Dream New York
210 W. 55th St., 212-247-2000, Midtown West, Manhattan
Vikram Chatwal's Dream hotels aspire to provide "surreal luxury," and the concept of dreamscapes plays out with curious non sequiturs throughout its Midtown Manhattan property. The lobby features a two-story saltwater aquarium that drops through the floor to the lower level, as well as a chin-scratching sculpture of Catherine the Great flanked by Neptune and the Madonna and baby. The language of dreams is interpreted through light-box art on each of the 13 floors (the Dream doesn't skip from 12 to 14, ignoring superstitious numerological nonsense). Rooms are minimally designed, with feather beds for optimal rest and optional blue lighting to set a mystical mood. The popular AVA Lounge is a penthouse and rooftop bar overlooking Times Square. On the ground floor, The Bar at the Dream has a down-to-earth vibe and DJs on most nights. The adjoining Serafina Dreams' Restaurant, designed by Rockwell Group, provides room service until 11pm daily.