Leo House

The Leo House is a Catholic, non-profit guest house, dedicated to offering low cost, temporary accommodations  to clergy and religious, persons visiting the sick, students, and travelers from the United States and abroad. Many of our guests come from foreign countries. People of all faiths are welcome. Originally established and based in the Battery Park area of New York in 1889 by papal certification from Pope Leo XIII, The Leo House moved in 1926 to 23rd Street in the Chelsea section of Manhattan, one of the liveliest and safest neighborhoods of the city. The Leo House is owned and operated by its own Board of Trustees, consisting of laity, religious and clergy committed to upholding the spirit of Christian hospitality in the midst of a busy city. The Leo House is affiliated with Catholic Charities within the Archdiocese of New York, one of the largest Archdioceses in the United States. St. Agnes, martyr of the third century, is the patroness of the Sisters of St. Agnes of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, who, in collaboration with devoted laity, have served as managers and ministers of Christian hospitality at The Leo House since its founding in 1889. Many religious dignitaries have stayed at The Leo House. Film companies such as Law and Order, Law and Order: Special Victims, Law and Order: Criminal Intent and Kojac, Third Watch were filmed at The Leo House and actors such as Jerry Orbach, Chris North and Telly Savalas all performed at The Leo House. To this day, the Law and Order television shows still sometimes film here and take advantage of our unique and turn of the century charm. The future holds much continued success in an atmosphere of continued growth as the Board of Directors are expanding the number of rooms and renovating the main building to maintain the special ambiance, while improving the guest services.