Each time I have stayed at the Desmond Tutu, the staff has been very nice. There is typically no early check-in. But of course they are more than happy to store your luggage upon early arrival. Each of the rooms are unique but I have to agree that there really is no view unless you have a view of the courtyard which is not all that special. I recommend taking a walk on the grounds however and taking a look at the refectory which is really old style architecture and beautiful woodwork. There are plenty of restaurants in the neighborhood, you just need to ask, if not familiar. It is close to Chelsea Piers (highly recommend taking that walk). And there is a great French bistro just about a block towards the East side. I really like this area because it is more residential than other areas. I find the rooms very quiet and pretty soundproof. I stayed at Desmond Tutu when it first opened and yes, today, some of the rooms are getting a bit frayed but all I have experienced are very clean and beds/comforters/linen very comfortable. If you are looking for value, it is really a great deal for NYC.

I stayed here in September, also encouraged by the good reviews and comments about the garden.
When I got there, my room had a view to the street so I asked to be moved to a room looking at the garden. The woman, very nicely, moved me. I opened the windows and..... no garden: a blue plastic covering a construction area. No garden anymore, they told me at the lobby.What a disappointment. Fortunately, I stayed during the weekend so it was ok. On Monday, I woke up with the view of the men working at this construction....
The elevator takes ages to arrive so I just took it to take my luggage, otherwise, the stairs where faster and more practical.
As other guests mentioned, the hotel has potential, a refresh would be good for it.
The neighborhood is good, it's one block from Chelsea market. There is no breakfast place at the hotel but there is a nice coffee store in the corner.
Closest metro station is 4 blocks.
Sylvia, also, the lady at the front desk in the evening is really nice and helpful.
They have a policy of not receiving delivery packages before checking in. I have two packages from amazon returned but I guess that was my mistake, assuming they would receive it.
For the price I got, I think I would try some other place next time.
For the girls: we saw Ethan Hawke jogging out there.

Absolutely loved my stay at the Desmond Tutu Center! An easy walk from Penn Station, when I arrived I was warmly greeted by Sylvia at the front desk. She made me feel so welcome! She always recommended an easy route along the Hudson River for me to log a 7-mile run. The room was well appointed and ver comfortable and the robe was lush. Cookshop is right next door and is a great location for breakfast and dinner. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed my stay at DTC and I will be back!

Stayed there for four nighs. The hotel is ok, nice room, free wifi, no breakfast room, nice and friendly staff. Rather easy to find a taxi outside. The neighborhood is not so nice. I guess the hotel is of a more conference hotel for the Desmond Tutu Centre. Prices are reasonable for NYC. It is ok to stay there for a business trip, but I would not stayed there together with my wife. But again, finding hotel in NYC in December is not so easy so it was ok to spend four nights there. I do not think I will come back. Prefer to stay more central on upper Manhattan.