In our stay for four nights we had only one hic up with our room which was ground level facing 10th Avenue it was the traffic noise.

I left a phone message for the front desk and on arriving back there was a formal letter apologizing for our discomfort along with instructions on how to get ready for our new room.

The next day we were moved to the fourth floor which had us in a much nicer room along with our baggage already moved up to the room as well.

The front desk staff work ethic can be described this way if there is a problem we will find the solution. All requests for information graciously handled along with great recommendations for places to dine and see.

The High Line walk way is across 10th Avenue and I would highly recommend the walk as it shows innovative planning in dealing with abandoned infrastructure. They made an overhead rail line into an overhead park.

In closing pick the Desmond Tutu for its location in a "quieter" part of New York City.

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!