Hotel Gansevoort

Meatpacking district

Between Manhattan’s West Village and Chelsea, the Meatpacking district is the city’s former slaughterhouse neighborhood which runs from south of West 14^th Street to the Hudson River. There are no skyscrapers here, only small buildings, cobblestone streets and brick warehouses that have been converted into art galleries. Considered an ill-reputed neighborhood in the 1980s, it is now one of the city’s trendiest quarters. Galleries, luxury showrooms and creator boutiques have replaced the slaughterhouses. A few rare meat wholesalers have stood their ground and are now adjacent to luxury hotels and fancy restaurants. Recently, the unused former elevated railway line was transformed into a promenade with benches and vegetation. This High Line which dates back to the 1930s is now a green park with a panoramic view of the Hudson River. Ever since the neighborhood was rehabilitated, it’s not uncommon to see wealthy New Yorkers coming downtown to enjoy the lively nightlife. Although limited to a few streets, the Meatpacking district is constantly on the move with the trendiest restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the city. Meatpacking has become one of the places to see and to be seen in the Big Apple.

A chic resort for people in search of anonymity

The 14 floors of the Hotel Gansevoort, at the corner of 9^th Avenue and 13^th Street dominate the Meatpacking district. Designed by the architect Stephen B. Jacobs and decorated by Andi Pepper, the same famous duo that created the Giraffe Hotel, the Plaza Athénée of New York, the Mansfield and the Library. The Gansevoort is in perfect harmony with the neighborhood’s elegant boutiques and restaurants. The bright glass columns of its façade give the impression of a building that is supported by light. Lighting plays a major role in all of the hotel’s spaces. In the hall, the ceiling lights are oriented differently throughout the day to create a changing atmosphere. Behind the glass walls of the mezzanine, there is a computer controlled choreography of colors, and in the rooms, the glass doors of the bathroom are lit from the inside, giving the room a special tint.

Ecru, sand, brown, anthracite and a few touches of violet are the predominant tones in the rooms, which have gray and black marble bathrooms. Chic and modern, the rooms all have large bay windows opening onto the Hudson River and Manhattan. Some of the rooms also have balconies.

In the penthouse, which redefines the concept of urban luxury, a fireplace and large sofas enable guests to totally relax after a long day of shopping or touring. Popular with guests for its calm atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s in direct contrast to the lively and exciting nightlife of the quarter. It’s not uncommon therefore, to run into Lindsay Lohan or Nicky Hilton at the Gansevoort.

The swimming pool on the top floor regularly welcomes the “Brangelina” family consisting of Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and their children who come here to enjoy the magnificent garden and the exceptional view of the city.

This chic retreat has two restaurants. The Plunge, adjacent to the pool and the Tanuki Tavern on the ground floor, an elegant Japanese restaurant where it’s also possible to simply have drink before going out on the town.

Representing the height of refinement, the entire staff is dressed in Hugo Boss outfits. Elegance is pushed to the limit in this Big Apple mythical hotel.