Presence Guest House is an arty Oasis in a comfortably upscale NY neighborhood. The house, with a wonderful history behind it, is spacious, warm and thoroughly unpretenscious.

In Chelsea for a professional workshop (those sometimes have some tensions inherent in them), I was distracted by the personal treatment, full of unexpected warmth and welcoming. Tony Torn is in his element as a host, both relaxed and generous; and because he is, I was 'saved,' between being a Presence guest and meeting old friends from 40 years ago for dinner. The feeling was one of 'at home' in a foreign, very large city. For me, that was much appreciated. / i.e. I loved it.

PS The famous Empire Diner is on the corner of West 22nd, just down from Presence Guest House, as were some other yummy-food spots. Presence is a little slice of Heaven.