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PUBLIC SPACES
Named in honor of the Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South
Africa (who was a visiting professor at General Theological Seminary
when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984), the Desmond Tutu
Center was once a working part of General Theological Seminary,
which stills owns the property while leaving the management of the
hotel/center to Aramark, a corporation known for its innovative
hotels in distinctive settings. Given the Desmond Tutu Center’s
connection to General, there is a strong sense of being in residence
at Harry Potter’s alma mater—and particularly when wandering the
grounds (the Close) or the massive oak-paneled refectory (where
breakfast is customarily served).
This is one of those solid Victorian buildings with thick walls and
wide halls and beautiful masonry, plaster moldings, and
ornamentation. That said, the lobby is almost negligible—and off
the lobby, there is a room filled with vending machines. There’s a
somewhat corporate/conference center feel to the renovation of the
public spaces that feels almost blandly utilitarian.
As for the courtyard and gardens (the Close) that are shared by the
Desmond Tutu Center and General Theological Seminary, they comprise
one of the more idyllic sanctuaries in all of Manhattan. The
beautifully landscaped grounds and the original buildings of the
seminary are on the National Register of Historic Places—as well
they should be—and to walk the grounds on a summer morning is to
feel as if you have your own key to the West Side’s counterpart to
Gramercy Park.
ROOMS
Brand-new—and even better—large. And best of all, carefully
restored so that the spirit of the original building shines
through. For example, the (non-working) fireplace in the room has
the original mantel work from its days spent providing warmth for
seminarians. Rooms are newly carpeted and furnished with
contemporary headboards, nightstands, and desk and upholstered
chair, all in dark wood. Lamps are modern as is the club chair.
Each room is unique: ours had two large windows overlooking a
courtyard/playground/tennis court—as well as ten-foot high
ceilings. There is a sense of spaciousness about the room and the
ensuite bathroom. And given that the hotel opened in December of
2007, everything looks and feels shiny and new.
BREAKFAST
A continental buffet with an abundance of fresh fruit, bagels,
smoked salmon, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, cereals and pastries—all of
which likely would be more enjoyable in the splendid spaces of the
35-foot high wainscoted refectory, which, alas, was closed for
breakfast service for some reason (none of the personnel seemed able
to give us a coherent or credible explanation). Instead, breakfast
was served in a subterranean conference room complete with
audio-visual projection screens and conference tables. Not to
complain about a free breakfast, but the atmosphere felt similar to
a chapel in an airport.
PERSONNEL
They’re personable. They smile. They’re sometimes befuddled.
As the hotel has only been open six months, perhaps an attention to
service will be forthcoming.
LOCATION
Could hardly be better—provided that you are familiar with
Manhattan, and specifically Chelsea. Everything’s within a
ten-block radius—and a cab is but an upraised arm away.
OVERVIEW
Once inside your room at the Desmond Tutu
Center, you can’t help but feel as if you are sharing in the latest
chapter of Manhattan’s vibrant history—for as the renovation of the
far West Side continues full steam ahead, and particularly the
Chelsea environs, the Desmond Tutu Center is ideally situated to
reap the benefit of such an influx of cash, visitors, and culture.
And as the property and front entrance near completion, there’s
every reason to believe that the Desmond Tutu Center will become a
beacon of decorous hospitality on Tenth Avenue. |
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