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Each winter, an urban metamorphosis takes place at the Dream Hotel, when the terrace of the breezy Ava lounge becomes the snowed-in Crystal Room, a penthouse-level play space. Pass both the hotel doormen and the upstairs bouncers for access to the classic cocktails, pizza and sashimi fusion fare, and great views of both the Jersey cliffs and the miniskirted servers. Unfortunate attempts at space-age design create a discordant geometry, but the candlelit ambiance does make for a cozy, professional atmosphere; one can imagine high-level handshakes taking place in the many well-stocked nooks. The stairwell leads to Crystal's greatest gem: its tented rooftop labyrinth, complete with a fake fireplace, an outdoor patio, and neon chandeliers. — Patrick Coffee