Some trips become milestones, and not because of how far you travel, but because of the moments you share along the way. This New York City getaway was one of those rare experiences. I traveled with my close friend Taylor, who grew up in Chicago and knows winter well.
For me, a Caribbean girl raised in Puerto Rico, this trip even carried a unique first experience of my own while in the city.
At 44 years of age, I saw snow for the very first time.
We made our home base at the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, and from the start, it felt like the right choice for visitors looking for a different type of stay in NYC. Its Midtown location made New York City feel accessible rather than intimidating. Grand Central, Broadway theaters, Fifth Avenue shopping, and countless dining options were all within easy walking, subway or ride share distance, allowing our days to unfold naturally, with no rushing, no complicated transit plans and just the freedom to explore.
For months, we planned everything when invited, from flights, walking routes, dinner ideas, and our outfits for the night we’d been dreaming about, and that was the chance to watch “Wicked” live on Broadway. Velvet dresses were non-negotiable. Hers: a deep emerald green to represent Elphaba. Mine: a rich, dramatic pink that was totally Glinda. It would be Taylor’s first Broadway show and, unexpectedly, my first time seeing the iconic production live myself.
With anticipation building long before we landed, this property welcomed us with open arms, and we could tell that we were in for a treat and that the place was going to be a great spot to stay while we explored everything that we had planned, alongside any other unexpected surprise opportunities that could come our way.
Dining, Drinks, and Easy Nights In
After full days of walking the city, it was comforting to know we didn’t always need to bundle back up and head out to eat well or unwind.
Serafina became a favorite breakfast option during our stay, a delicious and reliable choice before starting the day. The buffet offers everything from coffee, pastries, hot dishes and various juices. At night, the restaurant delivers an elevated-casual Italian energy that feels polished yet relaxed, making it ideal for lingering over a satisfying meal without feeling rushed. It gives diners that perfect balance between comforting and elevated, exactly what those who visit could want before settling into the night.
As for the food? Trust me when I say that there’s nothing nicer than enjoying one of their signature pizzas over a glass of wine or Italian beer of your choice.
From there, evenings naturally flowed into the MAD Bar & Lounge, which quickly became part of our nightly rhythm. With its mid-century-inspired design and warm, low-lit atmosphere, the space feels intimate and unmistakably New York. We immediately adored the mixologists and the service, which felt genuinely enthusiastic rather than scripted.
Every night, José, a passionate bartender who clearly loves his craft, encouraged us not to be shy about ordering something off menu. That invitation led to some of the most memorable drinks of the trip, including a rich peanut butter espresso martini and a beautifully balanced lavender espresso martini that he happily created for us. José, alongside the attentive Natalya, talked us through cocktail flavors and combinations with ease, turning a casual nightcap into a highlight of the stay. On select evenings, visitors can enjoy a little live jazz in the lounge, adding to the relaxed, effortlessly cool energy.
Comfort That Lets You Recharge
Inside our room, the space felt calm and thoughtfully designed, as well as quiet enough to truly rest, comfortable enough to feel like a retreat rather than just a place to sleep. Mornings began slowly with coffee before heading out again, while evenings felt grounding as we kicked off boots and replayed the day’s highlights.
Clean lines, smart design, and sound-proof windows created a true buffer from Midtown’s constant hustle and bustle, something you don’t fully appreciate until you experience it. The layout is cozy rather than sprawling, and all the thoughtful details made all the difference. Strong Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, in-room Nespresso for slow mornings, and quality bath products added a sense of ease that made the space feel cared for, not just functional.
Service throughout the stay was warm and attentive, striking that ideal balance between polished and personal. The hotel supported the experience without ever overshadowing it, and that’s exactly what a hotel in a great city stay should do.
Seeing Snow for the First Time
One afternoon, we wandered into Central Park, and there it was.
Snow—and I was witnessing it for the first time.
Not falling from the sky, but already there, covering the park in soft white layers. Everything felt transformed. I had missed the actual snowfall, but standing there didn’t feel like missing anything at all. Taylor stepped into guide mode, teaching me how to walk carefully, how to shift my weight, how to bundle up properly. Scarves adjusted, layers zipped, laughter shared.
Watching me experience it all for the first time, at 44 years of age, after a lifetime shaped by the Puerto Rican sun and salt air before making South Florida home, standing in a snow-covered Central Park felt surreal, and unexpectedly powerful.
A Broadway Night Worth Dressing Up For
That evening, dressed in velvet and anticipation, we made our way to Broadway. For Taylor, it was her very first Broadway show. For me, it was my first time seeing “Wicked,” a story that I’d loved for years along with the new film adaptations, finally unfolding live in front of us.
As the lights dimmed and the orchestra swelled, everything else faded away. Sharing that moment, side by side, dressed for the occasion, fully present, felt just as meaningful as the show itself. It wasn’t just a performance, but it was proof that when you have a chance to stay in the city, especially at a property that makes all of this easily accessible to visitors, you can easily make these types of dreams come true.
A Trip Marked by Meaningful Firsts
By the time our trip came to an end, New York had given us more than a packed itinerary.
Between lingering dinners, creative cocktails at the MAD Lounge, snow-covered park paths, Broadway lights, and late-night fun, the city unfolded effortlessly around us. Having a centrally located, welcoming hotel made all the difference, allowing us to explore freely and return each night to a space that felt restorative rather than exhausting.
It became a place to pause, reflect, and appreciate how powerful a “first” can be, including a first stay, no matter when it arrives.
NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, 22 E. 38th St., New York, NY; 212/779-4400 or visit https://www.nh-collection.com/en/hotel/nh-collection-new-york-madison-avenue.
