Meat and Greet

In spite of the thicket of clubs in this area, it's almost impossible to gain entry without maneuvering past jostling revelers and hefty bouncers. My list of the top options, as recommended by knowledgeable locals, was led by PM, Cielo and Lotus. I chose the last.

The long, narrow space, occupying three levels, was packed with mostly handsome young partiers. Some chatted with dates over cocktails. Others shook to the '70s and '80s tunes blaring from the excellent sound system. I settled in a corner, watched the party flow and wondered what the next act would be.

Escape Keys

GETTING THERE: The Acela's problems aside, Amtrak offers service to New York numerous times daily. On the regional service route, the trip takes 3 hours 20 minutes and costs $76 each way. From New York's Penn Station, the Meatpacking District is a $10 taxi ride.

WHERE TO STAY: The Hotel Gansevoort (18 Ninth Ave., 877-426-7386, http://www.hotelgansevoort.com/ ) is a 187-room deluxe boutique property in the heart of the neighborhood. It has spacious rooms with contemporary amenities. Special features include a 45-foot heated indoor/outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace bar. Doubles start at $395, although sometimes drop to $325. For travelers on a budget, the Chelsea Inn (46 W. 17th St., 800-640-6469, http://chelseainn.com/ ) is a few blocks away. Although the rooms are a tad small, the place is clean and the service great. Doubles start at $89 a night.

WHERE TO HANG OUT: Those who want to brave the velvet rope should try Cielo (18 Little W. 12th St., http://www.cieloclub.com/ , 212-645-5700), a small, hip, late-night dance club with a glamorous crowd and edgy music. Lotus (409 W. 14th St., 212-243-4420, http://www.lotusnewyork.com/ ) also has a vibrant drinking and dancing scene nightly. Sundays, when they play retro '80s tunes, are particularly fun. The Asian-inspired menu will satisfy those in a munchie pinch, but serious diners should eat elsewhere. Those in the mood for something lower-key should try the Ara wine bar (24 Ninth Ave., 212-242-8642), a cozy place with an impressive wine selection.

WHERE TO EAT: Florent (69 Gansevoort St., 212-989-5779, http://www.restaurantflorent.com/ ) is a classic diner offering a little of something for everybody, from burgers, pancakes and other diner fare to onion soup, pâté, escargot and other French specialties. It's open 24 hours. A three-course dinner special, including coffee or tea, goes for $23.50 ($21.50 before 7:30 p.m.). At the popular bistro Pastis (9 Ninth Ave., 212-929-4844, http://www.pastisny.com/ ), the accent is on French specialties such as grilled octopus or steak in bearnaise sauce. It's open daily for all three meals. For two, lunch with wine will run around $80. Spice Market (403 W. 13th St., 212-675-2322, http://www.jean-georges.com/ ), with its exotic ambiance and wide-ranging menu of pan-Asian dishes, is a fine choice for special occasions. Lunch and dinner are offered daily. Book well in advance and expect to pay $120 for two for dinner, including a couple of cocktails.

INFO: NYC & Company , 212-484-1200, http://www.nycvisit.com/ ; or http://www.meatpacking-district.com/ .