If you’re after a simple element of style, then The Gansevoort is not for you. This luxury hotspot oozes masses of style. Located in the hip Meatpacking District, The Gansevoort has to be more than special to contend with the trendy vibe and the neighbouring Soho House. With an impressive illuminated glass column entrance towering over the cobbled street of Ninth Avenue, The Gansevoort has made its individual mark on the area made famous by "Sex and the City". ­

All 14 floors have been carefully designed by architect Stephen B. Jacobs and his wife, Andi Pepper. She’s gone for a minimalist look that is also luxurious, with cherry panelling, lush fabrics and leather, while Jacobs went to town on the rooftop bar and pool. It’s a mini playground for those who like to pose with spectacular views of the Hudson River. The 45 foot heated pool is the first in Manhattan to have underwater music and as night falls, the pool becomes illuminated with colourful underwater lighting.

Unusual for New York, the rooms are actually pretty large. Mine looked right over Ninth Avenue, which came to life at dusk. As the sun went down I could see people gathering on the rooftop of the members-only Soho House and the buzz from the streets below was enticing. But before hitting the action, what better way to start your trip than slipping into one seriously soft bath robe, sipping on a cheeky aperitif from the mini bar and lounging out on the humungous feather bed? Again a bit of a rarity in NYC, the bathrooms are bigger than average combining sleek marble with stainless steel finishings and an oversized shower. If you want even more space, then opt for one of the 20 corner suites or the duplex penthouse suite complete with a balcony, Jacuzzi, two bathrooms and Andy Warhol prints.

And if you need to take detox from a day of shopping and eating, then head to the Gansevoort Spa and Lounge. A world away from the tourists, yellow cabs and irate city folk, this 5,100 sq ft full service G-Spa is pure heaven. Sip on ice cold mineral water or delicious health shakes while padding around in your slippers and robe, while soaking up the peace. Chill in one of the hydro pools or treat yourself to one of the luxury treatments like Hit The Spot massage. Bliss.

The Lounge area is one of the hottest spots in town, so count yourself lucky while knocking back those designer cocktails. Try the ‘The Sauna’ cocktail, a mix of vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and lime. A few too many of these and you may just find yourself stumbling out with one of the Lounge regulars, one Lindsay Lohan, Nicky Hilton, Jay Z or even Sean Penn.

If you’re feeling peckish you’re also in the right place. It seems that each week a new trendy eatery pops up the neighbourhood, but if you can’t be drawn from the delicious confines of this top hotel, then you won’t be disappointed. Guests can indulge in the on-site Japanese restaurant, Ono. From the creative mind of Jeffrey Beers, the design is working art with a glass-bottomed sushi bar, plush booths and an oriental garden which incorporates the elements – fire, water, earth and sky. Each morning you can see the huge fresh fish thawing for the gourmet dishes. I devoured the sushi, but my partner gave the garlic rubbed whole red snapper a first class recommendation. As for the wasabi mashed potatoes, if you can handle the spice, it’s a winner.

Ono is also where you’ll tuck into breakfast, but don’t worry, raw fish isn’t on the menu (unless you request it!). Amidst suited business types and pr girlies, you’ve the option to dive into an eye-watering buffet. The fresh fruit and granola is delicious but far too saintly, so just try and resist the sinful pile of pancakes. There’s no holding back on these portions – but you may need to return to your king size bed for a bit of a lie down before blowing your bonus at the nearby Stella McCartney store.

Before checking out, make sure to spend an evening just hanging out at the rooftop bar. Thursday is the best night and a prime spot for people watching. Rich, famous and even the wannabes make for great entertainment over Cosmo-type cocktails. Just dress glam and don’t forget your sunnies, if not to fit in, then at least to have people wondering who you are….

Rates start at $435

The Gansevoort ­
18 Ninth Avenue (at 13th Street)
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 206-6700
Fax: (212) 255- 5858

www.hotelgansevoort.com

Ashling McCloy is a London-based writer.