Gansevoort St, West Village

There are a lot of reviews about how this part of the Meatpacking District is overrated. That may be true. But if you're well-dressed, have money to spend and want to see the fast, furious, upscale (if over-priced) side to New York, I would recommend this area more than the other trendy spots of Manhattan. True, you won't get the friendliness or cuteness of, say, a MacDougal bar. And no, if you're not on a guest list you probably won't get by some of the more entitled bouncers. But it is fun, if you got a little bonus at work, to go into the Gansevoort Hotel's rooftop bar and feel, even if only for half a night, like you own the city.

Hotel Ganesvoort is the pride and joy of this area but that's all that there really but it's not really anything worthwhile. The establishments in the area have a pretty deluded sense of trendiness and overall think they can charge more just because they are located within spitting distance of the swank Ganesvoort. The street itself isn't all that appealing either and there is no reason to head that way unless you want to be one of or oogle the hip and trendy.

I live fairly close to this street and I go on it quite often so my dog can do her business. She has selected the spot in front of the Gansevoort Hotel as her favorite location to do so, and i do have to agree with the opinion that she's expressing. This street has long been hailed for its "upper class" establishments and "chic" stores and hotels. I have to say that this is a lot more talk. In reality, the hotel is nothing to write home about. I have been to the Patio bar and have not really been impressed. It is small, crowded, smokey, and for the most part, full of tourists. The drinks are expensive and not very well made, and the hotel staff takes on the snobby air of the place. As for the rest of the street, the stores are sparse in their inventory and taste, and I personally wouldn't give them more than a glance. The Chelsea Meat Market area is very picturesque, especially with the exposed brick streets and newly formed walking areas, but besides that, most of the places here are overrated.

Gansevoort Street is the home of the all too famous Hotel Gansevoort, a very swanky over-prices New York City nightclub. I went with friends and sat on the outdoor patio of Ono and was impressed by the amount of people but relatively bored by the clientel. Why pay twenty five dollars for a cocktail to be bored? Food options are limited, though the Hotel Gansevoort itself houses a pretty good (but expensive) restaurant. Overall, Gansevoort lacks the more low-key homey feel of Chelsea.

Gansevoort Street is close to the following metro stations: A, C, E, L at 8th and 14th Street, 1,2,3 at 14th Street. It is also accessible to many buses. Foot traffic is heavy, and it is a good neighborhood for all people!