Arrival/Check-In: The Chelsea and Meatpacking districts are my favorite New York City neighborhoods, so I was eager for my stay at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC. In town for a quick overnight visit, I spent far less time at the hotel than preferred. From Penn Station, I took a cab downtown to the hotel, where a nondescript doorman assisted with my luggage as I entered the buzz-filled lobby. Check-in lasted less time than my wait for the elevator to my floor. The Gansevoort Meatpacking screams über-chic and hip from the moment you enter until the minute you depart.

Guest Quarters: Pops of bright color accentuate the understated whites, grays and blacks of the guestrooms. I entered my room, passing a closet to the right and a dark marble bathroom to the left. Two double beds, a nightstand, a chair and a long dresser with a mounted TV above completed the room. The room offered great views of the Hudson River and the cityscape. I made myself comfortable on one of the beds, catching up on emails and enjoying a small snack from the minibar. I used the iron and ironing board to take some travel wrinkles out of my dress for the evening and then took my time getting ready in the bathroom, grateful for the ample counter space but wishing for just a touch more lighting.

Services/Amenities: This is where I really missed experiencing the essence of the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC. The hotel’s heated rooftop pool with underwater music is open year-round; Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge offers cool cocktails and equally impressive views. I took a peek at the area, and it’s sophisticated and gorgeous. A must-stop next time I find myself with some time to spare in New York City.

TOY, the on-site restaurant, offers an indoor/outdoor oyster and sushi bar, an outside terrace and a two-story interior dining room. There’s also a lobby bar. An on-site spa, meeting and event space and a fully equipped fitness center are available. Its location is a huge plus as well.

The Experience: As I left the hotel for my nighttime obligation, I was taken aback by the throng of paparazzi lined up outside, shouting “Kim!” Ironic, but I knew they weren’t there for me. The Kardashians were apparently staying at the hotel the same time as me. Even though the fanfare was for another Kim, every element of my stay, right down to the monogrammed pillowcases (they were busy sewing “KK” on the linens that week), made me feel like a star.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/Valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• State-of-the-art fitness center

Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC

18 Ninth Ave.
New York, NY 10014
tel 212 206 6700
hotelgansevoort.com