Tenderized Is the Night

Manhattan's Gansevoort Market, better known as the meatpacking district, is a newly trendy mix of wholesale meat markets, boutiques, restaurants, galleries and designer lofts whose waterfront corner of the Lower West Side is becoming a destination spot aided by two new hotels. Soho House New York is a boutique outpost of Nick Jones' private London club and media-industry hangout. The largest of the 24 rooms in this former warehouse -- at 950 square feet -- is bigger than many New York apartments. The decor combines exposed beams and bricks with antiques and Oriental rugs. Amenities include a restaurant, library, spa and rooftop pool. Across the street is the metal-and-glass Hotel Gansevoort. Furnishings in its 187 rooms, many overlooking the city and Hudson River, run to neutrals, backlit glass and stainless steel. The glass-walled rooftop pool features underwater music.