Is This The Most Stylish Hotel In New York?

Gansevoort, like the Meatpacking District it lies in, has changed dramatically over the years. It’s an area that was once a hub of slaughterhouses, meatpacking plants, all grit and character, that has been turned into a haven of shops, bars, restaurants, luxury apartments and private members clubs in the middle of Manhattan. And yet it’s kept a lot of its rustic charm, full of cobblestone streets and red brick architecture. Say to a New Yorker you’re staying in the area, and you can almost guarantee they’ll be impressed.

What sets it apart

In 2024, the hotel finished a £40m, four-year-long renovation, lining up for its 20-year anniversary. What was once more of a party hotel has become something chicer, with a private members club attached, and an art-focused design philosophy. Rare works by renowned artists like Banksy, Richard Hambleton, and Hassan Hajjaj adorn the lobby and Penthouse. On the amenities side, how many hotels in New York can boast a rooftop pool and bowling alley? Not to mention Dimes, a 1970s speakeasy-inspired bar serving a range of creative cocktails.

Rare works by renowned artists like Banksy, Richard Hambleton, and Hassan Hajjaj adorn the lobby and Penthouse.

The location

The Meatpacking District has the two-fold benefit of being a great, history-filled location in its own right, and also within walking distance of just about everywhere in the city. With several subway stations right by, getting around couldn’t be any easier. Infuriatingly, I only had around 24 hours to spend in the city, so the convenience of its location was crucial – nowhere is out of reach.

I only had around 24 hours to spend in the city, so the convenience of its location was crucial.

The rooms

Modernising the rooms was a crucial part of the renovation, and they now blend in modern technology like the MIRROR and Google Nest Hub with chic, neutral decor inspired by the nearby Hudson River. I made a late request for a twin room rather than a king suite to accommodate a friend, which they were more than happy to oblige. If you’re spending a lot of time in your room, you’re doing New York wrong. What should be high on your checklist is an extremely comfortable bed to help combat jet lag, a modern and clean bathroom with a great shower, a knockout view, and a desk in case you’re on a business trip or need to get some work done. They tick these off easily, and you can even choose to work up by the pool should you want.

For an extra slice of luxury, upgrade to a penthouse apartment, most striking of which is the Duplex Penthouse. Designed exclusively by Poliform, it’s a 1,700-square-foot love letter to New York loft living, complete with cavernous 20-foot ceilings, dark wood, panoramic views, a kitchenette for longer stays, and pops of colour from art by the likes of Frank Stella, Adi Oren, and Daniel Mazzone.

Designed exclusively by Poliform, the deluxe penthouse is a love letter to New York loft living.

Food & drink

New York is one of maybe five cities in the world that has a genuine claim to be the world’s greatest food destination, so gastronomy was always going to be a consideration with the Gansevoort renovation. There are four dining options in the hotel: The European-inspired Coffee + Cocktails on the ground floor, perfect for breakfast or a more casual lunch in a café setting. Gansevoort Rooftop marries panoramic views with a seasonally changing menu, and the location makes it perfect for a date night or group dinner.

Gansevoort Rooftop marries panoramic views with a seasonally changing menu, and the location makes it perfect for a date night or group dinner.

Le Coin, the French restaurant, will be replaced in early 2026 by a genuine New York sports bar, and then the jewel in the crown is Saishin. Rooted in traditional Japanese fare and culinary techniques, choose from either a 14 or 19-course Omakase while overlooking the city’s skyline.

Things to do

Right on your doorstep of the hotel are a few of New York’s most unmissable attractions. The High Line is a four-minute walk away, the Whitney Museum of American Art is just five minutes away and houses one of the best collections of 20th and 21st century art in the world, and the Chelsea Market is also just five minutes away, full of delicious food stalls.

Shopping enthusiasts are in luck, as a range of high-end, designer houses rub shoulders with great vintage stores. Likewise, anyone interested in New York’s music history should head to the nearby Greenwich Village, made famous by artists like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Patti Smith. For food, if you’re not heading to Chelsea Market, visit Los Mariscos for great seafood tacos and L’Industrie for some of the best pizza in the city. Art Bar, White Horse Tavern and Minetta Tavern are also great nearby spots for food, drinks, or both.

You‘re also spoiled for choice on the entertainment front. Head to iconic jazz establishments like Small’s Jazz Bar and the Village Vanguard for authentic experiences, and The Comedy Cellar is a New York institution, all within a 15-minute walk of Gansevoort.

Verdict

Its prime location is perfect for sightseeing and exploring one of the city’s coolest areas – I highly recommend planning your day around the rooftop pool. Gentrification has taken hold of the area, but work is still important here, even if the slaughterhouses have been replaced by Google’s HQ. A sign of the times means that co-working spaces are plentiful in the hotel. Whether going for business or pleasure, post-renovation Gansevoort Meatpacking has reinforced itself as one of New York’s most stylish hotels.