The Desmond Tutu Center is located in New York's vibrant Chelsea neighborhood, yet its peaceful setting feels worlds apart. Occupying a handsomely restored 19th-century building, this TownHouse and conference center shares its park-like campus with the General Theological Seminary. Gothic Revival buildings are arrayed around a courtyard with pathways, gardens, and mature trees. With just 60 guestrooms on 5 floors, The Desmond Tutu Center has an intimate feel, and the serene setting is an attractive alternative to bustling Times Square and other Midtown neighborhoods. But this quiet TownHouse is anything but isolated: Chelsea restaurants, galleries, shops, and other attractions are just steps away.
A block from the townhouse, you'll find steps leading up to the High Line, an elevated rail line transformed into a popular park with rotating art installations and special events. A 5-minute walk west of The Desmond Tutu Center, the Chelsea Piers sports and entertainment complex offers a golf club, bowling, ice-skating, and other sports. After working up an appetite, head to the Chelsea Market, less than a 10-minute stroll from the townhouse. A destination for gourmet food lovers, the former Nabisco factory houses more than 2 dozen specialty food shops. When night falls, take in a show at Madison Square Garden or a Broadway hit in Times Square--both are a short taxi or subway ride from The Desmond Tutu Center.
If a conference or wedding brings you to the Big Apple, the townhouse provides unique venues, from the 19th-century refectory to the garden-like courtyard. More than 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space combine Gothic Revival architecture with such high-tech updates as complimentary wireless Internet access and extensive audiovisual capabilities. An innovative, energy-efficient geothermal system heats and cools the entire property.
The Desmond Tutu Center's setting may be charmingly historical, but the guestrooms feature thoroughly modern comforts. No two are exactly alike, but all include LCD TVs, premium bedding, and complimentary wireless Internet access. Windows open to views of the courtyard or the street. Bathrooms are stocked with eco-friendly toiletries in biodegradable containers. The townhouse also uses environmentally friendly cleaning products. And you can breathe easy: This property is entirely smoke-free.
