Has anyone stayed at the Desmond Tutu Center near the Chelsea Piers in NYC? We are having a family event in May and I am looking for a place for people to stay that is cheap. Right now, I am getting $159 a night a high rating from Expedia.

Thanks.

Hello, Aduchamp. We stayed at the Desmond Tutu Center for 2 nights between Christmas and New Years of 2010. We loved this hotel. The room sizes vary, but we were with 3 other couples and all 4 rooms were spacious by anyone's standards. We didn't have their continental breakfast but the hotel is quite near Chelsea Market and we had bought some goodies there the day before. I'd stay there again. It is immaculate but is showing some signs of wear and tear, however, we didn't see anything there that would be considered 'shabby'. We were there right after the massive snow storm that hit the city and were extremely comfortable. It's a nice place for a group. You might find deeper discounts on quikbook.com or travelzoo (closer to your dates) but May is a busy, popular time in the city as you probably already know, and $159.00 sounds a bargain. It's a unique choice.

Thank you Bowsprit. I also looked at the price at Bookings.com which we have used now for a few overseas trips.

The photos on Trip Advisor's travelers' photos in their hotel review section gives an accurate view of the hotel and surroundings. I'd be interested in knowing what price you get for rooms if you decide to book here. There may be college graduations going on in May and I wonder if the Desmond Tutu Center would be a hotspot for graduation visitors. Just something to keep in mind.

Is the Hotel part of what is now called the General Theological Seminary?

Just checked NYU and New School graduations are after the our family gatehring. Thanks for the thought. Last year 48 million visitors came to NYC and there is always something going on in the city.

The seminary buildings facing 10th Ave. are now the hotel. You can read more about the Desmond Tutu Center here:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...orktutu19.html

This isn't a religious retreat although the hotel is indeed peaceful. You're right about something always going on in the City. At least now you have time to book a block of rooms if you need them in May. Have fun!

Thank you.

You've probably already done this, but have you contacted them directly? Not sure how many rooms you'll need but maybe they can offer a slight discount over the web price? Or even if they just match the expedia price it might be easier to deal with them directly if you need to make any changes after you book (add rooms, special requests etc). And possibly if you book with them they can put your group in a block of rooms in the same area of the hotel. I've been wanting to stay there, love the location!

Thank you.

Unfortunately the group that will be potentially staying there cannot agree it is Friday. I mention things and shut the door.

They could book something now that's cancellable and continue to look at other options. At least they'd lock in to this great price.

I mentioned it to them, sent the price and the particulars. There are camps in the family; those who think the Desmond Tutu Center would be a wonderful experience and those who think it is a place to buy a ballet skirt.

Oh boy. Good luck with everything. Good you're maintaining your sense of humor for this fun group!