There’s something magnetic about New York in the summer. The energy is dialled up, the sunsets last longer, and the city feels at once cinematic and deeply personal. From skyline strolls and rooftop cocktails to spa escapes and Broadway lights, there’s no wrong way to do summer in the city — but there is a right place to stay. Hannah Tan gives the ultimate summer itinerary in partnership with NH Collection.
Where to Stay: NH Collection New York Madison Avenue
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, NH Collection blends the elegance of Madison Avenue’s advertising golden era with the flair of a contemporary lifestyle hotel. It’s also a sign of the times: as NH Collection pivots from its business-hotel roots into resort and lifestyle offerings, its first US location sets the tone beautifully. It’s stylish but unshowy, warm without being overbearing — and with a team that feels like old friends.
General Manager Carlos Salomón is charm personified (and always ready to share a few slices of jamón ibérico over cocktails at MAD Bar & Lounge). Fredrick Jones, Director of Rooms & Guest Relations, greets every guest with a genuine smile and an uncanny ability to remember names and preferences. And if you want insider gossip? Ask Director of Sales Lewis, who’s a walking encyclopedia of celebrity stays (yes, Justin Trudeau is a fan) and unforgettable New York moments.
Let’s talk about the rooms: The Penthouse Park Avenue Junior Suite with Terrace is, in a word, showstopping. Sprawling and serene, it offers sweeping, cinematic views of the Empire State Building.
That sense of understated grandeur flows throughout the hotel. The interiors nod to the golden age of advertising — the Mad Men era — without falling into cliché. Velvet armchairs, rich wood finishes, and vintage-inspired touches transport you back in time while still feeling fresh. There’s a feeling of quiet confidence to the design, the sort you often find in well-dressed locals who’ve lived in the city for decades.
After check in, enjoy live jazz and an expertly shaken martini at MAD Bar & Lounge, the hotel’s sultry 1950s-inspired cocktail bar that hosts performances four nights a week. And for true cocktail connoisseurs, this summer brought something exceptional: a limited-time residency with Handshake Speakeasy — ranked #1 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. The exclusive partnership delivered world-class drinks in an intimate NYC setting, further cementing the hotel’s place on the global luxury map.
With thoughtful touches throughout, from plush bedding to panoramic city views, and a team that treats every guest like a VIP, NH Collection Madison Avenue isn’t just where you stay — it’s where your New York story begins.
Where to Eat?
Start your morning at Serafina, the hotel’s Italian-Mediterranean restaurant just off the lobby. Their European-style breakfast buffet feels more Milan than Midtown, with fresh pastries, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and strong coffee. It’s also a beloved spot for lunch and dinner, with signature brick-oven pizzas and creamy pastas served in a relaxed yet polished setting.
Beyond the hotel, the city’s culinary scene is endless — but a few highlights captured the essence of contemporary New York dining.
abcV, by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is a celebration of plant-based innovation. Think roasted carrots with turmeric tahini, green chickpea hummus, and elixirs designed to nourish body and soul. It’s not just healthy — it’s imaginative, beautiful, and a complete sensory experience.
In the Meatpacking District, RH Collection Rooftop blends luxe interiors with comfort classics. Set atop the Restoration Hardware gallery, it’s part showroom, part garden conservatory, with burrata, truffle fries, and champagne served against a backdrop of skyline views and curated design.
For a truly indulgent summer finale, head to Industry Kitchen on the waterfront in the Seaport District. Overlooking the East River, the restaurant hosts an annual Fourth of July celebration, complete with open bar, live music, and front-row seats to Macy’s iconic fireworks show.
Of all the experiences that defined my summer in New York, few felt as intimate and authentic as a morning spent with Paul and Anthony Ramirez in the Bronx. The brothers — entrepreneurs, storytellers, and proud champions of their borough — led us through Arthur Avenue, The Bronx’s authentic Little Italy, with the kind of passion that makes you fall in love with a place you thought you already knew.
We wandered into the heart of Arthur Avenue, where old-world tradition is alive and well. Kurt from Joe’s Italian Deli welcomed us with open arms — and a ball of mozzarella.
At Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles, Chris gave us a masterclass in hand-cut ravioli. The shop has been making pasta since 1935, and stepping inside felt like walking into a time capsule of Italian-American heritage. Just down the street, Madonia Bakery offered trays of warm, crusty bread and biscotti that tasted like childhood summers and nonna’s kitchen.
We concluded at the Ramirez brothers’ own Bronx Beer Hall for some brews (including our favourite – the Bronx Little Italy Italian Pilsner). What began as a bar serving Bronx-brewed beers has since grown into a movement — one that redefines the narrative around the Bronx and uplifts local businesses through ventures like From The Bronx. A must-see for foodies in the city.
What to Do?
New York is never short on iconic experiences, but summer gives it a little extra shine. Start with The High Line, a former railway turned elevated park, which weaves its way through the West Side, dotted with wildflowers, sculptures, and city views.
Just nearby is Little Island, a small, tree-filled public park perched above the Hudson River, offering leafy shade and uninterrupted views across the water. It’s like stepping into an architectural dreamscape — equal parts sculpture, garden, and stage.
Art lovers will lose themselves in The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This summer’s exhibitions span everything from Hilma af Klint’s spiritual abstract works to Rosa Barba’s meditative film installations. And outside the museum? New York continues to surprise. Every neighbourhood — from SoHo’s murals to Harlem’s brownstones — feels like a gallery in its own right.
For drama of the theatrical kind, Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway is a standout. Inspired by Alicia Keys’ life and music, the production captures the grit, heart, and rhythm of the city through one girl’s journey. It’s bold, brilliant, and packed with soul.
And for the best view in town? One Vanderbilt is your best bet. Rising above the Midtown skyline like a shard of glass catching the sun, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is one of New York’s most striking new landmarks—and home to one of the city’s most surreal, sky-high experiences.
Perched more than 1,000 feet above the streets, this isn’t your typical observation deck. It’s a multi-sensory, three-level immersion in light, reflection, and elevation. With mirrored floors that create an infinity illusion, glass ledges that let you float over the city, and immersive art installations that play with perception, SUMMIT turns the New York skyline into an interactive dreamscape. As day turns to night, the city below transforms into a sea of twinkling lights, offering a view — and a feeling — you’ll never forget.
What to do for wellness lovers?
Amid the chaos and culture, New York knows how to slow down. And NH Collection Madison Avenue is a sanctuary in its own right, with soft, cocooning guest rooms and tranquil design. But if you’re craving deeper restoration, you’ll want to carve out a day for QCNY Spa.
Set on Governors Island, a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, QCNY is part of the acclaimed Italian spa group QC Terme. Housed in beautifully restored military barracks, it offers a serene, sensory escape from the city buzz. Picture thermal pools overlooking the skyline, eucalyptus-scented saunas, sound healing lounges, and garden paths perfect for post-soak reflection.
Back in the city, wellness weaves through the everyday. Whether it’s a cold-pressed juice from a West Village café, a slow wander through Bryant Park, or a sunset walk down Madison Avenue, New York reveals its softer side when you allow space to find it.
Where Wellness Meets the City at NH Collection Madison Avenue
Amid the chaos and culture, New York knows how to slow down, and NH Collection Madison Avenue is the perfect place to experience that shift. With soft, cocooning guest rooms, a tranquil design rooted in golden-era elegance, and a team that anticipates every need, the hotel functions as a true urban sanctuary. Whether you spend your mornings over a European-style breakfast at Serafina or evenings sipping expertly crafted cocktails at MAD Bar and Lounge, NH Collection holds a rare balance between the city’s electric energy and the restoration only great hospitality can offer.
Finding New York’s Softer Side
Deeper restoration awaits those willing to look beyond the hotel doors. A short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, QCNY Spa on Governors Island offers thermal pools overlooking the skyline, eucalyptus-scented saunas, and sound healing lounges housed within beautifully restored military barracks. Back on the island, wellness weaves through the everyday with cold-pressed juices, leafy parks, and unhurried walks along Madison Avenue. From the suite terrace to the streets below, NH Collection frames New York not as a city to conquer, but as one to truly savour.
The Final Word
In a city that’s always on, NH Collection New York Madison Avenue offers the kind of stay that balances rhythm and rest, excitement and elegance. It’s a place where the view from your terrace competes with the view from the street — and where the service makes every guest feel like a returning regular.
Whether you’re here for the fireworks, the food, or the feeling of being in the centre of it all, one thing’s certain: summer in New York isn’t just a season. It’s a state of mind. And there’s no better place to experience it than here.
From rate: rooms from $209 in the low season and $379 in the high season, to book visit www.nh-collection.com
Continue your journey with more House of Coco stays at NH Collection — from Florence’s artful charm to London’s design-led flair and the vibrant charm of Brussels.
Want more ideas for your next trip to New York? Click here
