HotelChatter

Lurking inside the pool were coliform bacteria (possible indication of fecal contamination), "solid" floating mineral particles (we're hoping this was left intentionally ambiguous) and high levels of nitrate and sodium. Which makes their pool about as inviting as a subway car. Our favorite line was this:

"There was also a high nitrate count and high sodium level -- possibly indicating some guests aren't just leaking celebrity gossip."

The rooftop has likely been the victim of one too many drunken water fights. But then again, when your "Gansevoort Pool Bag" includes a can of Red Bull, things are likely to get out of hand.

"In compliance with the city code, the Gansevoort hotel pools are tested three times daily, and chemicals are adjusted three times daily. We have passed every Board of Health inspection without qualification. We are not required to test for coliform, but following the New York Post piece, we will now add such a test to our standard operating procedures. We are proud of the product we provide our guests and without reservation believe that our hotel’s pool is not only a great place to enjoy oneself, but that it is a safe environment.

It is our belief that the information concerning the pool at our Gansevoort Meatpacking District location as presented by the New York Post was intentionally misleading. The implication of the article is that the coliform allegedly found was caused by fecal matter or urine, however, through our conversations with the journalist, we learned that further testing determined that there were NO TRACES of such contaminants. For this reason, the story was categorically misleading.

We are also uncertain about the scientific protocols and validity of their tests. There are numerous other environmental factors that can cause low levels of coliform, a common substance, which at such levels, is harmless. We also find it odd and telling about the Post’s intentions that we were the only hotel in the entire city that was tested for this piece.”

Maybe the Post just visited in between testings....

[Photo: HotelChatter/Fondriest Environmental]