Melodi, your dream is quite rich in symbolism and reflects a blend of past experiences and current emotions. Starting with the setting, the hotel from your past and the presence of your mother suggest a return to your roots, a place of early learning and foundational relationships. This hotel's connection to people from your church and past romantic interests indicates a revisiting of formative experiences and unresolved feelings.
The fact that the hotel is not just a temporary stay but also a living space for many, and its resultant uncleanliness, symbolizes a sense of being stuck or overwhelmed by past relationships and situations. The presence of Elliot, an old flame, and your interaction with him reveals unresolved emotions and perhaps a longing for closure or deeper understanding. His explanation about needing to move and the financial struggles some face might reflect your own concerns about stability and security, both financial and emotional.
The steamy kiss and the agreement to meet later underline a desire for intimacy and connection, even if it seems forbidden or complicated. This also highlights a conflict between your desires and the chaotic circumstances surrounding you. The thin walls and dirty bathroom further emphasize feelings of invasion of privacy and discomfort, suggesting that you are aware of and possibly troubled by the struggles and lives of others around you.
The argument you hear during the night, coupled with your feelings of guilt, points to an internal conflict about leaving behind people or situations you care about but know are not healthy for you. Your mother's sadness and the eventual decision to leave the hotel once the church event concludes symbolize a resolution to move forward, despite the emotional ties and past connections.
In essence, your dream appears to be a complex tapestry of past relationships, current struggles, and the journey towards finding peace and resolution.