Cultural Connections

The Tesdell House offers more than just a place to stay—it offers a deeper purpose. For 73 years, our nonprofit mission has centered on bringing people together across cultures to foster peace, understanding, and meaningful human connection.

Set in an intimate, historic brownstone, our space feels far more like a home than a hostel. It’s the kind of place where conversations come easily, strangers become friends, and every stay carries the potential for something memorable.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why you won’t find contactless check-ins here. Instead, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our team, who are genuinely excited to greet you, show you around, and help you settle in.

With just six thoughtfully designed guest rooms—ranging from shared dorms to semi-private and ensuite options—our space is intentional, creating an environment where connection comes naturally. With fully renovated bathrooms, beautiful common spaces, and easy access to Central Park, museums, subway, etc., you’ll find charm, comfort, and convenience here.

If you’re looking for more than just a place to sleep—if you’re looking for a place to belong—stay with us 🩷

Salon Privé: The Brownstone Experience invites you into a private evening of sound, art, and conversation set in our intimate, historic brownstone setting.

Enjoy five artists. One incredible night of R&B, soul, and contemporary sound.

🎟️ ticket link in comments




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Join us for an intimate evening of live jazz featuring Collective Melodique at the Tesdell House, our 1915 historic brownstone.

Collective Melodique will lift, energize, and renew you with favorite jazz standards.

The line-up includes:
Trumpet - David Sherman
Tenor Sax - Todd Smith
Piano - Vadim Sarma
Bass - Chris Dyess
Drums - Ben Barham-Wiese

📆 Thursday, April 23

⏰ Doors open at 6:30 pm; Performance is 7:00 - 8:30 pm

🎟️ Tickets: available by donation. Any amount is appreciated. (Link in comments).

🍷 Light refreshments provided

Join us for an intimate evening of live jazz featuring Collective Melodique at the Tesdell House, our 1915 historic brownstone.

Collective Melodique will lift, energize, and renew you with favorite jazz standards.

The line-up includes:
Trumpet - David Sherman
Tenor Sax - Todd Smith
Piano - Vadim Sarma
Bass - Chris Dyess
Drums - Ben Barham-Wiese

📆 Thursday, April 23

⏰ Doors open at 6:30 pm; Performance is 7:00 - 8:30 pm

🍷 Light refreshments provided

🎟️ Tickets: available by donation. Any amount is appreciated.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-jazz-with-collective-melodique-tickets-1986012270162?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sharing Sacred Traditions.
Tonight our hostel was filled with the beauty and spirit of Ramadan. As the sun set and the day of fasting came to a close, our community came together to share in Iftar — a moment that is about far more than food. It is a time of gratitude, reflection, generosity, and community.

We are deeply grateful to our guest, Hazem, who generously prepared the Iftar and welcomed everyone to the table with such kindness. Through this simple act of sharing a meal, he gave all of us a glimpse into the traditions and spirit that make Ramadan so meaningful.

What made the evening even more special was the incredible mix of people gathered together. Around the table were guests from Peru, Nigeria, Germany, Italy, the United States, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and Azerbaijan — each bringing their own stories, cultures, and perspectives.

In a world that can sometimes feel divided, moments like this remind us of something powerful: when we sit together, listen, and share traditions with open hearts, we discover how much we truly have in common.

Tonight was more than a meal. It was a celebration of community, understanding, and the simple peace that comes from gathering together. 🌙✨

🌍✨ Global friendships blossom here and continue to flourish long after people leave.

We love hearing from former volunteers who stay connected with friends/other volunteers they met while with us. Some even stop in for a visit when they’re back in town! Either way, cultivating a space where meaningful, lasting friendships are formed is deeply important to us. 💛

Here are a few snapshots from our former volunteers who participated in our short-term International Cultural Exchange Program 📸🌏 We love seeing how you’ve stayed in touch with your friends—including us! We think about you often and are deeply grateful to each and every one of you.

Meet Antonia and Mateo—two travelers whose paths crossed at our hostel.

One cozy corner. One easy conversation. One simple connection.

A shared love for Argentina 🇦🇷 turned into a spontaneous city adventure—because that’s how hostel magic works ✨

Antonia was passing through NYC for one night only after a year of traveling throughout Latin America, on her way back to the UK. No time to waste.

Mateo of was in town doing what he does best—bringing people together and creating unforgettable experiences.

This is the hostel energy we love 💛

Join us for an intimate evening of live jazz on Monday, February 9th, featuring The Andrew Luhn Quintet at the Tesdell House, our 1915 historic brownstone.

The Andrew Luhn Quintet brings the exciting, accessible sounds of modern jazz to New York City stages, led by pianist and composer, Andrew Luhn. With an extensive repertoire of originals, reworked jazz standards, and reimagined pop tunes, the group’s performances feature dynamic improvisation and engaging interplay.

The line-up includes:
Trumpet - Jon Menges
Tenor Sax - Tyler Bauer
Piano - Andrew Luhn
Bass - Ross Davis
Drums - Sam Raim

📆 Monday, Feb 9th

⏰ Doors open at 6:30 pm; Performance is 7:00 - 8:30 pm

🎟️ Tickets: FREE; reservation required (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-jazz-with-the-andrew-luhn-quintet-tickets-1981609513398)

🍷 Light refreshments provided

An Evening of Jazz with the Andrew Luhn Quintet Join us for an evening of live jazz in the intimate and charming setting of the Tesdell House, a historic brownstone.

FAQ: What type of guest stays at your hostel?

Community-centered people with big hearts 🩷

Meet Sovea—one of those guests. A native of Antigua now living in the DC area, she embodies the spirit that so often finds its way to our doorstep.

During the biggest snowfall we’ve seen in years, Sovea jumped right in to help with snow removal, all with her signature smile. Just a day earlier, we’d been talking about what makes our hostel special. Again and again, we notice the same thing: kind, compassionate, friendly, globally curious people seem to gravitate here.

Maybe it’s our mission that draws them in. But once they arrive, it’s the shared spirit of community—something we all help cultivate, guests included—that makes this place what it is.

So thank you, Sovea, and to all who continue to show up—not just at our doorstep, but for one another.

This is how we create a more caring, more peaceful world. 🌍✨

Happy SN❄️W Day from New York City! Thank you to our neighbor, Stan, for sharing this lovely capture from this morning.

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