Childhood Memories Recreated

For the majority of my childhood, my mother worked at The Sherry Netherland Hotel, in Midtown. Working odd shifts and Saturdays, we would sometimes spend the weekend there, considering it a little staycation. We spent so much time there that it even played host to my 15th birthday party, when I invited three of my closest friends there, chaperoned by my mom of course. When I was in college and the transit system went on strike, it was the Sherry Netherland that put me up so I wouldn’t miss any school, and following 9/11, it was the same hotel that offered me a place to stay, when there was no way out of town. I’ve spoken often about my deep love for NYC, and I think this love may have been sparked at this hotel, since it and the city were such an integral part of my youth.

Now fast forward almost fourteen years later, with a hubby and three children under my belt, The Sherry Netherland hotel is still standing tall right on the corner of 5th & 59th. In fact, it was just voted Number One Hotel in the United States by TripAdvisor! Many of the same employees still grace the halls from my childhood; and one in particular the Managing Director, Theresa. We’ve never lost touch with Terry, and she has been like the aunt I never had. When we were speaking around the holidays, catching up on the latest at the Sherry, we thought it would be ideal to feature this iconic hotel as part of my family travel segments.

Last Friday night, with bags packed and dogs in tow, we set off to our uptown weekend staycation. The kids were so psyched to finally stay in the place where my mom use to work. Upon arrival, they got a kick out of the lobby ceiling mural, inspired by Raphael’s Frescoes in Cardinal Bibbiena’s Loggetta in the Vatican Palace that was just restored last year. When the bellman opened the door to our huge 2 bedroom, it all came rushing back to me. I had forgotten just how large and unique each room was.

The Sherry Netherland is an apartment hotel, meaning some units are owned by individuals. The private ownership of these units offer complete hotel services to the patrons, while no two are decorated alike. Our suite featured an eat in kitchen with a stove, dishwasher and refrigerator stocked with complimentary beverages, two bedrooms both with in suite bathrooms, a huge living room and lovely foyer. NYC rooms are typically not this large. In fact, the living room alone may have practically engulfed our Battery Park apartment, and the walk-in closet in the second bedroom had enough room to accommodate a full sized pull out, for Gemma.

That evening, we set out for an early dinner. With the help of the concierge, we decided on Serendipidy for dinner. Only a few short blocks east of the hotel, we realized that we never had dinner at this NY institution. I can’t think of any kid that wouldn’t enjoy dinner there, especially when it’s topped off with their famous frozen hot chocolates. With sugar packed heads, it was back to the hotel for an early bedtime. Before turning in, each of the kids dug into their gift bags full of goodies provided by the hotel. These treats, available to all pint sized occupants, not just friends of the GM, include a colorful teddy donning a hotel logo tee shirt, NYC inspired books such as Good Night Central Park and New York City, and of course, a yellow taxi push car. Jason and I enjoyed some decadent Louis Sherry chocolates left for us grown ups.

The next morning, we channeled our inner NYC tourist. With Central Park literally across the street, we bundled up and got ready to explore. Central Park is probably one of our favorite places in the city, and I will admit, we don’t get here as much as we should. Walking along 59th Street, the kids fed some horses, before jumping in for a carriage ride around the park. With the cool breeze in our face, the kids saw the carousel from a distance, so we knew what was next on the list. After back to back spins on the carousel, we walked around the park. Along the way, we bumped into the bubble man, which was definitely a highlight for the kids. It was precious to watch the looks of joy and innocence on their faces as they ran in circles chasing huge bubbles overhead, regardless of the fridgid temps all around.

Our tour of the park left us famished, so we walked across the street to the Plaza Food Hall. We settled on a sushi restaurant, and we realized that for the first time, all three kids ate sushi. Ryder has become obsessed with sushi, so he was thrilled to share with his sisters, who have turned down his previous offers to taste.

After some ice cream, it was back to the hotel for bath time. Rather than going out for dinner, we ordered in, turned on a movie, and fully enjoyed our spacious suite. The kids played endlessly, bouncing from room to room. The extra space was so appreciated, and I never really thought about how much it actually makes a difference in your living situation.

The next morning, before heading back downtown to reality, we ordered room service from the famed Harry Cipriani. From omelets to pancakes to yogurt parfaits, we enjoyed a lazy sunday morning. After all these years, it was incredible to stay in this iconic, uber luxe hotel for the weekend. It left me reminiscent of my childhood, while proud to be able to share this special part of my youth with my family.

Thank you to The Sherry Netherland Hotel for hotel accommodations and for bringing back such wonderful childhood memories.