I've been using DreamHost for about a year plus. Previously, I was using another web hosting company that gave me a pretty horrible experience. So my web hosting review (which you can read at: http://theconsciouslife.com/dreamhost-web-hosting-review) is based largely on comparing my previous experience with DreamHost. Here are just some of the things I like and dislike about DreamHost:
Pluses:
1. User-friendly control panel that gives me access to a number of useful settings of my website and domain name, including one-click installation of web applications like WordPress, add new database, change password, add new domain name and pay web hosting bill. It's even friendlier and more intuitive than cPanel.
2. Comprehensive and easy to understand Wiki site that saves me from having to call the helpdesk! 95% of my questions are answered in the DreamHost wiki site. I prefer to figure things out myself. It's faster and more efficient than emailing support staff.
3. Unlimited hard disk space and bandwidth. My previous web hosting company limits the number of databases I can create, the number of domains I can park in one account and the maximum amount of bandwidth. But DreamHost has none, well almost. See the minuses below for the catch.
4. Free newsletter service that let your users sign up for newsletter and also allow you to send to unlimited number of subscribers. This service allows you to build a lasting relationship with your users and is an invaluable tool if you want to market your products or services. This service alone is worth more than the web hosting fee you pay per month, but DreamHost gives it to you free.
5. Green web hosting. Running a web hosting company is not an environment friendly business to be frank as servers need to be on almost forever. So, it's comforting to know that DreamHost takes steps to minimize its impact on Mother Earth.
Possible Minuses:
1. Not entirely unlimited disk space and bandwidth. Just like all web hosting companies that boast unlimited bandwidth and disk space, there's actually a catch. If you read their Terms of Service carefully, you'll find clauses that allow the company to increase your web hosting fee if your website has massive number of visitors (if you hit millions and millions per month), or utilizes a high amount of CPU processes or harddisk space. This is understandable since they're trying to prevent certain group of people from hogging all the bandwidth, server processes and disk space. But for a start at least, this is very unlikely to be a problem for you if you're just starting a new website.
2. Untested customer support. To be frank, I've only used the helpdesk twice because what I need can either be done on my own through the Control Panel, or the answers can be found in DreamHost wiki site. And the 2 times I emailed to the helpdesk, I get replies within 24 hours. So no complaint. But if you're someone who rely heavily on helpdesk, instead of preferring to do and figure things out yourself, then your experience may be different form mine.
I've actually written more about my experience with DreamHost. You can click the link mentioned on top to read more. In my web hosting review, you can even find a promo code CL60 that entitles you to a one-time US$60 discount off your bill. That's equivalent to only $4.95 per month if you sign up for a year.