NH Collection New York Madison Avenue a Quintessential Midtown Manhattan Stay

Few New York hotels capture the storied essence of Madison Avenue while delivering thoroughly modern luxury like the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue. Tucked neatly at 38th and Lexington, this Renaissance Revival landmark is as central as it is serene—steps from Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue, and Broadway, yet nestled in a pocket of calm that feels like a hidden Midtown refuge. Reopened in 2021 following a complete renovation, this 288-room property has quickly earned acclaim, even being named Luxury Travel Advisor’s “Most Instagrammable Hotel in North America” for its cinematic skyline and Empire State Building views.

Housed in an early 20th-century building with a past life as a men’s residence and fraternity hub, the hotel has been lovingly reimagined to honor its history while speaking fluently to today’s design-savvy traveler. Guests are welcomed into midcentury-modern interiors inspired by Madison Avenue’s Golden Age of Advertising: teal leather couches, retro radios, curated art books, and striking black-and-white photography set an atmospheric tone.

During my stay, I experienced one of the hotel’s Junior Suites, a spacious yet cozy retreat spanning up to 333 square feet. The suite offered a king bed outfitted with premium linens, a sofa bed for added flexibility, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing postcard-perfect cityscapes. Thoughtful in-room touches—from a Nespresso coffee machine and pillow selection to Malin+Goetz bath products—ensured every comfort was accounted for. A Smart TV, soundproof windows, and climate control further elevated the stay, while robes and slippers provided at-home ease after a bustling day in Manhattan. The Junior Suite deftly balances luxury and functionality, ideal for both business travelers and leisure guests craving extra space and style.

At the heart of the property is MAD Bar & Lounge, a moody, midcentury-infused cocktail haven that pays homage to Madison Avenue’s advertising heyday. The interiors set a romantic, retro-chic vibe with low lighting, intimate nooks, and a piano room warmed by a crackling fireplace. The bar’s cocktail program leans elevated yet approachable—standouts include the Mr. Añejo Manhattan and one of the city’s finest Old Fashioneds. Adding to its allure, MAD Bar & Lounge offers nightly live jazz Sunday through Thursday, transforming evenings into an immersive New York experience. Guests can also pair their drinks with curated bites courtesy of Serafina’s kitchen, blending Italian-Mediterranean flavors with mixology mastery.

Another standout feature of the hotel is its on-site Serafina Madison Ave restaurant. Beloved for nearly three decades, Serafina has become synonymous with Italian dining that is both casual and world-class, attracting locals, travelers, and celebrities alike. The Madison Avenue outpost continues the tradition with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood, crafted with 100% Italian-sourced ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, Burrata di Bufala, and Serafina’s own Tuscan EVOO. The restaurant’s roots are as compelling as its menu: founders Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato famously promised each other they would open “the best pizza and pasta restaurant in the world” after being lost at sea. Their survival story birthed an international brand, and today the Serafina at NH Collection New York Madison Avenue delivers that vision in a stylish yet welcoming space, complemented by both indoor and outdoor seating.

Beyond its accommodations and dining, the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue offers a fitness center, pet-friendly policies, and thoughtfully designed meeting spaces. With its enviable location—mere minutes from the Empire State Building and Times Square—it is an ideal choice for those seeking both convenience and a sense of place. The property’s unique marriage of history, design, gastronomy, and hospitality firmly establishes it as one of Manhattan’s most alluring lifestyle hotels.