Hotel Snapshot
Meatpacking used to be a trendy place to party. Over the past few years, it’s traded nightlife for designer shopping and upscale restaurants. Gansevoort Meatpacking—the first luxury hotel in Meatpacking and an independently owned fixture of the neighborhood for the last two decades—has grown up alongside the downtown district, offering guests a swish, art-filled stay in the heart of the cobbled action.
Design & Character
A few years ago, Gansevoort Meatpacking underwent a top-to-bottom reno (to the tune of $40 million) that revived its cool credentials and reintroduced the downtown icon to present-day travelers. The result is modern, smart, and stylish. There’s a fabulous collection of art—including works by Banksy and Richard Hambleton—that looks plucked off the walls of nearby galleries. The hotel doesn’t hit you over the head with made-for-Instagram moments or over-the-top attention grabs, but it’s definitely design-driven.
The Rooms
The recently redesigned guest rooms and suites feature large windows, walnut headboards, and an open plan that nods to downtown lofts. Framed photographs of Meatpacking over the years chronicle its evolution. The soundproof windows and blackout shades block out any indication of the excitement happening just outside, so you’re good on the catching zzzs front, whether that’s a mid-afternoon catnap or turning in early after a mariti-fueled dinner.
The two-floor penthouse, designed in collaboration with Italian furniture brand Poliform, boasts soaring ceilings, a sleek kitchen, a glass fireplace, and art by Frank Stella, Adi Oren, Daniel Mazzone, and Mick Rock.
Food & Drink
The all-day café, named Coffee + Cocktails (presumably to avoid any confusion about the concept) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Le Coin—the chic French bistro that replaced the old ground-floor sports bar (toodles) is decorated with striped walls and photographs hand-selected by the director of Leica Gallery LA, Paris Chong, and churns out oysters, moules frites, and burgers. Upstairs, you’ll find the Saishin for omakase at the chef’s counter and a la carte Japanese dining as well as the rooftop bar, which turns into quite a sundowner scene on weekends. (With stiff drinks and skyline views, are you really surprised?) Meatpacking may not be a party district anymore, but after-dark antics still go down at Dimes, the retro-inspired speakeasy (reserved for guests and members) for cocktails, bowling, belting out karaoke tunes, and dancing to DJ sets. It’s just that nowadays, the revelry is far more well-mannered (and ends a bit earlier).
Amenities
There’s a heated rooftop pool, which is almost unheard of in New York City. Guests also have access to the light-filled co-working spaces, which are otherwise reserved for members of Seven24 Collective, the hotel’s social club.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
The modern fitness center has all the requisite equipment—and vibey lighting. And if that doesn’t give you a good enough sweat, there’s an infrared sauna, plus locker rooms and showers for a quick refresh.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Location is perhaps the primary (or maybe secondary, after the pool) selling point for Gansevoort Meatpacking. It’s smack-dab in the middle of the shopping and restaurants—including Pastis and the newly minted Sirrah—and walking distance to heaps of attractions New Yorkers actually frequent, such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the High Line, and Chelsea Market.
Fast Facts
Location: Meatpacking, New York City, New York
Vibe: Meatpacking for a modern, grown-up audience.
Rating: Five-star
Room Count: 186 rooms
Pricing: From $519 a night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Three words: heated rooftop pool
Dining: Coffee + Cocktails is the all-day cafe. For French bistro fare, head to Le Coin. Get your sushi fix at Saishin. Do sundowners at the rooftop bar before descending to the speakeasy.
Amenities: 3 restaurants; 2 bars; heating swimming pool; fitness center; sauna; members club; meeting spaces
Nearby Attractions: Whitney Museum of American Art, Little Island, High Line, Hudson River Park, Chelsea Market
Airport: LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
