Names stick. Especially in Manhattan. You might be searching for Gansevoort Park New York because you remember the legendary rooftop pool parties, the celebrity sightings in the lobby, or that specific brand of "NoMad chic" that defined the early 2010s. But if you try to book a room under that name today, you’re going to get a 404 error or a redirect.
The building at 420 Park Avenue South isn't gone. It just grew up, changed its outfit, and became the Royalton Park Avenue.
It's a weird quirk of NYC real estate. Brands move. Owners shift. And suddenly, the place where you had that one wild birthday party is under a completely different flag. Honestly, the transition from Gansevoort to Royalton says a lot about how New York luxury has evolved from the flashy, bottle-service era into something a bit more refined, though no less pricey. If you're planning a trip and want that specific rooftop vibe, you need to know what stayed the same and what’s gone for good.
The Identity Crisis of 420 Park Avenue South
Let’s be real: for a long time, the Gansevoort Park Avenue was the epicenter of a very specific kind of New York energy. When it opened in 2010, it was the taller, flashier sibling to the original Meatpacking District location. It had the Kardashian seal of approval—literally, they filmed there—and it represented a shift in the neighborhood.
Before this hotel showed up, this stretch of Park Avenue South was kind of... sleepy? Maybe "corporate" is the better word. Then came the tri-level rooftop, the heated pool, and the red chandeliers. It turned NoMad into a destination for people who wanted to see and be seen.
But in 2017, the Gansevoort Hotel Group sold its stake. The property was rebranded as the Royalton Park Avenue under the Highgate management umbrella.
Does it feel different? Sorta.
The bones of the building are the same. You still have that incredible architecture by Stephen B. Jacobs and interiors that were originally handled by Gulla Jonsdottir. But the "Gansevoort" DNA—that high-octane, almost aggressive trendiness—has been sanded down. It’s smoother now. It’s less "look at my Sparklers" and more "let’s have a chilled glass of Sancerre while looking at the Empire State Building."
What Happened to the Legendary Rooftop?
The rooftop was always the main event at Gansevoort Park New York. It wasn’t just a bar; it was a 30,000-square-foot playground. You had the Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge, which was infamous for its weekend crowds.
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If you go today, you're visiting the Park Avenue Avenue Rooftop.
The pool is still there. It’s still one of the rare heated indoor/outdoor pools in the city where you can swim while staring at the skyline. That hasn't changed. But the vibe has shifted from "clubby" to "loungey." You can actually hear yourself talk now. For some people, that’s a tragedy. For most people over the age of 27, it’s a massive relief.
The layout remains sprawling. You have the Ivy Lounge, the Drift cocktail lounge, and the pool deck. The sun-drenched decks still offer those iconic views of the Empire State Building, which, let's be honest, is the real reason anyone pays $500+ a night to stay here.
The Rooms: From "Flashy" to "Functional Luxury"
When it was the Gansevoort, the rooms were... a lot. Think bold colors, high-contrast patterns, and a lot of chrome. It felt like a stage set for a reality TV show.
The Royalton rebranding brought a much-needed neutral palette. We’re talking grays, creams, and rich woods. It feels more like a high-end Manhattan apartment and less like a nightclub dressing room.
- The Size Factor: One thing that didn't change is the square footage. Manhattan hotel rooms are notoriously tiny—like, "can’t-open-your-suitcase-on-the-floor" tiny. But because this building was a ground-up build in 2010 rather than a conversion of a 1920s tenement, the rooms are actually spacious.
- The Juliette Balconies: A lot of the rooms have these. They aren't full balconies you can sit on, but you can open the floor-to-ceiling glass doors and let the city noise in.
- The Bathrooms: Huge. Deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers are standard in many suites.
Honestly, the "new" look is better for business travelers. If you’re in town for a meeting at one of the tech hubs in Flatiron, you don't necessarily want to wake up in a room that looks like a disco. You want a massive desk, fast Wi-Fi, and a Nespresso machine that actually works.
Does the Gansevoort Brand Still Exist Elsewhere?
Yes. Don't get confused.
The Gansevoort Meatpacking is still very much alive and recently underwent a massive $30 million renovation. If you are loyal to the Gansevoort brand specifically—the vibe, the service style, the specific scent they pump into the lobby—that’s where you have to go.
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The Park Avenue location was always the "uptown" version, even though it’s technically Midtown South. It was always a bit more structured. Now that it’s the Royalton, it has fully leaned into that identity. It’s part of the "Independent Collection" now, which basically means it tries to feel less like a chain and more like a boutique find.
The Neighborhood: Why NoMad Still Wins
Location is the one thing no rebranding can change. Whether you call it Gansevoort Park New York or Royalton Park Avenue, you are standing in one of the best spots in Manhattan.
NoMad (North of Madison Square Park) has become a culinary powerhouse. You’re steps away from:
- Eleven Madison Park: If you can get a reservation and have a mortgage-payment-sized budget for dinner.
- Eataly Flatiron: For when you just want a massive plate of pasta and some imported olive oil.
- The New York Edition: Which has a great lobby bar if you want to see how the "other" luxury half lives.
You're also right near the 6 train at 28th Street. You can get to Union Square in five minutes or Grand Central in ten. It’s a "Goldilocks" location—not as chaotic as Times Square, but not as quiet as the Upper East Side.
Real Talk: Is It Worth the Price?
NYC hotel prices are currently astronomical. You’re looking at anywhere from $350 to $900 a night depending on the season.
Is it worth it?
If you value the rooftop pool, yes. There are only a handful of hotels in New York with a pool this good—The Jimmy at ModernHaus, Soho House (if you're a member), or The William Vale in Brooklyn. But for a central Manhattan location with a pool that is actually usable in the winter? This is the spot.
However, if you don't care about the rooftop scene, you might find better "value" elsewhere. The NoMad hotel scene is crowded. You’ve got the Ritz-Carlton NoMad nearby, which is stunning but significantly more expensive. You’ve got the Arlo NoMad, which is cheaper but the rooms are basically pods.
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The Royalton (formerly Gansevoort Park) sits in that middle ground. It’s for the person who wants a "big" hotel experience—grand lobby, multiple bars, room service—without the stiff formality of the old-school luxury brands.
Myths vs. Reality
There’s a lot of outdated info online. Let’s clear some stuff up.
Myth: The hotel is "party-only" and you won't sleep.
Reality: While the rooftop gets busy on Thursdays through Saturdays, the soundproofing is surprisingly good. If you stay on a lower floor near the elevators, you might hear some muffled bass, but it’s a far cry from the "Spring Break" reputation it had a decade ago.
Myth: It’s still a Kardashian hangout.
Reality: Look, celebrities still stay here because of the penthouses and the discreet entrances, but the "paparazzi out front" era has mostly moved on to places like The Bowery Hotel or Casa Cipriani. It’s much more low-key now.
Myth: The pool is open to the public.
Reality: Not really. It’s primarily for guests. There are sometimes "day passes" available via third-party apps like ResortPass during the off-season, but don't count on it. If you want to swim, book a room.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book the "Old Gansevoort," here is how to do it right:
- Check the Event Calendar: Before booking, call the front desk and ask if there are any major private events on the rooftop during your stay. Nothing sucks more than paying for a "pool view" only to find out the deck is closed for a corporate tech party.
- Request a High Floor: The views of the Empire State Building are significantly better once you get above the 12th floor.
- Don't Eat Breakfast in the Hotel: You’re in NoMad. Go to Bourke Street Bakery on 28th street instead. The ginger creme brulee tart will change your life. Or hit up Blank Street Coffee if you just need a quick caffeine fix.
- Understand the "Facility Fee": Like almost every NYC hotel now, they charge a daily "resort" or "facility" fee (usually around $35-$45). It covers the pool, the gym, and "free" water. It’s annoying, but factor it into your budget so you aren’t shocked at checkout.
- The Gym is Actually Good: Unlike the "closet with a treadmill" found in most NYC hotels, the fitness center here is decent. It has Peloton bikes and enough free weights to actually get a workout in.
The Gansevoort Park New York may have changed its name, but the reason people loved it remains. It’s a slice of high-rise luxury that doesn't feel too stuffy. It’s quintessentially New York—loud, beautiful, a little bit expensive, and always moving on to the next thing. Whether you call it the Gansevoort or the Royalton, just make sure you’re upstairs by sunset. The view doesn't care what name is on the front door.