New York's Desmond Tutu Center is Actually a 60-Room Hotel

Where: 180 10th Avenue between 20-21st Sts. [map], New York, ny, United States, 10011

4/23/2008 at 9:52 AM
Tags: Manhattan Hotels, Odd Hotels, Downtown Manhattan Hotels, Hotel Deals

"I challenge you to find a room bigger than this for under $1000."

So writes one Tripadvisor reviewer of the rooms at the Desmond Tutu Center, deep in New York's Chelsea district.

The hotel sits in a massive Gothic-style stone building, outfitted with wrought iron bannisters, a "Refectory" right out of Oxford University, and enough stained glass and "olde-worlde" touches you'll hardly believe you're in Manhattan. There's even a British-style green quadrangle in the center.

The 60 rooms, on the other hand, are definitely 21st century. They come outfitted with flat-screen TVs, WiFi, and custom-designed furniture. Your room fee comes with a free breakfast, but fair warning -- serving stops at 9am, so arrange your wake-up call accordingly.

A few drawbacks? It's a "long walk" to the subway (4 or five blocks). Some posters say it's too far from everything, others say it's wonderfully quiet. The hotel offers no room service, although you have your pick of the restaurants and all-night delis in the neighborhood. And as of press time, renovations are still under way, so inquire about your room location before you book. Some Tripadvisor reviewers complain of kinks that need to be improved.

Still, the building itself, and the location, are worth checking out. There are excellent views of The Empire State Building. It's a brief springtime stroll to Madison Square Garden, and you're not far from The Chelsea Market, Chelsea Piers, and the wonderful gallery scene on the West side.

Rates start at around $285 for a superior room but the availability of rooms is slim so make your rezzies in advance!