Lobby at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC

opened in 2004, so it may be hard to believe that it’s still selling out rooms and people continue to line up at the door to be a part of the hotel’s nightlife most weekends. And yet it’s true, especially thanks to a huge 2012 renovation that has helped the hotel stay on the cutting edge with a fresh makeover (good-bye passé neon, hello sophistication). Sure, the hotel is most popular with the party set, so it may not be best for those who want a low-key, quiet getaway. But amazing rooftop views, an outdoor heated pool, an Exhale Spa offering tons of fitness classes, and delicious sushi at Toy restaurant all help solidify Gansevoort Meatpacking as one of downtown New York’s most luxurious, energetic, and vibrant hotel options. Read more about this hip spot — and see more fab photos — after the jump.

Grand Deluxe Room at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC

As part of the hotel’s complete 2012 overhaul, all 186 rooms received a facelift. The rooms now feature pops of bright color and 1960s- and 70s-inspired touches, such as velvety mod furniture. Huge, provocative photographs – including one on every shower curtain – give the rooms major sex appeal.

Plunge at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC

Plunge Rooftop Bar and Lounge has some of the best sunset (and river!) views we’ve seen in Manhattan, the only downside of which is that the bar is already crowded by early evening. The bar wraps around three sides of the hotel – with a ton of outdoor space – which means you get river views on one side, and city views on the other (you can see the Freedom Tower to the south, and the Empire State Building to the north).

Pool at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC

During the summer, the rooftop pool provides a respite from New York’s sweltering heat (and dares visitors to take a dip year-round — fortunately, it’s heated in the cooler months). Not a guest? No problem – the hotel sells a limited number of day passes (for a pretty penny). Or you can skip the pool and head to the adjacent sundeck — complete with portable showers and grilled bites for sale.

Exhale Spa studio at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC

The on-site Exhale Spa though light on treatment rooms and nail facilities, was renovated to include a state-of-the-art fitness studio, where group classes are held back to back. Try one of the proprietary Core Fusion classes, where you’ll rub elbows with Lulu Lemon-clad locals. The classes come at a price, but your thighs and abs will thank you! There’s also a small fitness center if you prefer to work out on your own.

Exhale Spa at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC

For those looking for less of a body-sculpting spa experience and more of a traditional, body-relaxing one, Exhale Spa does feature a dark, tranquil space with two whirlpools, a sauna, several treatment rooms, and a corner dedicated to manis and pedis.

Toy at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC

Toy, a Chinese-inspired restaurant-cum-nightclub, serves three meals a day (don’t miss the sushi!), before turning into a pretty wild nightclub come nightfall. Breakfast and lunch can be served outdoors or even in the lobby if guests prefer, and dinner is in the main 1980s-inspired nightclub space (complete with flashing lights, a sexy acrobat, and a feather-clad burlesque dancer – how appetizing). It’s been a Meatpacking hot spot since opening in 2012.

Cobblestone Streets of the Meatpacking District

It’s not exactly news that the Meatpacking District is one of New York’s hot spots, but a new outpost of the Whitney Museum of American Art (scheduled to open in 2015) will only help to solidify the neighb’s cache. And though it gets a bad rap from non-clubbing New Yorkers for being the epicenter of the “untz untz” party scene, it’s wonderful by day, especially during summer: the High Line Park, restaurants with outdoor seating, and pop-up shops with everything from jewelry to manicures are a few of the highlights. Ask the hotel about discounts for local shopping.

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