Where is it? New York's historic Meatpacking District, which is also known as Gansevoort Market, on the lower west side of Manhattan, has undergone an amazing transformation in the past few years. The revamp has turned the once-shabby neighbourhood into one of the coolest spots in the city and has attracted a host of designers, such as Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Catherine Malandrino, who have set up shop here. Stylish restaurants such as Pastis, which sits across the street from the hotel and was featured in an episode of Sex and the City, are also cashing in. What is it? A supercool hi-tech oasis that has lured a gaggle of celebrities from the traditional luxe hotels uptown. It is the first luxury hotel to open in the cobble-stoned district and the first in Manhattan to offer guests a rooftop swimming pool, complete with underwater music and lights, and an intimate roof garden with 360-degree views. Who are the stars? The list is long, but includes Anna Kournikova and current squeeze Enrique Iglesias, Fatboy Slim, Colin Firth, Bruce Willis, supermodel Gisele Bundchen and on-again-off-again boyfriend Leonardo DiCaprio, Lindsay Lohan, Lucy Liu and Sean Penn. Are regular Joes welcome? Of course. The discreet staff pay no heed to who you are or what you do. Just don't hang out in the lobby like a star-struck fan expecting your autograph book to be signed. What about sustenance? The hotel boasts Ono, a multilevel indoor/outdoor restaurant that serves traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. Ono is the concept of Jeffery Chodorow, who is probably better known for his public spats with celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito on reality-television show The Restaurant. And the hi-tech amenities? Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel; there are plasma or LCD television sets in every room, as well as voice mail and dual phone lines. Anything else we should know? The 187 rooms are spacious, with many sporting either a balcony or a cosy seating area within a bay window. The minimalist decor features neutrals and greys with a shot of blackberry, while feather beds and 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets make everyone feel like a star. What's the bottom line? Rooms start at US$395 a night, suites cost US$625 and the duplex penthouse is available for US$5,000. Hotel Gansevoort, 18 Ninth Avenue at 13th Street, New York City, tel: 212 206 6700; contact@hotelgansevoort.com .
