Dream Hotel, Hollywood
This LA accommodation offers plenty of entertainment, but also allows you to escape
by Andrew Maness
It’s hard to imagine a name working on more levels than that of the freshly opened Dream Hotel in Los Angeles. The slim 10-story structure is at the center of a $110 million dollar complex that seeks to breathe new life into a pocket of LA that desperately needs it.
Flanked by the over-the-top dining arena that is Tao to the west, and the classy yet casual take on New York mainstay Beauty & Essex to the east, the Rockwell Group-designed Dream Hollywood will have no shortage of patrons occupying the open air lobby before or after dining. Taking advantage of LA’s consistently idyllic weather is a top priority at the Dream and it starts with retractable glass doors lining the sidewalk entrance on Selma Ave. Strolling into the white marble lined common area, you can post up at the all day bar for a coffee (or something stronger) before parking yourself on one of the many comfortable mid-century modern seating options. From a low linen chair or leather couch, you can watch a colorful cast of characters pass by or admire artwork by Mr. Brainwash should that strike your fancy. As far as hotel lobbies go, this is indeed one to linger in. The lobby here provides refuge whether you’re a guest or just looking for a a break from the surrounding neighborhood.
For those staying the night there’s a wonderfully simple, design-oriented room waiting upstairs. All 178 guest rooms are accessed by three dimly lit elevators, which open into equally dimly lit hallways from floors two through nine. Though some will surely find the moody halls disorienting, they also have a calming effect following the buzz of the hotel.
The warm floor-to-ceiling wood in a geometric rectangle pattern brings a fun retro vibe to the entryway where you’ll find a gigantic shower, oversized sink and the toilet behind frosted glass. The wall between the bathroom and bedroom is glass with a curtain on the outside, so if you’re sharing the room it’s best be fairly comfortable with your company.
The bedroom itself is airy and it continues on the theme of modern understated elegance. It’s clear that careful consideration was given to all fixtures, especially the eye catching liquor bar and mini fridge unit. A 55” Samsung flat screen hangs over a workstation that features two of the 6 USB plugs I found in the room. For a traveler on the go with lots of devices there will be no headaches from finding a way to juice up. A large curved window bathed my room in natural light and offered great views of the cityscape to the south and west. A friend remarked that it made it feel as though we were on a ship, a fitting statement that applies to the overall experience at the Dream.
After all, staying at this complex is a-lot like being on a cruise. There’s no shortage of entertainment and while you can easily “hop off” to explore the area, the setup encourages you to stay and play. The largest draw is easily the sizeable rooftop with it’s 360 degree views of the city, an enclosed bar room on the south side and the airy “Highlight Room” to the north. A shallow but good size rectangular pool is the showpiece on the 10th floor. While it remained down for the duration of my stay, the floor of the pool is capable of being raised by a $300,000 hydraulic lift and once dry, it’s more space for partygoers to dance.
On weekdays, pool loungers are up for grabs for hotel guests only until 6pm when the roof opens to the public. The weekend features pool parties that run from midday until the sun goes down. If you’re looking for a Vegas type atmosphere on a Saturday, this is where you can find it.
Part of the Dream’s visitor and guest experience is working with like minded brands, and its partnership with Lincoln is a good example of that. While many hotel/automaker partnerships are born out of “they’re both luxury brands” mentality, this is one that feels natural—Lincoln was once the pinnacle of American luxury and one of their strongest chapters was during Hollywood’s golden age. After many years it seems the automaker and the neighborhood are both on the upswing. The mid-century modern leanings of the Dream are well-suited to be paired with the current design language at Lincoln.
Driving the 2018 Continental Black Label, during our stay certainly extended the relaxed vibe of the hotel. Guests are offered the same opportunity with a fleet of Lincolns available at the hotel, including the MKZ, Continental and Navigator. Lincoln Black Label members that choose to stay at the Dream receive additional perks like discounted room rates, preferred dining reservations at Tao and Beauty & Essex and 24/7 access to the hotel concierge.
The Dream’s ability to let you escape the daily chaos with such ease, allowing you to shut out all the noise in the surrounding area, is an impressive feat for any hotel to pull off, let alone one that is in the heart of Hollywood. But the Dream manages to do just that, making it the perfect blend between what you appreciate from Hollywood, with an unconventional twist on what you would expect from a boutique hotel.
Images by Andrew Maness
