Bang where you want it to be – Soho House is there, the new Thomas Heatherwick Little Island is just down there, all the fancy boutiques are everywhere – the totally refurbed Gansevoort is where you need to be in NYC.
So, where are we?
Right on those cobbled streets of the glamorous Meatpacking District of the West Village. What was once a hang-out for gay guys looking to get… something and trans hookers on the go is now the hottest neighbourhood in the whole of Manhattan with McQueen and McCartney jostling for space with Sex and the City restaurants like Pastis. Samantha Jones lived round here when she moved Downtown.
And where we’re staying…?
Gansevoort, the only high-rise around here, you can’t miss it. Right on Gansevoort Street, the same street as Pastis, where you’ve seen Carrie meet The Russian’s friends, its lockdown makeover has upgraded what was already pretty high grade.
What’s the style?
Modern but funky. There’s no getting away from the slickness of the building but it’s been played with in a very masculine way (and who doesn’t like being played with in a very masculine way?) With a rooftop pool and restaurant, Coffee + Cocktails on the ground floor and a nightclub of its own – oh and a private members’ club – it’s pretty much a one-stop shop.
And the rooms?
Manhattan modern, we’re calling this, maybe even more sophisticated than the general spaces with arty wall treatments, retro furnishings, a work-out mirror (that we, ironically, couldn’t work out) and bathroom amenities by Alchemist. Oh, and if you’re on the right side, great views across to the Soho House rooftop pool where Samantha Jones was once busted for sneaking in and where they have great Speedo parties during Pride. Oh, and if you are feeling flush, get your mits on the Poliform Penthouse.
Is there a story?
Gansevoort was instrumental in turning the Meatpacking District into what it is today. From grungy, dodgy (but fun!) and loaded with the Downtown nightclub scene, it’s become the swishy area, especially now the High Line is just a couple of streets away… and the Gansevoort is an intrinsic part of it all with a once-legendary gay Sunday afternoon tea dance situation.
And to eat?
Take your pick. We headed straight to the roof to Saishin for omakase or you can go outside and try Mexican, all with amazing views thrown in. Downstairs there’s the bistro vibe of Chester, which is giving us British pub flavours, or Frenchie stuff at Le Coin, or C&C for all day café fare with big screens if there’s a match on.
So, to sum up…
You might think it’s a shame for a big hotel like this to be plonked in the middle of what is an otherwise quaint neighbourhood, but that’s New York and, besides, once you’re in, you’re looking out. Right? Besides, they are so part of the neighbourhood by now and do everything so goddamn well, that they are more than welcome.
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