Why book?
The Meatpacking District pioneer has reemerged with a new look and grown-up attitude—though it’s still a place that celebrates fun.
Set the scene:
Following a much-needed total renovation, this icon of the Meatpacking neighborhood has a revived style, a world-class art collection, all-new drinking and dining outlets and an upgraded—but always lively—vibe that’s drawing both first-timers and longtime fans. As a result, the crowd is a mix of everyone from brunching neighborhood residents and locals on staycations to international tourists and older couples enjoying the city for the weekend. With such popular attractions as Little Island, the Whitney, the Highline, and designer shopping just blocks away, the hotel is ideal for those who want to get out and explore—but still want to have lots of fun options to come back to.
The backstory:
When this Gansevoort first opened in 2004, it was the heyday of the Meatpacking District’s transformation from a hub of meat packing and processing warehouses to Sex and the City-anointed “It” neighborhood status. As such, the Gansevoort Meatpacking, along with adjacent members-only Soho House, quickly became the epicenter of cool—the preferred hangouts for rooftop pool parties and bottomless Cosmopolitan-fueled brunches. (And the popularity of the hotel soon led to similarly social Gansevoort outposts in places like Miami and Turks & Caicos.) But by 2020, only this Gansevoort remained—and it was looking a little tired. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation unveiled in mid-2021, you’ll now find a casual-cool clientele—including some grown-up regulars from back in the day—lounging alongside pieces by artists such as Banksy, Hassan Hajja, Frank Stella, and Mick Rock.
The rooms:
The 186 guest rooms still have the footprint of the original hotel (that couldn’t be changed), but they were gutted down to the studs and rebuilt with touches like an atmospheric blue and grey ombré wallpaper, backlit walnut headboards, and subway tiled bathrooms. Many suites boast Juliet balconies, while the duplex penthouse was designed by the Italian contemporary furniture brand Poliform (as part of its first U.S. hotel partnership) with a fireplace, full kitchen, and 20-foot-high windows overlooking the Hudson River. Great views abound (book a corner room for the best ones, and double balconies), and all rooms are now equipped with Google Nest Hubs with Google Assistants for accessing hotel services, Mirror home gyms for virtual workout classes, and wireless chargers built into end tables (though, fair warning, these can be a bit finicky.) In the works are a signature fine dining Italian restaurant, and a subterranean bar with bowling lanes, games, and private karaoke rooms.
Food and drink:
On one side of the main entrance sits The Chester, a lively spot for American bites and post-work drinks; on the other side is Coffee + Cocktails (C+C), serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a great brunch. Both eateries have indoor and outdoor seating, but C+C’s patio in particular—with its chic, oversized square umbrellas and tables overlooking the cobblestoned street—makes you feel like you are in Europe. Up on the rooftop, savor classics and shareable dishes crafted with Union Square Greenmarket produce in the lounge, or head to the tucked-away Saishin by Kissaki at the Gansevoort Rooftop for excellent a la carte and omakase sushi with a view of the downtown skyline.
The spa:
There’s a mid-sized gym for those who want to get a workout in, and a heated rooftop pool for doing short laps—though it’s really more for dips in between lounging on the surrounding chaises and taking in the 360-degree views.
The neighborhood/area:
The hotel is in the heart of the vibrant Meatpacking District, just blocks from the High Line, the Whitney Museum of American Art, Little Island, and Chelsea Market. There’s tons of shopping and dining nearby, as well as convenient subway access.
The service:
Service is approachable and friendly but very efficient, with quick efforts made to answer questions or deal with any issues. Particularly notable are the bellmen, who make every guest feel warmly welcomed—and who’ll search for a long as it takes to find you a cab.
Accessibility:
Superior category rooms are available in ADA options. All floors can be accessed by elevator, including the rooftop.
18 9th Ave., New York, New York 10014
United States
http://www.hotelgansevoort.com/
(212) 206-6700