Gabé Doppelt Strengthens San Vicente West Village’s Exclusive Appeal While Calling Out VIP Misconduct

Gabé Doppelt, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, has made significant strides as the global membership director at San Vicente Clubs. Born in South Africa and raised in London, Doppelt’s career trajectory has taken her from the bustling streets of New York to the elite circles of Los Angeles. She began her professional journey as an assistant to media mogul Tina Brown at Tatler in 1979 and later transitioned to editorial roles at prestigious publications such as Vogue, W, Mademoiselle, and The Daily Beast. In 2014, she shifted her focus to hospitality.

A New Chapter in Manhattan

Doppelt returned to Manhattan last year to oversee the launch of San Vicente West Village, located in the historic former Jane Hotel. Initially intended as an eight-month assignment, Doppelt quickly realized her commitment to the city. “Within a week of landing in New York, which by the way was in the middle of a snowstorm, I knew there was no way I was going back,” she stated.

The opening of San Vicente West Village in March marked a significant milestone. The club, housed in a redbrick building dating back to 1908, underwent extensive renovations under the guidance of designer Rose Uniacke. It features a restaurant led by head chef Nicholas Ugliarolo, a drawing room, a sushi room, a disco, a billiard room, a screening room, and nine luxurious rooms and suites. The launch received considerable attention, with The New York Times noting it was “greeted with a sense of urgency that is second only to the future of democracy.”

Navigating New York’s Intense Landscape

Doppelt acknowledged the challenges of opening a club in New York, where patrons are known for their candid feedback. “New Yorkers certainly let you know when they’re not happy. They’re a little more forgiving in L.A.,” she remarked. She emphasized that every new property faces unexpected challenges, stating, “Things you think will go well don’t and things you think are going to be a shit show are always perfect. That’s the nature of the beast in any business.”

The initial three months were a whirlwind for Doppelt. The club opened with an exclusive afterparty for SNL50: The Homecoming Concert, attended by numerous celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Cher. “We hit the ground running,” she recalled. Following that, a hardhat party was organized for existing members and friends, allowing them to preview the club before its official opening. After a month of finalizing the aesthetics, the club officially opened in March, taking three months to establish its rhythm.

Curating Membership with Care

Now, a year later, San Vicente West Village has found its footing. Doppelt plays a crucial role in curating membership, emphasizing a selective approach. “We’re slow growers. It’s very easy to be greedy and we could take everybody who applies and we would be, I don’t know about successful, but we’d be rich,” she explained. She quoted her boss, stating, “Just because you’re rich, that makes you interesting? We don’t care about that. For us, power isn’t money and that’s the last thing we’re looking for.”

Doppelt has also leveraged her editorial background to create a unique in-house newsletter that has resonated with members. The newsletter, described as “quasi-monthly,” provides updates on club happenings and has become a sought-after feature. Initiation fees for membership range from $3,000 to $15,000, with annual dues between $1,800 and $4,200.

In her notes “from The Directrice,” she candidly addresses club dynamics, including a recent incident involving a member who was expelled for inappropriate behavior. “We pride ourselves on respecting every member’s privacy so there were no second chances here. Bye,” she noted.

Honesty and Humor in Communication

Doppelt’s straightforward communication style draws inspiration from restaurateur Keith McNally, known for his unfiltered Instagram posts. “It’s really funny and brutally honest,” she remarked, appreciating his candidness.

Initially, her newsletters focused on personal anecdotes, but she soon shifted to highlight member interactions. Her Valentine’s Day commentary, which humorously addressed members’ behavior, sparked considerable discussion. “To the two members who, on multiple occasions found your way to a higher floor bathroom between courses for an ‘amuse bouche’… we know who you are,” she wrote, reminding members of the club’s facilities and policies.

Despite some members’ antics, Doppelt prefers to handle misconduct with discretion, opting for suspensions or warnings rather than outright expulsion.

A Bright Future Ahead

Thanks to Doppelt’s innovative approach and established connections, San Vicente West Village has emerged as one of New York’s most exclusive private clubs. Doppelt and her team are already contemplating future expansions. “Of course we’re ravenously hungry to do another,” she stated.

When asked about potential locations for future clubs, Doppelt expressed her love for both New York and Europe, mentioning cities like London and Paris as possibilities. “We love buildings. So, wherever we find the next crumbling old lady,” she concluded.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-05-09 22:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk