High-Rise Haven
Dallas to get dreamy new boutique hotel in Uptown
Uptown Dallas is about to get another boutique hotel. Dream Hotels and its New York-based parent group, Hampshire Hotels Management, announced its intent to open a 16-story, 128-room property at Bowen Street and McKinney Avenue in winter 2015.
"Dallas has been hungry for a sophisticated yet fun place like this in Uptown for quite some time," said spokesperson Scott Black. "This particular location on McKinney Avenue is at the heart of Uptown Dallas."
The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas or Hotel ZaZa might feel differently, although both of those hotels are located a few inches closer to downtown. Other hotels in the area include the Crescent and the Stoneleigh.
Dream Dallas will have three concepts:
- A 6,000-square-foot ground-level restaurant
- Lofted pool deck
- A 14,000-square-foot lounge with views of the downtown Dallas skyline
Black did not identify the restaurant operator but described the players as a "dream team."
"To create an upscale and entertaining venue for North Texas visitors and residents alike, we assembled a dream team with expertise in both the hotel and food and beverage side of the business," he said. "Our goal is to make the new Dream Hotel in Dallas a worthy rival for the best venues in Dubai, Las Vegas and New York."
Hampshire Hotels recently announced its plans to complete the world's tallest hotel in Dubai. The company has a history of "highly activated restaurant and nightlife environments" — sounds cozy! — by partnering with groups like Strategic/Tao Group, Serafina Restaurant Group, Starr Restaurants and Addison Hospitality, as well as alliances with celebrity chefs like Geoffrey Zakarian and Todd English.
Although nightlife is an important part of the Dream formula, getting a good night’s rest is key. To that end, rooms will feature the signature Dream bed in a setting that reflects a combination of New York loft sensibilities with elements that are uniquely Texan.
"We see huge opportunity in Dallas. It's one of the most cosmopolitan and fashion-forward of Texan cities," said Brendan McNamara of Hampshire Hotels. "I’ve always found it odd that there is such a relative vacuum of design-oriented, lifestyle hotel products there.
"Dallas also offers up inspiration for a whole new twist on our design ethic," he said. "We are looking forward to turning some heads and shaking up the scene a bit."
Dream is informed by a design philosophy that is contemporary, daring, surreal and chic. Properties are highlighted by whimsical public spaces that mimic dream sequences and serene accommodations lit to lull the guest to sleep. Cosmopolitan yet comfortable, luxurious without being fussy, Dream hotels are remarkable for their genuine connection to the distinctive character of each locale, from New York’s thriving theater district to the colorful soi of Bangkok.
The brand and parent company Hampshire Hotels Management recently entered into an agreement with Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company, in which Wyndham gained exclusive rights to franchise the Dream brand globally. Dream hotels will leverage Wyndham’s reservations system, loyalty program, and extended reach of sales and marketing professionals designed to further expand the brand.
