We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Desmond Tutu Center: Traveler Reviews

3.0 of 5
180 10th Avenue, New York City, NY 10011 (Chelsea)
Hotel amenities
Desmond Tutu Center
Enter dates & see best prices*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

278 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveler rating
    157
    88
    18
    7
    8
Date Rating
Huntington
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
11 hotel reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
“My secret special lodging in NYC`”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 27, 2012

This is a great deal, and a very comfortable and attractive place to stay in NYC. I use it every time I visit. Staff is as friendly and welcoming as you'll find in Manhattan. On a par with, say, a Hilton Garden Inn hotel. Historic, renovated building in fashionable Chelsea, on the grounds of The General Theological Seminary. Great selection of restaurants nearby.

  • Stayed November 2011, traveled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Donald V about Desmond Tutu Center
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ottawa, Canada
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
15 hotel reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
“A Plesant Stay”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 18, 2012

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.

Room Tip: do not take a street level room
See more room tips
  • Stayed October 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Bill T for New York City
Ask Bill T about Desmond Tutu Center
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Middletown, Maryland
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
16 hotel reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
“Value, Cafes, and Residential”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 11, 2012

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.

  • Stayed November 2011, traveled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Diana T for New York City
Ask Diana T about Desmond Tutu Center
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
“No garden, just a new construction and men working instead”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed October 10, 2012

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.

  • Stayed September 2012, traveled with friends
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by VeroArgentinaJapon for New York City
Ask VeroArgentinaJapon about Desmond Tutu Center
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Felt Like Home”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 2, 2012

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 September 2012, traveled on business
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask CourtenayBrown about Desmond Tutu Center
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Casablanca Hotel Times Square
Great value on a similar hotel
New York City, NY
4.5 of 5 stars 2,600 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Travelers also viewed these New York City hotels
The Vanderbilt YMCA 3.0 of 5 stars 396 reviews Radio City Apartments 4.5 of 5 stars 1,064 reviews AKA Times Square 4.5 of 5 stars 231 reviews The Out NYC 4.5 of 5 stars 352 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d113325?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1397856?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d655944?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d2439732?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 432 hotels in New York City, ranked by popularity

Been to Desmond Tutu Center? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Desmond Tutu Center

Also Known As:
Desmond Tutu Hotel New York City
Desmond Tutu Hotel
Address: 180 10th Avenue, New York City, NY 10011
Region: United States > New York > New York City > Chelsea , Manhattan , Midtown
Amenities:
Business Center Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet
Hotel Style:
Ranked #8 of 160 Specialty lodging in New York City
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:3 star (3*)
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Priceline so you can book your Desmond Tutu Center reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Desmond Tutu Center, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Desmond Tutu Center
Enter dates & see best prices* (from our partners)
Show Prices