We had a magnificent stay at the Desmond TuTu October 10-14/08. Our room was perfect - on the fourth floor in the corner. Room was large – the most comfortable hotel bed I have ever slept in with really nice linens. A duvet & cover (white) in place of a bed spread which I really like as you can be sure that the cover is washed between guests. There were bedside tables and lamps at both sides of the bed, a long wall table, a large wardrobe, a large dresser, a writing desk and chair, a bench at the end of the bed, a new plasma TV and three large opening windows. The windows had both sheer curtains and heavy insulating drapes which completely muffled any street noises we faced 10th Ave and it wasn't a problem at all. The bathroom was smallish but perfectly adequate and immaculate with upgraded toiletries. There were fluffy white terry robes, a small safe in the wardrobe and bottles of water on the wall table - all at no additional charge.

We had booked via Expedia and check in went smoothly – staff is very friendly and helpful- insisted we take an apple from the huge bowl on the desk “to tide us over”.

Saturday morning we were up around 7:30 am and began our day with breakfast served in the Refractory - the hotel is a conversion of a Nineteenth Century Gothic building – formerly part of the General Theological Seminary Campus - which is still in operation on the same site but in other buildings. Some buildings also appear to be converted into apartments and the inner square complete with playground for these apartments, must be accessed by a key, but may be used by hotel guests). The Refectory was the dining hall of the Seminary and is a beautiful old room – a bit like having breakfast in Hogwarts! The breakfast consists of porridge (excellent), croissants, toast, muffins, fruit, yogurt, cereals, hard boiled eggs, cheese, bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon and on Saturday morning eggs and omelet’s made to order (other morning there were small omelet type things in a chaffing dish). Juices, bottled water, coffees and teas. Very substantial start to the day for no extra charge! Breakfast is served 7:00 am - 9:00 am weekdays and until 10:00 am weekends.

In the afternoon when we returned to the hotel to re-group, we were greeted in the lobby by a large chilled dispenser of lemonade and a platter of fresh cookies! I understand that this is often replaced by warm cider but as the weather was very warm the cold drink was much appreciated.

One of the things I liked best about this hotel was its location - in a real Manhattan neighborhood - really gave us the flavor of living in that part of the city! I would stay here again in a heartbeat!

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What a great hotel! The rooms are huge, clean, new, and very comfortable. We got a 2 queen bed room on the first floor facing the courtyard of the property just by asking upon check in! It was more than I ever expected! 10' ceilings, sitting area, all new modern furniture, the beds are very comfortable, 32" flat sceen LCD TV. Huge non-functioning fireplace, robes, water, coffee/tea, big bathroom. Breakfast was amazing (which is included) Full Continental plus an omelette station, smoked salmon and fresh fruits. Very tasty indeed. Not to mention the hot apple cider and cookies in the lobby for guest at night as they arrive from a full day of touring. Little touches goes a long way!

This property is very charming. It's housed in an old seminary. The grounds are very peaceful. You almost forget you are in the city! Chelsea is a great neighborhood too. The Chelsea Market is 5 blocks south and is the home of The FoodNetwork. Tons of restaurants north and south of the hotel. The nearest subway station is a 10-15 minute leisurely stroll at 8th and 23rd. The staff were very friendly and proffesional. House keeping is very thorough. Good job!

I got a great deal on this hotel by booking on Quikbook.com. They had a special rate of 25% off if you book 3 months in advance. Check out their site often.

Great location in a beautiful leafy neighbourhood not far from bars restaurants (go to Moran's round the corner) shops etc.#

Rooms were very spacious and well equipped, breakfast was fantastic and staff were very helpful.

Book with confidence, this is a great find.

After a hard days trek around,NYC everyday this was a fantastic place to return to day or night away from the rush.
Nothing was to much trouble for the staff,the breakfast was a delight.
The subway is a 5min walk to 23rd St, or the walk into the main area of manhattan can be a 25 min stroll.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants in every direction within 5 mins.
A perfect retreat