VIBE

The Gansevoort brand first raised eyebrows when it audaciously brought trendy luxury to the ultra-edgy (read: sorta grungy) Meatpacking District. Those eyebrows shot back up when Gansevoort decided to branch out–not into the next “it” destination, but into the straight-laced confines of Park Avenue. Still, Gansevoort is doing what it does best: bringing its hip “urban resort” concept to a neighborhood in need. The sexy year-round rooftop pool and lounge (complete with 360 degree city vistas, an indoor/outdoor fireplace, a transparent terrace giving a bird’s eye view of the traffic below, and internationally acclaimed DJs spinning after dark) has managed to lure pretty young things to a part of town that’s usually a little lacking in action. That said, Gansevoort has pandered to the Park Avenue crowd with plush, spacious guestrooms that mix classic, understated luxury (think: a crisp white palette, deep carpets, soaking tubs, top-of-the-line tech amenities, and balconies) with just a subtle dash of sleek retro styling (lush velour upholstery and bright splashes of royal blue and magenta). Plus, the homey, couch-bestrewn onsite trattoria, Ristorante Asellina is even the kind of place you could take the family.

GO HERE WITH

Trendy friends - for a girls’ weekend; significant other - for an upscale urban escape

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s hard to take our eyes off that captivating pool (thank goodness it’s reserved for hotel guests by day so that we don’t have to fight too hard for a primo spot on the deck!). Plus, the other public spaces, like the atrium lobby with its “conversation piece” purple chandeliers (they look like something Helena Bonham Carter might wear on the red carpet) and the cozy Ristorante Asellina, offer a nice variety of “vibes,” from the ultra-hip to the family-friendly. And while the guestrooms are pretty understated, they’re well-appointed and super spacious (averaging 475 sq. ft., making them the perfect retreat after a night at the rooftop pool party or a day of sightseeing with the fam). And then there’s the exhale spa, with its mind-body classes, massive menu of massages, and complimentary sauna….

AMENITY WE LOVE

That racy poolside lounge has to come tops, but we’re pretty smitten with the exhale spa and Cutler Salon, too. We like to get ready for our day by pairing a mind-body yoga class from exhale with a quick coif from the internationally renowned stylists at Cutler.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The pool, as much as we love it, is pretty small. Also, the service occasionally has some hiccups, though this could be due to the fact that the hotel is a relative newcomer.

GOOD TO KNOW

If possible, try to reserve a room with Park Avenue views. If you’re coming for the nightlife on the pool deck and don’t want to get caught behind the velvet rope, try reserving bottle service in the Blue Room. The concierge is at your service from 7:00am to 11:00pm. Twice daily housekeeping, a 24-hour business center, and event spaces for 20-500 guests are all available. The Gansevoort Babies and Kids program offers complimentary cribs, bumpers, and welcome lunchboxes stuffed with treats. Diapers, organic bath products, babysitting services, and a children’s room service menu area also keep tots happy. Gansevoort is very pet friendly (it was even voted “Pet Friendliest Hotel” by Animal Fair magazine), and its pet amenities include premium treats, toys from Barking Zoo, and a complimentary collar tag that says “I’m staying at Gansevoort Park Avenue.”

CLOSEST COMPS

Hotel Gansevoort (New York); The Standard, New York (New York)

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