especially for light sleepers or those on lower floors.
• Limited In-Room Amenities: The absence of basic items like coffee makers, minibars, or microwaves is often noted.
• Bathroom Design Flaws: Half-glass shower doors causing water to spray and inadequate towel hanging space are mentioned.
• Elevator Congestion: Especially when one elevator is reserved for the popular rooftop bar, guests report significant wait times.
• Subpar Wi-Fi: Some guests have experienced "impressively bad" Wi-Fi speeds.
• Construction Noise: Unforewarned construction starting early in the morning has been a complaint.
• Breakfast Quality at Serafina: While generally good, some find the breakfast at Serafina to be "mid" or portions to be small.

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